Rosie O'Donnell has confirmed she will return to "The View" for its 30th season, appearing as a guest for the show's anniversary special.
O'Donnell announced her participation on a recent episode of the "Tangle With Kyle Ridley" podcast, stating she would be involved "in whatever way they want" her. She expressed pride in the program, noting how it "really speaks to the people and to politics."
She speculated that "all the hosts" might be invited back for the anniversary. O'Donnell previously co-hosted "The View" for its 10th season in 2007 and again for the 18th season in 2015. Her first departure followed a public on-air disagreement with then-co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck.
Regarding her second tenure, O'Donnell recalled a "tense" dynamic with co-host Whoopi Goldberg. She explained on the podcast that while she admired Goldberg and aimed for a collaborative partnership, it did not unfold as expected. O'Donnell suggested Goldberg might have felt "encroached upon," contributing to their difficult working relationship.
However, O'Donnell stated that any past awkwardness has been resolved, emphasizing that they are "grown ass women" who now have mutual respect. She acknowledged that the show's past environment, which she described as a "factory where people were being churned in and out," may have contributed to difficulties for co-hosts.
O'Donnell also commented on the show's production during her time, noting that a male executive was overseeing a program created by and for women, which she found problematic. She has previously expressed reservations about returning to daily co-hosting roles, stating in a 2023 interview that it was "not the best use of my talent to get in a show where I have to argue and defend basic principles of humanity and kindness."
Reps for O'Donnell, Goldberg, and ABC did not immediately respond to requests for comment.