Bill Maher Takes Aim at The View Hosts: “Not the Best Advertisement for Women”

HBO host and comedian Bill Maher had blunt words for the co-hosts of ABC’s The View this week, questioning whether the daytime talk show’s panel is a strong representative of women’s voices in the current political climate.

Speaking on his Club Random podcast with actress and fellow talk show host Drew Barrymore, Maher acknowledged his personal fondness for the women of The View but suggested their public persona doesn’t always serve the causes they support.

“And I like everyone,” Maher told Barrymore, “but I don’t know if they’re really at this moment the best advertisement for women.”

A Show That’s “A Lot”

The topic arose when Barrymore invited Maher to appear on The Drew Barrymore Show. That invitation prompted Maher to bring up his friendships with some View panelists, including Joy Behar, and his candid impressions of their program.

“I’m friendly with some of the ladies on The View and I love them,” Maher said, “but, like, that show’s a lot.”

Barrymore noted Behar’s recent guest appearance on her own show, and Maher responded warmly — “I love Joy” — but quickly made clear he’s not always on board with the ABC hosts’ messaging.

“They say some things that are just like, not helpful, say to elections,” Maher remarked.

Past Clashes on the Panel

Maher has first-hand experience sparring with The View co-hosts. In May 2024, he appeared on the show and clashed with Sunny Hostin over Israel’s conduct in its war with Hamas.

Hostin argued that Israel was killing innocent Palestinian civilians and children, but Maher pushed back. He stressed that while he cares deeply about innocent lives, he believes Israel has the right to defend itself — and that Hamas bears responsibility for ending civilian casualties.

“That’s what happens in a war. Here’s a way to stop that: stop attacking Israel,” Maher said during that exchange.

Criticism of Whoopi Goldberg’s Comments

Maher’s recent podcast comments aren’t the first time he’s taken aim at The View’s high-profile hosts. In July, he publicly criticized Whoopi Goldberg for comparing the oppression of Black people in the United States to the oppression of women in Iran.

Speaking to progressive commentator Brian Tyler Cohen on Club Random, Maher called the remark an example of what he sees as overreach from the “stupid woke” faction of the left.

“Love her, but when she said a couple weeks ago that being Black was the same as being a woman in Iran, it’s like, yeah, in 1920, but not today,” Maher said.

Familiar Maher Approach

The HBO host has long been outspoken about what he sees as political missteps, particularly on the left, often blending humor with criticism in ways that spark strong reactions. While Maher insists he respects and even likes the women on The View, his latest remarks underscore his belief that their commentary can sometimes alienate voters or weaken political messaging.

Whether those comments will prompt a response from the ABC talk show remains to be seen. But Maher’s bluntness is unlikely to surprise viewers familiar with his willingness to challenge allies and opponents alike — and to do it in front of a microphone.