In a blockbuster deal that has sent shockwaves through the media world, Disney has sold its ABC network for $20 billion. The new owner, reportedly a consortium led by a private equity firm, has wasted no time making controversial decisions, including the announcement of plans to cancel The View.
The new leadership has gone so far as to label the daytime talk show as the “worst show ever.”
The sale of ABC is part of Disney’s broader strategy to refocus its resources on streaming, theme parks, and its core content franchises.
Amid ongoing financial pressures, including rising production costs and declining cable viewership, Disney CEO Bob Iger had hinted at a possible divestment of ABC. The sale was finalized earlier this week, marking a seismic shift in the television landscape.
The cancellation of The View has been one of the first major announcements by the new ownership. For over 25 years, the show has been a cornerstone of ABC’s daytime programming, known for its panel of diverse women engaging in spirited debates on politics, culture, and social issues.
While the show has consistently delivered strong ratings, it has also been a lightning rod for controversy.
According to sources close to the new ownership, the decision to axe The View stems from the belief that the program has become more divisive than entertaining.
“We want to build a network that focuses on uplifting, inclusive, and entertaining content,” one executive stated. “The View no longer aligns with our vision. It’s the epitome of the kind of programming we want to leave behind.”
The backlash to the announcement has been swift. Fans of the show have taken to social media to express their disappointment and outrage, with hashtags like #SaveTheView trending online. “This is a travesty. The View is an essential platform for women’s voices,” one user tweeted.
Others, however, have applauded the decision, echoing the new owner’s critique. “Finally, someone said it. That show is a mess,” another user wrote.
For the co-hosts of The View, the cancellation comes at a turbulent time. Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, and their fellow panelists have yet to comment publicly, but insiders suggest the news has left them “stunned.”
The show has often been a lightning rod for political discourse, and while it has drawn loyal viewership, it has also faced criticism for its often polarizing content and on-air arguments.
Media analysts have weighed in on the decision, with many questioning whether canceling The View is the right move.
“Love it or hate it, The View has been a defining part of ABC’s identity for decades,” one industry insider noted. “This is a risky decision that could alienate a large portion of ABC’s daytime audience.”
The new ownership has indicated plans to replace The View with a fresh format aimed at attracting younger viewers. While details remain scarce, insiders hint at a live talk show with a lighter tone, focusing on pop culture, entertainment, and positive stories.
The goal is to rebrand ABC as a network that appeals to modern, diverse audiences without the polarizing edge of past programming.
Disney’s decision to sell ABC and the subsequent overhaul have raised broader questions about the future of traditional broadcast networks.
With the rise of streaming platforms and the decline of linear television, networks like ABC face an uphill battle to stay relevant. The sale and the bold decisions that follow could set a precedent for how legacy networks adapt—or fail to adapt—in an evolving media landscape.
As ABC enters this new chapter, the fate of its iconic programs, including The View, underscores the challenges of balancing audience expectations with a fresh vision.
While some will mourn the loss of the show that redefined daytime television, others see it as an overdue shift toward something new.
For now, the future of ABC lies in the hands of its new owners, who seem determined to make their mark—no matter how controversial the path may be.
Whether their gamble will pay off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: The View’s long and storied run is coming to an abrupt end.