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Elisabeth Hasselbeck shocked fans earlier this week stepping in as guest host on The View. The former co-host filled in while Alyssa Farah Griffin enjoys maternity leave, marking her dramatic return after 13 years away. What happened next sparked major reactions.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Return Timeline: Elisabeth guest hosted March 2-6, 2026, filling a 13-year gap
- Alyssa’s Absence: Host returns April 13 after nearly 2 months of maternity leave
- Guest Lineup: William H. Macy, Robby Hoffman, Don Lemon, and other celebrity guests appeared
- Hot Topics: Elisabeth addressed past feuds, engaged in debates, and sparked viewer responses
The Surprising Return of a Conservative Icon
Elisabeth Hasselbeck co-hosted The View for 10 years, from 2003 to 2013, before joining Fox News and other media ventures. Her guest hosting stint this week marked a stunning comeback to the ABC daytime table where she built her reputation. The former Survivor contestant brought her signature conservative perspective back to the show.
Fans and critics had mixed reactions to her return. Some viewers called it a
test run for potential changes at the show. Others expressed concern about her polarizing presence, particularly given her contentious history with other hosts.
Elisabeth Hasselbeck guest hosts The View, fills in for Alyssa Farah Griffin
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Drama Unfolds at the Hot Topics Table
Elisabeth’s return didn’t happen quietly. During her March appearance, she engaged in heated exchanges with co-host Sunny Hostin over political topics. The spirited debate included discussion of past policies and voting records. Whoopi Goldberg stepped in to mediate the conversation multiple times.
Elisabeth also addressed her long-standing feud with Joy Behar, the two having clashed publicly for years. On-air, they appeared civil but tense. The former Fox News host expressed interest in civil discourse during her opening remarks, signaling a potential fresh approach.
Guest Co-Host Lineup Fills Alyssa’s Absence
| Guest Host | Week | Background |
| Elisabeth Hasselbeck | March 2-6 | Former 10-year co-host, Fox News personality |
| Abby Huntsman | Earlier | Former co-host, media consultant |
| Whitney Cummings | Early April | Stand-up comedian and actress |
| Sheryl Underwood | February | Talk show host and radio personality |
“It felt fun. I felt alive.”
Elisabeth Hasselbeck, on her on-air return experience
Why This Guest Hosting Matters for The View
According to multiple media sources, Elisabeth’s return was treated as a strategic test of her fit with the current show. The ABC talk show faces ongoing evolution with hosts like Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, and Sunny Hostin. Elisabeth’s appearance sparked speculation about potential permanent casting changes down the line.
Alyssa Farah Griffin will resume her role Monday, April 13, marking the show’s official return from holiday and maternity leave. Until then, rotating guest hosts continue to fill the table during repeats and break weeks.
Will Elisabeth Hasselbeck Ever Return to Stay?
Questions linger about whether this guest hosting opportunity signals bigger plans for Elisabeth at The View. Fans remain split, with some praising her return and others expressing strong reservations. The former co-host’s chemistry with current hosts remained complex and occasionally charged.
What’s clear is that Elisabeth Hasselbeck made an impact in her brief March visit. Whether she takes another turn at the Hot Topics table remains uncertain, but her appearance proved she remains a divisive yet ratings-grabbing presence on daytime television.
Sources
- Deadline – Exclusive reporting on Elisabeth Hasselbeck’s guest hosting stint and Alyssa’s return date
- Entertainment Weekly – Coverage of drama and on-air exchanges during Elisabeth’s March appearance
- USA Today – Analysis of the guest host rotation and show schedule changes
