Full Breakdown
Rosie O'Donnell Confirms Guest Appearance for “The View” 30th-Anniversary Special
8/4/2026, 4:01:19 AM
Core Event
On Monday, August 3, comedian and former daytime-talk-show host Rosie O'Donnell announced on *The Tangle with Kyle Ridley* podcast that she will appear “just as a guest” in the upcoming 30th-anniversary season of ABC’s *The View*.
Background & Context
Rosie O'Donnell first joined *The View* in September 2006, replacing co-host Meredith Vieira, and left after a heated on-air dispute with co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck in May 2007. She returned for a second stint in September 2014 but departed again in February 2015 following a “tense” dynamic with moderator Whoopi Goldberg. Since then O'Donnell has lived in Ireland, citing the political climate under President Donald Trump as a factor in her relocation.
Timeline
- August 3 (scheduled) – O'Donnell reveals on *The Tangle* podcast her intention to appear as a guest for the 30th-anniversary season.
- July 27 (scheduled) – In an Instagram post, O'Donnell says she will remain in Ireland as her child begins eighth grade and denies rumors of a late-night hosting gig.
- September 8 (scheduled) – *The View* is slated to premiere Season 30, which will include the anniversary special.
Official Statements & Responses
The same representative confirmed that co-host Ana Navarro had informally suggested O'Donnell’s participation, but no official invitation has been extended. ABC and current co-hosts have not responded to requests for comment.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I will go on the 30th anniversary next [season], and be on in whatever way they want me,” — Rosie O’Donnell
- “They’re bringing back all the hosts, I think,” — Rosie O’Donnell
- “I admire [Whoopi], wanted to be on her team. I admire her EGOT status. I have respect for her. And I expected we would be like Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan passing the ball back and forth and then shooting and leading the team to victory,” — Rosie O'Donnell
- “And I think maybe she felt encroached upon in some way, and I was not trying to encroach,” — Rosie O'Donnell
Why It Matters
O'Donnell’s potential appearance marks the first time she will return to *The View* since her 2015 departure, and it underscores the program’s strategy of revisiting former panelists for its 30th-anniversary celebration.
What’s Next
*The View*’s 30th-anniversary special is expected to air during the season premiere on September 8. O'Donnell’s representatives indicated that negotiations about the format of her guest appearance are ongoing, and no definitive schedule has been announced.
