Joy Behar Leaving The View After 16 Years, Heading to CNN?
Joy Behar is reportedly leaving ABC's daytime talk show "The View" after 16 years and sources claim the longtime co-host may be headed to the CNN network.
The outspoken comic, actor and writer, 70, recently confirmed her departure in an interview with Deadline.com.
"It seemed like the right time," Behar told Deadline. "You reach a point when you say to yourself, 'Do I want to keep doing this?' There are other things on my plate I want to do — I've been writing a play, I've been neglecting my standup."
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The ABC network released its own statement to Deadline and commended Behar for her contribution to its success over the years.
"Joy Behar has been instrumental in the success of The View from the very beginning," the network wrote in a statement. "We wish her all the best in this next chapter, and are thrilled that we have her for the remainder of the season."
Behar's contract with ABC reportedly expires in August and she has chosen not to renew in a bid to pursue new projects.
The New York native was reportedly spotted having a private meeting with CNN chief Jeff Zucker in February, fueling speculation that she may be headed to the leading cable new network, according to the Huffington Post.
"I do like talk shows, I'm interested in talking to people," Behar said. "I want to do an intelligent talk show where you have room to breathe."
Behar would not confirm or deny reports that she was moving to CNN when asked, although she did say that her meeting with Zucker was "positive," and that "CNN would be a great place" for her next show.
Behar is no stranger to CNN after previously hosting her own show on HLN, which is CNN's sister network.
"The Joy Behar Show" began airing in 2009 and although it quickly became HLN's second highest-rated show, it was canceled after just two years.
