Big Changes Are Coming to ‘The View’ — “Everyone Is Stressed Out” (EXCLUSIVE)

It seems hard to believe, but in the 21 years since its premiere, The View has had just as many co-hosts. And now the recently announced departures of Paula Faris and Sara Haines is shaking up the ABC daytime talk show again. 

“Everyone is stressed out,” an insider exclusively told Closer Weekly (in the magazine’s latest issue, on newsstands now!) of the behind-the-scenes atmosphere. “They’re happy for Sara and Paula, but they’re stressed out about who will replace them and if their jobs are safe.”

On July 18, Paula, 42, a co-host since 2015, announced she’d be leaving after “a rough year health-wise,” in which she had a devastating miscarriage, to devote time to her family. She’ll still report for ABC and launch a podcast on faith. 

On July 19, Whoopi Goldberg, 62, a co-host since 2007, had a contentious debate with guest Jeanine Pirro, a Fox News regular, which landed the show in the headlines. “The co-hosts were really worried for Whoopi,” the insider revealed. “They were concerned that she would lose her job.” 

Then on July 23, ABC News announced Sara, 40, who’s been on the show since 2016, would depart for a new ABC daytime gig with Good Morning America‘s Michael Strahan, starting in September. So, what does all this change mean for The View? “Two new co-hosts to start,” said the insider, noting that the producers are talking about The View‘s regular guest host Ana Navarro and E!‘s Catt Sadler. 

Paula and Sara. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

According to other reports, Fox & Friends weekend co-host Abby Huntsman is high on ABC’s wish list. “They like to have hosts on both sides of the political aisle,” the insider added. “It’s no secret the show has lost some loyal fans because of the strong opinions of Whoopi and Joy Behar.”

Any decision about who’ll be sitting at the table this fall likely won’t happen until later, but the insider said the show will “probably get a new theme song, a new set, but the format and the hot topics won’t change. They’re always going to do what they do best — unite some people and really upset others!”

For more on The View, pick up the latest issue of Closer Weekly, on newsstands now — and be sure to sign up for our newsletter for more exclusive news!