The season premiere of the iconic talk show, "The View," was met with a notable absence, leaving fans and viewers puzzled. Whoopi Goldberg, the Oscar-winning actress and long-standing moderator of the show, was conspicuously missing from her usual spot at the Hot Topics table.
On Tuesday, September 5, as the show embarked on its 27th year, the panelists took their positions, ready to dive into another year of riveting political debates. But the question on everyone's mind was, "Where's Whoopi?"
Joy Behar, another veteran of the show, stepped in to fill the void left by Goldberg. Addressing the audience, she remarked, "We're back. Thank you, this is the premiere show of our 27th year on the air. I was here for all of it, except for two, when they canned me. When they sacked my behind." She then went on to reveal the reason behind Goldberg's absence: "As you can see, Whoopi is not here, she has COVID. Yes, it's back, it's back, but she's on the mend, she's on the tail end, and she'll probably be back this week."
This isn't the first time Goldberg has had a run-in with the virus. She was previously sidelined from "The View" in November 2022 due to contracting COVID-19. However, her recent absence wasn't the only cause for concern among fans. Observant viewers had noticed that Goldberg seemed to be missing from a significant portion of the promotional campaigns for Season 27. This sparked speculation and rumors about her potential departure from the show.
Despite the concerns, one of the promotional ads did feature Goldberg, albeit briefly. In the ad, while other co-hosts shared their perspectives on the upcoming season, Goldberg made a surprise appearance at the end, teasing, "I'm right here. We'll see everybody next season!"
The fan response was a mix of relief and continued concern. Social media was abuzz with comments like, "Don't scare me like that Ms. Whoopi," and "I got scared for a moment because I didn't see Whoopi. She is a must on The View. Love you Whoopi️."
Goldberg's absence and the subsequent revelations serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the ongoing pandemic and its impact on even the most established of television personalities. As fans await her return, they're reminded of the value and significance she brings to the table, both on "The View" and in the broader entertainment industry.
