Jenny McCarthy Reflects on Unexpected Challenges at ‘The View’

NEW YORK, March 25, 2025 — Jenny McCarthy recently opened up about her time as a co-host on ABC’s popular daytime talk show, “The View,” revealing unexpected challenges she faced during her tenure from 2013 to 2014.

In an episode of Maria Menounos‘ podcast “Heal Squad,” McCarthy, 52, discussed her original role to introduce pop culture into the show. “I was hired to bring pop culture to The View,” she stated. However, she noted that shortly after her arrival, the show’s direction shifted dramatically.

McCarthy recalled a specific incident that sparked her concern regarding Barbara Walters, the show’s iconic co-host. “I mentioned Katy Perry, who [Walters] had just interviewed for a special. But when I brought her up, Barbara asked, ‘Who’s Katy Perry?'” McCarthy explained, indicating that it was a telling moment about Walters’ cognitive state.

“It was the first sign that I realized that Barbara was suffering from the beginning stages of dementia. I was like, ‘Oh s***,’” McCarthy recalled. “It was literally not even a week into the show. They were flipping it. There’s no more pop culture. We’re going back to politics.” McCarthy noted, “[Barbara] knew politics, but she didn’t know pop culture.”

Walters retired from “The View” in 2014 after 16 seasons, later passing away in December 2022 at the age of 93. Reports regarding Walters’ health have circulated, particularly about potential dementia; however, no formal diagnosis was confirmed. Us Weekly reached out to Walters’ representatives for comment, but there has been no response.

Reflecting on why she left the show, McCarthy emphasized the show’s emphasis on conflict. “They want you to fight,” she commented. “I’m not a fighter. I choose the side of peace in any fight.” This difference in approach left her feeling ill-suited for the role, causing her to ultimately depart the program.

Despite her brief and tumultuous time on the show, McCarthy expressed an appreciation for her opportunity to work with Walters. In a previous interview with Howard Stern, she described the rewarding aspect of collaborating with the television icon.

Looking back nearly a decade after leaving, McCarthy reflected on her tumultuous entry into “The View.” She recounted the public’s reaction, saying, “When they announced me joining ‘The View,’ it was crazy. Immediately, there was a Change.org petition to get me off the show. They were blowing up ‘The View.’ ‘How dare you hire her.’ It was the hardest job in the world because it was not me.”

Today, McCarthy continues her career, balancing her work with husband Donnie Wahlberg and other projects, including her role judging on a Fox reality show. However, her time on “The View” remains a poignant chapter in her professional journey.