Shockwaves at ABC: The View Canceled, Replaced by Charlie Kirk, Erika Kirk, and Megyn Kelly

Fans tuning into ABC’s daytime lineup this week were left stunned when one of television’s longest-running fixtures, The View, was abruptly pulled off the air. The network confirmed that the show, a staple of American daytime TV since 1997, has been officially canceled. In its place, ABC announced a brand-new program to be headlined by conservative firebrand Charlie Kirk, his wife Erika Kirk, and veteran broadcaster Megyn Kelly.

The move has set off a firestorm of debate, with viewers, industry insiders, and media analysts describing it as one of the boldest—and riskiest—pivots in network history.

A Cultural Staple Pulled Without Warning

For nearly three decades, The View has been synonymous with daytime television. Known for its panel of outspoken women, sharp debates, and frequent controversies, the program carved out a unique space where politics, culture, and celebrity collided on live television.

From Barbara Walters’ original vision to Whoopi Goldberg’s long tenure as moderator, the show became a launchpad for voices like Rosie O’Donnell, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Joy Behar, and Meghan McCain. But it also became a lightning rod for criticism, especially in an increasingly polarized political environment.

ABC’s announcement, delivered with little warning, framed the cancellation as part of a broader “strategic realignment” aimed at “better serving a diverse and evolving daytime audience.”

Enter the Kirks and Megyn Kelly

The replacement show, tentatively titled American Forum, represents a sharp ideological shift for ABC. Instead of the often liberal-leaning debates of The View, the new panel will be anchored by voices from the political right.

Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, is known for his outspoken conservative activism and ability to mobilize young audiences.
Erika Kirk, a media personality and conservative commentator, brings her own voice to the conversation, with a focus on culture and family.
Megyn Kelly, a former Fox News anchor and NBC host, provides mainstream recognition and broadcasting credibility.

In a joint statement, ABC executives said the trio was chosen to “bring a fresh perspective to daytime programming, reflecting a wider range of viewpoints and capturing the national conversation in real time.”

A Gamble in Broad Daylight

Media analysts immediately flagged the announcement as a gamble. Daytime television has historically leaned toward a female-centered, moderate-to-liberal audience. Replacing The View with a panel that skews conservative could alienate the show’s loyal base while testing whether a new market exists for right-leaning daytime talk.

“This is a seismic shift,” said Claire McIntyre, a television historian at NYU. “The View wasn’t just a talk show. It was part of the cultural fabric. To replace it with a program hosted by Charlie Kirk is nothing short of revolutionary—for better or worse.”

Backlash and Celebration

Reaction has been swift and divided.

On social media, longtime fans of The View expressed heartbreak and outrage. One post on X (formerly Twitter) read:

“I watched The View with my mom for 20 years. It was our daily ritual. Replacing it with Charlie Kirk is unthinkable.”

Another user blasted ABC directly:

“You’re telling me Whoopi and Joy are gone, and I’m supposed to tune in for Charlie Kirk? Absolutely not.”

But conservative audiences celebrated the announcement, framing it as a rare victory in a media landscape they say tilts left. A Turning Point USA supporter posted:

“Finally! A daytime show that doesn’t insult half of America. Charlie, Erika, and Megyn are exactly what TV needs.”

Why Now?

Behind the scenes, ABC executives were reportedly grappling with declining ratings, increased advertiser sensitivity, and the difficulty of managing high-profile on-air clashes that often went viral for the wrong reasons.

Sources suggest that The View had become increasingly expensive to produce, with tensions among hosts spilling over into negotiations and morale issues. One insider described the atmosphere as “toxic” in its final season.

“ABC saw an opportunity,” explained media analyst Robert Levine. “Megyn Kelly has name recognition. Charlie Kirk is controversial but commands a loyal base. Erika Kirk adds balance. Together, they give ABC a shot at rebooting daytime entirely.”

What It Means for the Hosts of The View

The cancellation also raises questions about the fates of The View’s iconic hosts.

Whoopi Goldberg, who has helmed the show since 2007, has not yet announced her next move. Insiders say she is “evaluating options,” including a possible move to streaming.
Joy Behar, a co-host since the show’s earliest days, issued a brief statement thanking fans but did not comment on the network’s decision.
Sunny Hostin and Alyssa Farah Griffin are reportedly in discussions for other ABC roles.

Whether the brand of The View will live on in another format—such as a podcast, streaming spin-off, or independent production—remains unclear.

The Stakes for ABC

By canceling one of its most recognizable shows, ABC has set itself on a path that could reshape daytime television. Success could mean tapping into a new and under-served audience. Failure could result in alienating existing viewers and losing ground to competitors like CBS’s The Talk or NBC’s Today with Hoda & Jenna.

“ABC is betting the house,” said entertainment columnist Dana Cole. “If American Forum flops, they will have not only lost The View’s audience but also undermined their credibility with loyal viewers. This is high-stakes programming.”

What Comes Next

The debut of American Forum is slated for early 2026, with ABC promising a “dynamic mix of cultural commentary, political debate, and audience interaction.” Promotional materials emphasize the show as “a place where America comes to talk,” positioning it as both provocative and inclusive—a description critics already say is contradictory.

For now, viewers are left reeling from the sudden end of a program that defined a generation of daytime TV. Whether The View’s absence will create a void—or open the door to an entirely new era—remains to be seen.

The cancellation of The View marks the end of an era. Love it or hate it, the show was a cultural touchstone, a lightning rod for national debate, and a platform that shaped the daytime TV landscape for nearly 30 years.

In its place, ABC is rolling the dice on Charlie Kirk, Erika Kirk, and Megyn Kelly. The decision is as controversial as it is daring. It could reinvent daytime television—or stand as one of the boldest missteps in broadcast history.

One thing is certain: fans tuning into ABC never saw this coming.