In what can solely be described as a long-awaited transfer, ABC’s CEO has formally pulled the plug on The View, the daytime speak present that has been a staple of heated debates, fiery exchanges, and numerous eye rolls for practically three many years. With a tone of each exasperation and reduction, the CEO introduced the choice in a press convention that appeared extra like a remedy session for a community uninterested in coping with fixed controversy.

“It’s lastly time to cancel The View,” the CEO mentioned, trying extra relaxed than ever. “We’ve survived 28 seasons of this insanity, however sufficient is sufficient. It’s been a tricky name, however actually, it could be the simplest determination we’ve made all 12 months.”

With these phrases, one of the vital divisive and dramatic speak reveals in American historical past is formally off the air.

The View debuted in 1997 as a groundbreaking idea—a bunch of girls from numerous backgrounds sitting round a desk to debate present occasions, politics, and popular culture. It was supposed to symbolize a wide range of views and stimulate significant dialog. As a substitute, it turned a battleground the place opinions collided, and viewers watched in morbid fascination as co-hosts traded barbs and thinly veiled insults.

From Barbara Walters to Whoopi Goldberg, the present has cycled by way of dozens of co-hosts, every bringing their very own taste of drama. Who may overlook Rosie O’Donnell’s fiery departure, Meghan McCain’s countless rants, or Pleasure Behar’s legendary on-air meltdowns? Through the years, The View turned recognized much less for its thought-provoking conversations and extra for its near-daily shouting matches.

“Truthfully, it’s like watching an argument at Thanksgiving dinner, however with out the pumpkin pie to make it bearable,” one long-time viewer mentioned. “I used to tune in for the discussions, however now I simply watch to see who will storm off set first.”

Regardless of—or maybe due to—the fixed controversy, The View maintained excessive scores for years. However because the nation’s political local weather turned extra polarized, so did the present, and it was clear that one thing needed to give. Even followers started to really feel fatigued by the fixed rigidity.

“The previous couple of seasons felt extra like remedy classes for the hosts than precise discussions,” one former fan commented. “I’d look ahead to 5 minutes and really feel like I wanted to lie down. It’s been exhausting.”

ABC’s determination to cancel The View didn’t come out of nowhere. The truth is, insiders say the community had been contemplating pulling the plug for years, however the present’s recognition—and its skill to generate headlines—saved it alive.

That each one modified when, in the previous few years, the present’s tone turned much more combative. The ultimate straw, in keeping with sources near the community, got here earlier this 12 months when co-host Meghan McCain stormed off the set throughout yet one more heated political debate. Her departure, although not unusual on The View, symbolized the continued frustration of each the viewers and the community.

“It was one factor when individuals have been tuning in for considerate debates, however these days it’s been nothing however screaming matches,” an ABC govt mentioned. “We couldn’t preserve pretending it was ‘wholesome dialogue.’ It was like a cleaning soap opera, however with out the enjoyable plot twists.”

Whoopi Goldberg and Pleasure Behar, the present’s remaining heavyweights, have been carrying the panel for years, however even their legendary persistence gave the impression to be sporting skinny. Each have expressed frustration with the more and more hostile environment on the present, with Goldberg as soon as famously remarking, “I didn’t join this day-after-day.”

“The View was purported to be a spot the place girls may have clever, nuanced conversations,” Goldberg mentioned in an interview final 12 months. “As a substitute, we’re simply yelling over one another, and I believe the viewers is as uninterested in it as we’re.”

ABC’s CEO echoed these sentiments through the cancellation announcement. “It’s turn into clear that the format now not works. We wish to give our viewers a present they’ll get pleasure from with out feeling like they’ve simply witnessed a cage match.”

As anticipated, the cancellation of The View has sparked blended reactions from its co-hosts. Whoopi Goldberg, a veteran of the present, took the information in stride, reportedly quipping, “Nicely, not less than now I gained’t must rise up so early day-after-day.”

Pleasure Behar, all the time the outspoken one, supplied a extra fiery response. “Cancel The View? Please. It’ll be again in a 12 months after they notice how boring daytime TV is with out me.”

Sunny Hostin and Sara Haines, the opposite present co-hosts, have been reportedly extra subdued, expressing disappointment on the present’s finish however acknowledging that it could have run its course. “It’s bittersweet,” Hostin mentioned in a quick assertion. “However possibly it’s time for all of us to take a step again and reevaluate what daytime TV ought to be.”

The reactions from former co-hosts have been equally various. Meghan McCain, who turned a polarizing determine throughout her time on the present, tweeted, “Guess they couldn’t deal with it with out me. Go determine.” Rosie O’Donnell, by no means one to overlook a possibility to brag, responded with a easy, “Instructed ya so.”

With The View now formally within the rearview mirror, the large query is: What’s going to change it? ABC’s CEO hinted that the community is already planning a brand new course for its daytime lineup, however particulars stay scarce.

“There’s undoubtedly an area for significant conversations in daytime TV,” the CEO mentioned. “However we’d like one thing contemporary—one thing that doesn’t really feel prefer it’s caught in the identical, drained formulation. We wish to herald new voices, new views, and create a present that folks can truly get pleasure from watching.”

Rumors are already swirling that ABC is eyeing a extra lighthearted, lifestyle-focused program to fill The View’s time slot. Some insiders counsel the community is contemplating a chat present with a rotating panel of superstar company, whereas others imagine the following massive factor in daytime TV would possibly give attention to meals, vogue, and wellness, with much less emphasis on political drama.

One factor’s for positive: no matter comes subsequent, it’ll be a far cry from the each day shouting matches of The View.

As The View enters its remaining season, followers are left to ponder what the present’s legacy will likely be. For some, it’ll all the time be remembered as a groundbreaking platform for ladies to specific their opinions on necessary points. For others, it’ll go down as a present that misplaced its means, turning into extra about battle than dialog.

However whether or not you liked it or hated it, there’s no denying that The View left a mark on daytime tv. And because the curtains shut on this long-running present, ABC is betting that viewers are prepared for one thing new—one thing slightly quieter, slightly friendlier, and possibly just a bit much less exhausting.

NOTE: That is SATIRE, it’s not True.