Despite The View debuting to its best premiere in eight years following the return of former host Rosie O’Donnell, recent episodes have seen the panel show’s ratings drop to almost even with CBS competitor The Talk.
The latest season of The View, which features Whoopi Goldberg, Rosie Perez and Nicolle Wallace in addition to O’Donnell, is averaging ratings that are 30 percent lower than five years ago.
The re-addition of the controversial O’Donnell, who lasted just one season on the show before seeing her contract not be renewed by ABC in 2007 following a cursing rant, was meant to soften the blow of losing View staple Barbara Walters. The 84-year-old creator of The View retired in May, after appearing on the show for 17 seasons.
O’Donnell’s return, while not sparking any ratings magic, did seem to cause some friction on set, as reports of her fighting with co-host Whoopi Goldberg and the show’s producers have surfaced.
The 18th season of The View currently airs on ABC live at 11 AM on weekdays. Ratings for the season have averaged 2.8 million viewers, with a 1.0 amongst women 25 – 54, according to the Hollywood Reporter.