Abby Huntsman returns to The View as guest host, reveals why she jumped at chance after calling show ‘toxic’

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• 🔥 Quick Facts
• Former Cohost Returns After Years Away
• What Huntsman Accomplished During Her Original Run
• The Toxic Workplace Culture She Exposed
• Why She Couldn’t Say No to Returning
• Will Huntsman Consider a Permanent Return to the Show?
  • Sources

Abby Huntsman made a stunning comeback on March 23, 2026. The former View cohost guest hosted the show despite previously calling it ‘toxic.’ She revealed exactly why she jumped at the chance to return.

Former Cohost Returns After Years Away

Abby Huntsman stepped back behind The View’s iconic table this week. The conservative commentator served as guest host while Alyssa Farah Griffin takes maternity leave. Huntsman sat alongside Whoopi Goldberg, Sara Haines, Joy Behar, Ana Navarro, and Sunny Hostin.

This marks her first major return after exiting the show in January 2020. She had previously appeared as guest host in 2021 and 2024. Her return sparked immediate conversation among fans curious about her past criticism of the daytime show.

What Huntsman Accomplished During Her Original Run

Huntsman was a Fox & Friends Weekend cohost before joining The View in 2018. She brought a conservative perspective to the table alongside Meghan McCain, Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, and Sunny Hostin.

Before her View tenure, she worked as a political commentator for ABC News and appeared on MSNBC’s The Cycle. She is the daughter of former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman Jr. Her departure came suddenly when she became a senior advisor to her father’s 2020 gubernatorial campaign for Utah.

The Toxic Workplace Culture She Exposed

In October 2021, Huntsman launched her podcast ‘I Wish Somebody Told Me’ and revealed disturbing details. She explained how the show rewarded bad behavior and focused on ratings, money, and tabloids.

According to Huntsman, she felt deeply troubled by the toxic environment. “You would see people act in ways that were not OK, that was very much part of the toxic environment of The View,” she stated. She added that feeling relief while walking out felt like finally being able to breathe again after nearly two years of suffering on the show.

Detail	Information
Guest Host Dates	March 23-27, 2026
Original Tenure	2018-2020
Covering For	Alyssa Farah Griffin (maternity leave)
Role During 2026 Return	Conservative voice on the panel

“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.”

— Abby Huntsman, guest host on March 23, 2026

Why She Couldn’t Say No to Returning

Huntsman revealed her real motivation for accepting the guest host role. She expressed deep concern about America’s free media being threatened more than ever before. Her passion for defending press freedom ultimately convinced her to take the opportunity.

During her opening statement, she emphasized how crucial media freedom is. Growing up with her family in China, she witnessed firsthand what happens when free press disappears. “When I got the call to join, I thought, ‘You know what? I grew up many years living in China 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.

Will Huntsman Consider a Permanent Return to the Show?

After nearly six years away from the table, the burning question remains: could Abby Huntsman become a permanent fixture again? Her return generated significant buzz across social media and entertainment outlets overnight.

While no confirmation exists about permanent hosting status, her appearance this week demonstrates the show’s willingness to bring her back. Whether The View would want her to stay long-term remains unclear. Her guest hosting role from March 23-27 gives fans their first extended chance to see how she fits with the updated panel since her departure.

Sources

• TV Insider – Coverage of Abby Huntsman’s return and her past criticism of the show
• The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel – Details about why she returned and her opening statement on air
• Yahoo Entertainment – Reporting on her guest hosting week and current cohost lineup