Abby Huntsman, who co-hosted The View from 2018 to 2020, is making a notable return to the show as a guest host from March 23 to March 27, 2026. This development comes after a significant hiatus following her departure, during which she expressed her struggles with the show’s environment.
Before her exit, Huntsman described The View as having a “toxic environment,” criticizing its focus on ratings and sensationalism. She stated, “I knew the show did not reflect my values. When I say that, I mean rewarding people for bad behavior.” This sentiment highlights her discomfort with the culture of the show.
Huntsman left The View to become a senior advisor to her father, Jon Huntsman Jr.’s, gubernatorial campaign in 2020, which ultimately did not succeed. Reflecting on her departure, she noted, “The decision that I made was probably the best decision I could have made for my life, for my mental health, for my happiness, for my family.”
During her time away from The View, Huntsman launched her podcast “I Wish Somebody Told Me” in October 2021, further establishing her voice in the media landscape. She shares three children with her husband, Jeffrey Livingston, balancing her family life with her professional endeavors.
As she prepares to return to the panel, Huntsman’s previous experiences on the show remain relevant. She felt “trapped” by the expectations from producers to generate newsworthy moments, stating, “Everything was about a soundbite, and everything was, ‘Who could say the most bombastic thing in the moment?’ and that’s not me.” This perspective underscores the challenges she faced while co-hosting.
The five-person panel of The View was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award for hosting in 2019, a testament to the show’s impact and popularity during Huntsman’s tenure. Her return is highly anticipated, especially given her previous criticisms and the evolution of the show’s dynamics.
As of now, Huntsman is set to engage with the current panel, including Alyssa Farah Griffin and Meghan McCain, bringing her unique insights back to the forefront of daytime television. The implications of her return could resonate with both the audience and the show’s format, potentially altering its trajectory.
Huntsman’s journey reflects broader themes of personal well-being and professional integrity in media, making her return to The View a significant moment for both her and the show’s future.