Friendship or Feud? The Surprising Truth About Joy Behar and Meghan McCain’s Relationship

For years, viewers of The View have watched the on-screen fireworks between Joy Behar and Meghan McCain—two women from vastly different political worlds who never shied away from confrontation. Their spirited (and often heated) debates became the centerpiece of the show, leaving fans to wonder: Was it all just television drama, or was there a real feud behind the scenes?

In a recent wave of interviews, leaked comments, and candid podcast appearances, the truth about Joy and Meghan’s complex relationship is finally emerging—and it’s far more layered than most imagined.

From On-Screen Clashes to Off-Camera Questions

Meghan McCain, the conservative firebrand and daughter of the late Senator John McCain, joined The View in 2017 and quickly became a polarizing presence. Joy Behar, a liberal stalwart and original panelist, often found herself at ideological odds with Meghan—sparking some of the most viral and uncomfortable moments in daytime TV history.

Their debates on everything from gun control to abortion rights to Donald Trump often escalated into personal jabs, eye-rolls, and outright interruptions. One of the most infamous moments came in 2021 when Joy sharply told Meghan,

“I did not miss you while you were on maternity leave.”

The comment, which aired live, left both the audience and Meghan visibly stunned.

“That hurt,” Meghan later admitted during a podcast appearance. “It felt like a real low blow.”

Was It Real Hate—or Just Great Television?

While some dismissed the tension as scripted drama for ratings, multiple former The View producers have since revealed that the tension was very real.

“There were days we didn’t know if Meghan and Joy would even speak off camera,” a former staffer told Page Six. “The vibe backstage could get extremely icy.”

However, other insiders say the relationship was more nuanced than the media portrayed.

“They disagreed—loudly—but there was also a weird kind of respect underneath it all,” another source claimed. “They knew their roles and played them to the extreme.”

Meghan McCain Speaks Out

Since leaving The View in 2021, Meghan McCain has become increasingly vocal about her time on the show—and particularly about her relationship with Joy.

In her memoir Bad Republican, Meghan described her working environment as “toxic” and said she often felt ganged up on by her co-hosts, especially Joy.

“Joy and I fundamentally did not like each other,” Meghan wrote. “But there were moments when I saw her humanity, and I think she saw mine.”

In various podcast interviews, Meghan has admitted that she now sees their conflict through a different lens.

“I don’t think we were ever friends. But I don’t think we were full enemies either,” she said on The Commentary Magazine Podcast. “We were just two very different women, forced into the same small table every day.”

Joy Behar Responds: “I Don’t Hold Grudges”

Joy Behar, who’s known for her blunt honesty and biting humor, has also addressed the situation, though more diplomatically than many expected.

“Look, we clashed. We argued. That’s the show,” Behar told Entertainment Tonight. “But I don’t carry that home with me. I don’t hold grudges.”

When asked if she’d ever sit down with Meghan for coffee or a public reunion, Joy laughed and replied:

“Stranger things have happened.”

Joy has also emphasized the importance of having diverse opinions at the table, even if it meant uncomfortable moments.

“The View isn’t The View without different views,” she said. “Meghan brought that, whether people liked it or not.”

The Internet Picks Sides

Social media has long been a battleground for fans of both women. During Meghan’s time on The View, hashtags like #TeamJoy and #TeamMeghan trended regularly.

Many viewers admired Meghan’s courage to stand her ground in a hostile environment, while others accused her of being combative and disrespectful.

Likewise, Joy was hailed as a no-nonsense truth-teller by some—and labeled a bully by others.

Now that both women have spoken more openly, public perception is beginning to shift. A recent Reddit thread analyzing their relationship drew thousands of comments, with many users agreeing that the truth likely lies somewhere in the middle.

Could a Reunion Ever Happen?

With The View often inviting back former co-hosts for special appearances, fans are now wondering if a Behar–McCain reunion could be on the horizon.

Executive producers have not ruled it out, and Meghan herself recently said she wouldn’t be opposed to a “respectful, non-political” guest spot, if asked.

“It would depend on the tone,” she said. “I wouldn’t want it to become a circus.”

Joy, for her part, seems less invested in revisiting the drama.

“I’m 81. I’m not wasting energy on reruns,” she quipped during a recent View segment.

Still, if there’s one thing The View does well, it’s surprising its audience.

What Their Dynamic Reveals About America

Beyond TV ratings and celebrity gossip, the Behar–McCain clash represented something deeper: a reflection of the polarized political climate in America.

Two smart, passionate women—representing opposite ends of the spectrum—trying (and often failing) to find common ground. Their tension mirrored what many families and friendships across the country were experiencing during a divisive era.

“We were like a living, breathing culture war,” Meghan once joked. “Just with more coffee and cameras.”

Final Thoughts

So, was it a friendship or a feud? The answer is: it was both—and neither. Joy Behar and Meghan McCain may never be best friends, but their relationship was real, raw, and ultimately compelling.

As the dust settles and time adds perspective, one thing is clear: their fiery exchanges helped shape The View into a cultural juggernaut—and reminded viewers that disagreement, when done right, doesn’t always have to end in destruction.

It can end in understanding. Or at the very least, unforgettable television.

Would you like a follow-up article exploring Meghan McCain’s current career moves post-The View?