Abby Huntsman is returning to the daytime talk show The View as a guest host this week, a move that arrives years after she publicly described the program’s work environment as “toxic.” From March 23 through March 27, Huntsman will fill in as the conservative voice on the panel while Alyssa Farah Griffin is on maternity leave, joining a recent rotation of guest hosts including Savannah Chrisley, Sara Eisen, and Elisabeth Hasselbeck.
The return marks a notable turn for Huntsman, who initially cited family commitments as the reason for her departure from The View in January 2020, stepping down to advise her father, Jon Huntsman Jr., during his unsuccessful bid for the governorship of Utah. However, she later revealed a more critical assessment of her experience on the show, alleging a culture that prioritized sensationalism over substance.
Huntsman’s criticisms, shared on her podcast I Wish Somebody Told Me in 2021, centered on what she described as an environment “rewarding people for bad behavior.” She claimed that executives fostered a climate “all about money and the tabloids,” a dynamic she felt undermined the show’s purpose. The allegations sparked renewed discussion about the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the long-running program, known for its often-heated debates and prominent personalities.
A Complicated Departure and Lingering Tensions
While Huntsman initially framed her exit as a family-focused decision, her later comments painted a more complex picture. She specifically alluded to a strained relationship with former co-host Meghan McCain, a friendship that reportedly deteriorated during their time on the show. Though details of the falling out remained largely private, reports at the time indicated significant friction between the two women, fueled by differing political viewpoints and on-air clashes.
In a 2021 interview with People magazine, Huntsman stated she had no regrets about leaving The View, emphasizing the positive impact the decision had on her personal well-being. “I don’t talk much about that time, and I won’t, but 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,” she said.
Filling the Conservative Seat
Huntsman’s return comes as The View continues to navigate the absence of Alyssa Farah Griffin, who is currently on maternity leave. Griffin, a former White House communications director under President Donald Trump, brought a unique perspective to the panel, often engaging in spirited debates with her more liberal co-hosts. Her leave has prompted a series of guest hosts to fill the conservative slot, offering a diverse range of viewpoints.
Prior to Huntsman, Savannah Chrisley, daughter of reality television stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, appeared on the show, sparking conversation with her commentary on political and cultural issues. Chrisley’s appearances drew attention for her outspoken views and willingness to engage in direct dialogue. Sara Eisen, a CNBC anchor, and Elisabeth Hasselbeck, a former View co-host, also recently filled the role, bringing their respective expertise to the discussions.
Huntsman’s Career Trajectory
Before joining The View in September 2018 alongside Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, and Meghan McCain, Huntsman established herself as a television personality with appearances on MSNBC and NBC News. She later worked as a reporter for Fox News Channel from 2015 to 2018. Her interview with Ivanka Trump during her time at Fox News garnered attention for its probing questions about potential conflicts of interest.
Following her departure from The View, Huntsman shifted her focus to her podcast, I Wish Somebody Told Me, and her family. She shares three children with her husband, Jeffrey Livingston. The podcast provides a platform for Huntsman to discuss a range of topics, including motherhood, career, and personal experiences.
Looking Ahead
During Huntsman’s guest hosting stint this week, The View is scheduled to welcome a diverse lineup of guests, including Senator Cory Booker, the judges from American Idol, comedian Chelsea Handler, and actors Thomas Doherty, Julianne Nicholson, and Amanda Peet. Amanda Peet is expected to discuss her recent breast cancer diagnosis and advocacy work.
The program’s producers will be closely watching the dynamic between Huntsman and her former co-hosts, as well as audience reaction to her return. The show’s continued reliance on guest hosts to fill the conservative seat suggests an ongoing search for a permanent replacement for Griffin, a process that will likely continue as the show navigates the evolving political landscape. The next scheduled update regarding Griffin’s return and any potential permanent co-host announcements is expected following her maternity leave, currently anticipated in late spring.
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