On June 2, 2025, the hosts of ABC’s long-running daytime talk show The View made headlines with an unexpected and spirited plea to their audience: “We need 800 votes for the new season!” The announcement, made during a lively segment on the show, has sparked widespread curiosity and speculation among fans and media outlets alike. As The View continues its 28th season with its signature blend of “Hot Topics,” celebrity interviews, and political discourse, this call for votes has raised questions about what the hosts meant, why the number 800 is significant, and how it ties into the show’s future. In this article, we’ll dive into the context of this statement, explore the current state of The View, and critically examine what this rallying cry could mean for the beloved talk show.
A Milestone Season with a Fresh Look
The View, which premiered on August 11, 1997, has solidified its place as a cultural and political touchstone in American television. Created by legendary broadcast journalist Barbara Walters, the show has been a platform for multi-generational women to discuss everything from sociopolitical issues to entertainment news. Now in its 28th season, The View boasts an impressive legacy, having aired over 6,000 episodes as of July 2024 and earning the title of America’s most-watched daytime talk show for the fifth consecutive season. The current panel—Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, Sara Haines, Alyssa Farah Griffin, and Ana Navarro—has been a consistent lineup since Season 26, with all hosts returning for the 2024-2025 season.
This season has already been marked by significant changes. After a decade of filming on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, The View relocated to a brand-new, state-of-the-art studio in downtown Manhattan, as announced in August 2024. The move was celebrated with fanfare, with co-host Sunny Hostin noting during the Season 27 finale, “We’re sad to say goodbye, but we’re thrilled to be moving to a brand-new studio downtown.” The new studio, dubbed a “hot new space” in promotional materials, has brought a fresh aesthetic to the show, though the core format remains unchanged: lively debates, up-to-the-minute “Hot Topics,” and interviews with high-profile guests like Ralph Macchio, Taraji P. Henson, and former President Bill Clinton, as confirmed by the show’s guest schedule for the week of June 2-6, 2025.
The Call for “800 Votes”: What Does It Mean?
During the Monday, June 2 episode, the hosts of The View surprised viewers with their unified call for “800 votes for the new season.” The statement came amidst a discussion about the show’s impact and its role in engaging audiences during a pivotal time in American culture and politics. While the hosts did not elaborate extensively on what the “votes” referred to, their enthusiastic delivery suggested a symbolic or strategic goal tied to the show’s future.
One possible interpretation is that the “800 votes” are a metaphorical rallying cry, encouraging fans to show their support for The View as it navigates the competitive landscape of daytime television. The show has faced its share of challenges over the years, including cast shakeups, controversies, and fluctuating ratings. However, recent data paints a positive picture: the week of November 4, 2024, saw The View averaging 3.078 million viewers, its highest ratings in a decade, with the post-election episode on November 6 attracting 4.470 million viewers—the most since Barbara Walters’ farewell in 2014. This surge in viewership, particularly following the 2024 presidential election, underscores the show’s enduring relevance as “the most important political TV show in America,” a title bestowed by The New York Times.
Alternatively, the “800 votes” could be linked to a specific campaign or initiative tied to the show’s production or audience engagement. The View has a history of mobilizing its audience for various causes, from political activism to social awareness. For instance, co-host Ana Navarro has been vocal about bipartisan legislation, such as the PACT Act, which she praised on air for expanding healthcare benefits for veterans. Could the “800 votes” be a call to action for fans to vote in a poll, participate in a contest, or support a cause championed by the show? Without further clarification from the hosts, this remains speculative, but it aligns with The View‘s tradition of using its platform to inspire action.
A Critical Look at the Narrative
While the call for “800 votes” has generated buzz, it’s worth examining the narrative critically. The View has been the subject of rumors and misinformation in recent months, including false claims of being sued for $800 million by figures like Carrie Underwood and Melania Trump. These rumors, which circulated earlier in 2025, were debunked due to a lack of evidence, but they highlight the challenges of separating fact from fiction in the age of viral misinformation. The mention of “800” in both the lawsuit rumors and the hosts’ recent statement is likely coincidental, but it raises questions about whether the hosts were playfully referencing these falsehoods to reclaim the narrative and engage their audience in a lighthearted way.
Moreover, the phrase “for the new season” is ambiguous. Since The View is already in its 28th season, the “new season” could refer to Season 29, which would begin in the fall of 2025. It’s possible the hosts are looking ahead, seeking to build momentum for the show’s renewal or to ensure its continued success amidst a crowded media landscape. Daytime television is a competitive space, with rivals like CBS’s The Talk and the syndicated The Real vying for viewers, though neither has matched The View‘s audience of 2.7 million daily viewers. The hosts may be using this call to action as a way to galvanize their loyal fanbase, ensuring that The View remains a priority for ABC and its viewers.
The Hosts’ Dynamic and the Show’s Evolution
The current panel of The View brings a diverse range of perspectives to the table, which has been key to the show’s longevity. Whoopi Goldberg, a longtime moderator since 2007, provides a steady hand, while Joy Behar, the only remaining original co-host, brings humor and historical perspective. Sunny Hostin, a former federal prosecutor, often offers legal insights, as seen in her “profoundly disturbed” reaction to the 2024 election results. Sara Haines, a journalist, adds a relatable voice, while Alyssa Farah Griffin and Ana Navarro, both conservative commentators who joined in Season 26, bring political balance to the panel.
This balance has not always been easy to maintain. The View has a storied history of controversies and cast changes, with 24 permanent co-hosts over its run. High-profile departures, such as Rosie O’Donnell’s contentious exit in 2007 after a heated clash with Elisabeth Hasselbeck, and Meghan McCain’s 2021 departure after four seasons, have often made headlines. However, the current lineup has found a rhythm, with all hosts returning for Season 28—a rarity in the show’s history of frequent turnover. Their chemistry was evident in the playful banter during the Season 27 finale, where they joked about packing up their dressing rooms for the studio move, with Navarro humorously defending her collection of 50 pairs of shoes.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for The View?
As The View continues its 28th season, the call for “800 votes” serves as a reminder of the show’s ability to captivate and mobilize its audience. Whether the votes are symbolic, part of a campaign, or a nod to the show’s resilience in the face of rumors, the hosts’ message underscores their commitment to keeping The View a relevant and dynamic platform. With upcoming guests like Mark Hamill and Brianne Howey scheduled for the week of June 2-6, 2025, the show is poised to maintain its momentum.
Ultimately, The View remains a vital space for women’s voices in media, tackling everything from political upheaval to cultural trends with authenticity and vigor. The hosts’ call for “800 votes” may be a clever way to rally their “Viewers”—as fans are affectionately called—to ensure the show’s legacy endures for another 28 seasons. As Joy Behar once reflected, the original brand of The View was about “camaraderie and relatability, debate-ability with a friendly accent.” In 2025, that spirit is alive and well, and the hosts are clearly determined to keep it that way—800 votes or not.
