The former cohost reemerges to defend free media and share her insights on the show’s evolution.
Category: Arts & Culture
Abby Huntsman made a remarkable return to The View on March 23, 2026, rejoining the panel of cohosts after a six-year absence marked by her previous criticisms of the show's culture. Filling the seat left by Alyssa Farah Griffin during her maternity leave, Huntsman’s comeback has sparked conversations about her past experiences on the show and the current state of media freedom.
Huntsman, who cohosted The View from 2018 to 2020, described her return to the iconic table alongside Whoopi Goldberg, Sara Haines, Ana Navarro, and Sunny Hostin, saying, "It’s like no time has passed. It’s weird sitting here, but congratulations to Alyssa. All the joy in the world." Her initial departure from the show was sudden, driven by her decision to become a senior advisor for her father Jon Huntsman Jr.'s unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign for Utah.
During her tenure on the show, Huntsman brought a conservative viewpoint to the discussions, often sharing the table with cohosts who held differing opinions. Since leaving, she has remained active politically but has focused more on family life, particularly after becoming a mother of twins.
Huntsman's return comes with a backdrop of her previous comments about the show's environment. She had described it publicly on her 2021 podcast, I Wish Somebody Told Me, calling the culture "toxic" and critiquing its focus on ratings and tabloids. She stated, "You would see people act in ways that were not OK, that was very much part of the toxic environment of The View." She expressed that leaving the show allowed her to feel alive again, saying, "When I was walking out of the building that day, I was living again. I could breathe and feel myself breathing. I was present, and I hadn’t been present for the almost two years I was there." This candid reflection resonated with many viewers who had followed her career.
On her return, Huntsman emphasized her deep concerns about the current state of free media, which she believes is under threat. Drawing from her unique upbringing—having spent years living with her family under the restrictions of media censorship during their time abroad—she articulated a strong message about the fragility of journalistic freedom. "When I got the call to join, I thought, ‘You know what? I grew up many years living with my family. I know what it’s like to wake up and try to go to Huffington Post and your blog, and you can’t read it,’" she explained passionately.
During her first episode back, Huntsman did not shy away from discussing pressing political issues, including criticisms of former President Donald Trump. She stated, "For Donald Trump, this is when he hits rock bottom. This is where he can’t help himself and gets himself into trouble. It’s indefensible." Her remarks highlighted her evolved perspective on the current political climate and her commitment to engaging with the national dialogue.
Huntsman’s return has been met with mixed reactions, particularly considering her past criticisms of the show. Some fans are excited to see a familiar face return to the panel, eager to hear her insights on contemporary issues. Others, recalling her previous comments, wonder how her relationship with the show and her cohosts has evolved since her departure. Huntsman has previously expressed warm feelings toward her former colleagues, stating, "ABC is my family from the beginning and will probably always be a part of my family." This sentiment was echoed during her return, where she expressed gratitude for being welcomed back.
Her guest hosting stint from March 23 to March 27, 2026, provides a platform for Huntsman to reconnect with the audience and gauge her fit within the current lineup. The show has seen a variety of conservative voices filling Griffin's seat, including Savannah Chrisley and Elisabeth Hasselbeck, creating a dynamic environment for political discussion.
Huntsman’s commitment to addressing issues of media freedom and her personal growth since leaving the show resonate deeply with viewers. She stated, "I’m more passionate, more emotional, and more concerned about my country, living outside of doing this every day. I sit at this table not taking it for granted." Her reemergence is not just a personal comeback; it symbolizes a renewed commitment to engage with the pressing issues of our time.
Whether Huntsman will return permanently to The View remains uncertain, but her presence this week has certainly reignited interest among fans and critics alike. The discussions around her return continue to evolve, with many anticipating how her insights will shape future conversations on the show. With a unique perspective shaped by both her conservative roots and her experiences outside the television world, Huntsman’s voice adds a valuable dimension to the panel.
Huntsman’s return is more than a nostalgic moment; it’s a reminder of the importance of dialogue and the challenges facing free media today. With her commitment to advocating for press freedom, Huntsman stands ready to tackle the issues that matter most to her and her audience. Her experience and passion for journalism will undoubtedly contribute to the vibrant discussions that define The View moving forward.
Abby Huntsman’s guest hosting week is a notable chapter not just for her career but also for the future of The View itself, marking a period of change and reflection for the show and its audience.