ABC embraces controversy with new weekend edition of The View led by Joy Behar
- The Weekend View will debut on January 11, 2025, featuring a panel similar to that of The View.
- Karin Gilford stated the new show will focus more on lifestyle and entertainment rather than political discussions.
- This expansion aims to attract more viewers and capitalize on the show's current popularity.
In the United States, ABC News is set to unveil a new weekend edition of its popular daytime talk show, The View. The Weekend View is scheduled to premiere on January 11, 2025, on the ABC News Live streaming service. This new edition will feature a similar panel of hosts as the weekday version, but will notably exclude Whoopi Goldberg. Joy Behar will lead the new show, accompanied by Sunny Hostin, Sara Haines, Alyssa Farah Griffin, and Ana Navarro. The format will consist of 30-minute episodes that will also be re-aired throughout the weekend. The purpose behind this expansion is to provide viewers with a different tone on weekends, focusing less on political discussions and more on lifestyle, entertainment, and trending topics. ABC's senior vice president of Digital Media, Karin Gilford, explained that weekends are often a time for viewers to take a break, making this an opportune moment to cover the lighter stories that may have been overlooked during the weekdays. The Weekend View will still address major stories from the week but will present them in a more casual and entertaining manner. The launch of The Weekend View comes during a record-breaking season for The View, which is reportedly enjoying its highest viewership in four years. ABC is optimistic that this new edition will attract additional viewers who are seeking a more relaxed and entertaining take on current events. This strategic move reflects the network's desire to tap into the weekend audience and highlight segments that offer a diversely appealing experience. With the addition of a weekend edition, ABC aims to enhance its engagement with a broader audience while maintaining the essence of the original weekday show. By embracing popular culture alongside significant news topics, The Weekend View intends to be an appealing option for those looking for a break from everyday political discussions. The new show represents a significant shift in how The View can connect with its audience during the weekends, transforming the traditional talk show format into a platform that emphasizes lighter and enjoyable content over rigid political debates.