Bill Maher Says ‘The View’ Fails as Role Model for Women

HBO host Bill Maher used a new episode of his “Club Random” podcast to criticize ABC’s daytime panel show “The View,” telling guest Drew Barrymore that the program’s five co-hosts are “not the best advertisement for women.” Maher, who said he is personally friendly with panelists Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar, described the show as “a lot” and argued that some of its on-air commentary is unhelpful, particularly on political issues that influence elections. Maher’s remarks add to a long-running back-and-forth with the talk show. In May 2024 he appeared on “The View” and sparred with co-host Sunny Hostin over Israel’s war with Hamas; more recently he faulted Goldberg for comparing the experience of Black Americans with the treatment of women in Iran. While affirming his affection for individual hosts, Maher said the program’s overall approach weakens its credibility and, by extension, its representation of women’s perspectives on national television.