Abby Huntsman has made a notable return to the Hot Topics table on The View, stepping in as a guest host for a full week. Her comeback has sparked interest, especially given her earlier outspoken criticism of the show’s internal atmosphere.
Huntsman originally joined The View in 2018, co-hosting alongside Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, and Sara Haines for two seasons. She left the show in 2020 to support her father, Jon Huntsman Jr., during his gubernatorial campaign in Utah. However, a year after her departure, she revealed more candid reasons for leaving.
On her podcast, I Wish Somebody Told Me, Huntsman described the workplace environment as “toxic,” accusing the show of prioritizing ratings over the well-being of its staff and rewarding negative behavior behind the scenes. She likened her exit to finally being able to “breathe again.”
In a significant development, Huntsman returned to The View starting March 23, 2026, filling in for Alyssa Farah Griffin, who is on maternity leave. During her first episode back, she appeared comfortable and confident, offering her characteristic conservative viewpoints on current issues and free speech. She also extended warm congratulations to Griffin, saying, “It’s like no time has passed. It’s weird sitting here, but congratulations to Alyssa. All the joy in the world.”
Her return has prompted viewers to wonder if the show’s culture has improved since her earlier criticisms in 2021. While Huntsman had made brief guest appearances in 2021 and 2024, this week-long engagement marks her most substantial involvement since her original exit.
By rejoining the panel, Abby Huntsman reinforces her status as a prominent media figure and political commentator, demonstrating that professional reconciliation is achievable even after public disagreements.
