Joy Behar Leaving ‘The View’

Joy Behar is leaving ABC’s The View, the network confirmed Thursday.

After almost two decades on the talk show, Behar will be leaving The Viewwhen her contract is up in August. Behar told ABC she would not look to renew her contract as she wanted to explore other options.

One of those possible options for the comedienne might include a return to CNN. Behar met with CNN chief Jeff Zucker last month, and rumors quickly began circulating that Zucker wanted to add Behar to the fold in order to get the network’s ratings back up.

Behar is the last original member of the talk show besides co-creator and executive producer Barbara Walters. Both began hosting the show in 1997, although Behar originally only appeared on the days Walters was away from the show. Eventually, Behar became a regular co-host and, when Walters rejoined the talk show, the panel expanded to five. Behar has remained with the show for over 16 years, but has finally decided to move on.

“It seemed like the right time,” she said in a phone interview with 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.”

Behar added that she would like to do “an intelligent talk show where you have room to breath.” She also said she had a “positive meeting” with Zucker and that “CNN would be a great place” for her next show.

“Joy Behar has been instrumental in the success of The View from the very beginning,” ABC said 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.”

What do you think Joy Behar’s next move should be when she leaves The View? Do you think she should do an interview show on CNN?