Elisabeth Hasselbeck Returns to The View for Surprising On-Screen Reunion with Rival Joy Behar

Elisabeth Hasselbeck returns to The View for a surprising reunion with Joy Behar, reversing course on their historic rivalry in a moment of daytime TV unity.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 4, 2026, 5:05 AM EST

Source: People

A Historical Impasse Finds Common Ground

The atmosphere on set was a far cry from the heated "split-screen" debates that defined the show during the mid-to-late 2000s. Hasselbeck, who served as the resident conservative voice for ten years, was greeted with a standing ovation from the live audience. During the segment, she and Behar addressed their complicated history directly. Hasselbeck noted that with the benefit of time and distance, she has come to value the "intensity of their exchange," suggesting that their disagreements were a vital part of the democratic discourse the show was designed to facilitate.

Reversing Course on a Decade of Friction

The reunion is particularly noteworthy given Hasselbeck’s past comments regarding the show's environment and her relationship with Behar. Following her exit, Hasselbeck had occasionally criticized the program’s direction and the treatment of conservative perspectives. However, during this appearance, she seemed to pivot toward a message of reconciliation. Behar, known for her sharp wit and staunch liberal views, reciprocated the sentiment, jokingly remarking that she "missed having someone to yell at" who could give as good as they got.

The Evolution of Daytime Political Discourse

The segment served as a retrospective of the era when Hasselbeck and Behar represented the starkest political divide on American television. They reviewed clips of their most infamous arguments—ranging from the Iraq War to healthcare reform—with a newfound sense of humor. Hasselbeck reflected on how the current political climate has become even more polarized, suggesting that their old battles, while fierce, were rooted in a mutual respect that is often missing from modern cable news and social media commentary.