Barbara Walters Almost Quit The View Over Co-Host Rosie O'Donnell

It's no secret that the television world is filled with drama, and few shows exemplify this more than "The View." Throughout its history, the show has seen its fair share of tensions, feuds, and unforgettable moments among its co-hosts. The dynamic between Barbara Walters and Rosie O'Donnell is particularly notable, with their rocky relationship causing quite a stir both on-screen and off. As we explore their time together on the show, we uncover the complexities of their interactions and the underlying issues that contributed to their tumultuous partnership.

Barbara Walters, a pioneering figure in daytime television, hosted "The View" for an impressive 17 seasons, from its inception in 1997 until her retirement in 2014. During this time, she witnessed numerous co-hosts come and go, but none generated more controversy than Rosie O'Donnell. O'Donnell joined the show for one season in 2006-2007 and made a brief return in 2014, but the tension between the two women led to speculation about the dynamics behind the scenes.

Fans have long been aware of the friction between Walters and O'Donnell, but new revelations shed light on the extent of their disagreements. The tension reached a boiling point when Walters reportedly threatened to leave the show if O'Donnell were to return. This dramatic back-and-forth highlights the challenges faced by co-hosts navigating a high-stakes environment where personal and professional boundaries often blur.

Barbara Walters was prepared to leave if Rosie O'Donnell came back

Walters' strong feelings about O'Donnell's potential return to "The View" were documented in the 2019 book "Ladies Who Punch: The Explosive Inside Story of The View." According to journalist Ramin Setoodeh, Walters made it clear during a lunch meeting with then-ABC Daytime president Brian Frons that she would resign from the show if O'Donnell was re-signed. This ultimatum speaks volumes about the level of discomfort Walters felt working alongside O'Donnell.

In the book, it is mentioned that Walters expressed her frustrations openly, indicating that the prospect of O'Donnell's return was a dealbreaker for her. The tension between the two women stemmed from various incidents, including a highly publicized feud involving Donald Trump, which further strained their relationship. This situation highlights the challenges of maintaining professionalism in a setting rife with personal conflicts.

Barbara Walters and Rosie O'Donnell eventually reconciled

Despite their tumultuous history, O'Donnell has expressed remorse over their past disagreements. In a 2023 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, she reflected on their fallout and acknowledged moments where she could have handled situations differently. O'Donnell recounted a specific incident where she made an insensitive comment about Walters' daughter, Jacqueline Guber, which contributed to their strained relationship.

Although O'Donnell was unable to attend Walters' tribute after her passing, she later shared heartfelt memories of their time together. In an emotional Instagram video, O'Donnell reminisced about their shared experiences, including attending Broadway shows and navigating the backstage environment together. This acknowledgment of their past not only highlights the complexity of their relationship but also serves as a testament to the lasting impact Walters had on the television industry.

Ultimately, the story of Barbara Walters and Rosie O'Donnell serves as a reminder of the intricate dynamics that can exist in a work environment. Their journey reflects the challenges of balancing personal feelings with professional obligations, and it underscores the importance of communication and understanding in collaborative settings.