You’ve seen the empty chair. Or maybe you caught a rerun and wondered if the legendary red-haired firebrand finally called it quits. If you're looking for where is Joy Behar today, the answer isn't a simple "she's on vacation." As of January 2026, Joy is very much a staple of The View, but her schedule has become a bit of a strategic puzzle that leaves casual viewers scratching their heads every Monday and Friday.
Honestly, people freak out the second she’s not at the table. It’s understandable. She’s been there since the literal beginning in 1997, barring that brief two-year "retirement" that didn't stick. But today, Joy’s presence is more about "quality over quantity," a move that keeps her sharp and the show’s energy high.
📖 Related: Westworld Season 1 Episodes: Why That First Loop Is Still Better Than Anything Else on TV
The Monday Mystery and the Friday Shift
So, where is she? If you’re tuning in on a Monday and don't see her, don't panic. For the current 29th season, Behar has maintained a four-day work week. Usually, she takes Mondays off. Whoopi Goldberg often takes Fridays off, which creates this rotating leadership dynamic that keeps the "Hot Topics" from getting stale.
But things got weird recently. In late 2025, specifically around mid-November, Joy vanished for a three-day stretch. Whoopi had to break the news to the audience: Joy had hurt her foot. At 83, even a minor stumble can sideline you for a few tapings. She’s back now, though, anchoring the panel alongside Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin, Alyssa Farah Griffin, and Ana Navarro.
Beyond the ABC Studio
Joy isn't just sitting backstage eating snacks when she’s not on camera. She’s been remarkably busy with a "side quest" in theater. In early 2025, she launched an off-Broadway show called My First Ex-Husband. It wasn't just a solo bit; she shared the stage with Susie Essman and Tovah Feldshuh at the Mac-Haydn Theater.
She's basically living the dream of every veteran entertainer. She has the massive platform of a daytime powerhouse and the creative freedom to do stand-up or theater whenever the itch strikes.
Is She Leaving The View in 2026?
Every few months, a rumor mill starts churning about Joy’s retirement. It’s the "boy who cried wolf" of daytime TV. But here is the reality: her contract is a tightly guarded secret, yet her actions say she’s staying.
- The "Weekend View" Factor: ABC recently doubled down on her, launching The Weekend View on ABC News Live. Joy moderates this streaming version, which focuses on entertainment and social media trends. You don't give someone a new show if they’re heading for the exit.
- The 2026 Guest List: The show just kicked off January 2026 with heavy hitters like Oprah Winfrey and Kenan Thompson. Joy has been front and center for these interviews.
- The Political Itch: With the political climate always being, well, intense, Joy has often said she feels a responsibility to stay. She likes the fight. She likes the microphone.
Basically, unless she explicitly says "goodbye" in a pre-planned, hour-long tribute episode, assume she’s just taking a long weekend.
📖 Related: The Boys Jared Padalecki Explained: Why the Supernatural Reunion is More Than Fan Service
Why Her Absence Still Makes Headlines
It’s kinda wild how much weight one person carries for a show’s brand. When Joy is gone, the "Hot Topics" segment feels different. She’s the one who usually pivots to a joke when things get too dark or leans into a controversial take just to see what happens.
Most people get it wrong—they think an absence means a feud or a firing. In reality, it's just the logistics of an 83-year-old icon who knows her worth and negotiated a schedule that allows her to actually enjoy her life in New York.
What to Expect Next from Joy
If you’re trying to keep up with her, your best bet is to watch the mid-week broadcasts. That’s when the full panel is typically intact.
Next Steps for Fans:
✨ Don't miss: Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse: Why This B-Movie Rarity Still Works
- Check the Monday Credits: If you don't see her name in the opening montage on a Monday, it’s her scheduled day off.
- Follow the "Behind the Table" Podcast: This is where executive producer Brian Teta often gives the real context on why someone is out, whether it's a "theatre break" or a "sore foot."
- Streaming Catch-up: If you miss her live, The Weekend View is the best place to see her in a slightly more relaxed, less "political" environment.
Joy Behar isn't gone; she’s just mastered the art of being "selectively present."