During his Club Random podcast, Bill Maher took aim at ABC’s The View, telling Drew Barrymore that while he’s friendly with the co-hosts, their on-air style and political commentary are “a lot” and “not… the best advertisement for women.” Maher argued that some of their remarks are “not helpful… to elections,” warning that high-profile missteps can have real political consequences. Will The View fire back after Maher’s blunt critique? Get the full story 👇👇👇

Bill Maher Says “The View” Hosts Are Not “the Best Advertisement for Women”

Maher’s Latest Critique of the ABC Daytime Panel
HBO host Bill Maher sparked headlines this week after publicly questioning whether the five women who host ABC’s The View are the most effective representatives for women on television. Speaking on his Club Random podcast, Maher told guest Drew Barrymore that while he personally likes and respects the co-hosts, their on-air style and political commentary often leave him concerned about their impact on viewers and elections.

The Conversation That Prompted His Remarks
The exchange began when Barrymore invited Maher to visit New York City to appear on her own daytime show. This prompted Maher to reflect on his long-standing friendships with some of the View panelists, a group that currently includes Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, Sara Haines, and Alyssa Farah Griffin.

“I’m friendly with some of the ladies on The View and I love them,” Maher said. “But, like, that show’s a lot. And I like everyone, but I don’t know if they’re really at this moment the best advertisement for women.”

A Show Known for Heated Political Debates
Since its debut in 1997, The View has blended celebrity interviews with pointed discussions on politics and social issues, often producing moments that go viral. For Maher, the problem isn’t the idea of women leading a political discussion—it’s the way certain arguments are framed. “They say some things that are just like, not helpful, say to elections,” Maher told Barrymore, noting that missteps on such a high-profile platform can have real political consequences.

Past On-Air Clashes With the Panel
Maher’s critical view of The View isn’t purely theoretical. In May 2024, he appeared as a guest on the show and engaged in a tense exchange with Sunny Hostin over Israel’s war with Hamas. Hostin accused Israel of murdering innocent Palestinian civilians and children, while Maher countered that Israel has a right to defend itself against Hamas.

“That’s what happens in a war,” Maher said on the program. “Here’s a way to stop that—stop attacking Israel.” His bluntness drew pushback from Hostin and sparked heated discussion online, reflecting the show’s ability to amplify moments into national debates.

Taking Issue With Whoopi Goldberg’s Comments on Iran
Maher’s critique also extends beyond the episode he appeared in. In July, Whoopi Goldberg drew comparisons between the oppression of Black people in America and the oppression of women in Iran. Maher, speaking on his podcast with progressive commentator Brian Tyler Cohen, labeled the remark an example of the “stupid woke” left—a term he reserves for what he sees as exaggerated or historically inaccurate claims made by progressives.

“Love her,” Maher said of Goldberg, “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’s Balancing Act Between Friendship and Criticism
Maher was quick to emphasize that his critique is not personal. He described himself as genuinely fond of the co-hosts, particularly Joy Behar, with whom he’s shared decades of television appearances and private friendship. Still, Maher believes affection doesn’t exempt someone from accountability, especially when their words carry national influence.

An Ongoing Theme in Maher’s Commentary
In recent years, Maher has positioned himself as a liberal who is unafraid to challenge progressive orthodoxy. While his critiques often target Republicans and right-wing talking points, he has devoted increasing airtime to what he considers overreaches by the left. He argues that extreme rhetoric can alienate centrist voters and hand political victories to opponents.

The Cultural Influence of “The View”
Part of what makes Maher’s criticism resonate is The View’s unique place in daytime television. With millions of viewers each week, the program remains a rare space where women dominate the political conversation in mainstream media. Its panelists wield influence not only over their audience but also within the broader political media ecosystem, as their most provocative statements are frequently picked up by news outlets across the political spectrum.

The Fine Line Between Representation and Polarization
Maher’s “best advertisement for women” comment touches on a larger cultural debate: should programs like The View prioritize representing diverse perspectives among women, even if that means occasional missteps, or should they be more cautious in their rhetoric to maintain political effectiveness? For Maher, the balance currently skews toward statements that energize partisans but fail to persuade the broader electorate.

Why the Remarks Landed Now
Maher’s comments arrive in a political climate where both parties are acutely aware of the power of media personalities to influence elections. With the 2024 presidential race still fresh in voters’ minds and 2026 midterms already in the early stages of political calculation, talk show hosts—whether on cable news, late-night comedy, or daytime TV—are being scrutinized for their role in shaping public opinion.

The Potential Fallout for “The View”
While it’s unlikely Maher’s comments will significantly harm the program—The View has weathered decades of controversy—they do add fuel to the long-running critique that the show sometimes prioritizes viral soundbites over substantive, persuasive debate. Supporters of the program argue that its conversational style is precisely what makes it relatable and that heated exchanges are part of healthy democratic discourse.

Maher’s Broader Media Philosophy
Maher’s latest jab fits into his broader media philosophy: that entertainers with political platforms should strive for intellectual rigor and avoid alienating large swaths of potential allies. Whether discussing climate policy, free speech, or international conflicts, Maher often urges fellow liberals to think strategically rather than emotionally.

Looking Ahead
It remains to be seen whether Maher will return to The View after his recent critique. Given his history of sparring with its co-hosts, another appearance could easily become a headline-making event. For now, his comments have reignited discussions about the intersection of gender representation, political communication, and entertainment.

The Larger Takeaway
Maher’s remarks about The View may have been delivered casually in conversation with Drew Barrymore, but they underscore a tension that runs through much of American political media: the struggle between passionate advocacy and strategic persuasion. Whether one agrees with Maher or not, his critique reflects a belief that words matter—and that in the high-stakes arena of national politics, even a daytime talk show can shape the outcome.