In an electrifying May 2025 interview with DailyMail.com, Fox News anchor Harris Faulkner made a stunning critique of The View co-host Joy Behar, describing her approach as “toxic” and “narrow-minded.” This bombshell statement comes after Faulkner’s The Faulkner Focus overtook The View in viewership for the first time, signaling a seismic shift in the daytime TV landscape. Faulkner, known for her six Emmy wins and calm, fact-driven style, didn’t hold back as she slammed Behar’s polarizing, drama-fueled style, setting the stage for an all-out media battle.

 

Faulkner’s Meteoric Rise: Dominating Daytime TV

Harris Faulkner has steadily built a reputation as a respected voice in the news industry, known for her measured, insightful approach to reporting. As the anchor of The Faulkner Focus and co-host of Outnumbered, Faulkner’s popularity has skyrocketed in recent years. Her focus on clarity, respect, and balanced reporting has earned her a loyal following, particularly after The Faulkner Focus became one of Fox News’ most successful daytime shows since its 2021 launch.

Faulkner’s remarkable rise culminated in January 2025, when her show surpassed The View in the ratings for the first time, earning 2.552 million viewers compared to Behar’s 2.508 million. This achievement wasn’t just about numbers—it was a sign that audiences were increasingly tuning in for a different kind of daytime news: focused on facts and clarity, not sensationalism.

The Takedown: Faulkner Unleashes on Behar

In her explosive May 2025 interview, Faulkner didn’t mince words when discussing Behar’s confrontational style on The View. Faulkner described Behar’s approach as “toxic” and “narrow-minded,” accusing her of fueling “shouting matches” rather than fostering constructive discussions. “Joy’s style is all about stirring the pot, not finding common ground or getting to the truth,” Faulkner said. “It’s drama for drama’s sake.”

The critique was scathing, with Faulkner calling out The View for sensationalizing political issues and creating a culture of division. “They’re more interested in drama than dialogue,” she remarked. “It’s about headlines, not substance.”

Faulkner specifically pointed to a controversial 2023 The View segment where Behar amplified a divisive comparison that Faulkner found “heartless” and “out of touch with global realities.” Faulkner suggested that Behar’s constant cleaning up after provocative remarks was a sign that the show was prioritizing drama over meaningful discussion.

The Ratings Victory: Faulkner’s Historic Milestone

Faulkner’s comments came at a time when her show was riding high after surpassing The View in ratings. This milestone was significant, as The View has long been a powerhouse in daytime television, especially known for its celebrity-driven debates. In contrast, The Faulkner Focus built its audience with a focus on clear, factual reporting, making it a stark alternative to the often emotional and partisan rhetoric of The View.

“People don’t want shouting matches at 11 a.m.,” Faulkner remarked in the interview. “They want to be informed, not inflamed. They want respect, not rage.”

A Cultural Shift: The Demand for Respect and Substance

The growing popularity of The Faulkner Focus represents more than just a ratings battle. It’s a cultural shift in how audiences consume news. As the political landscape becomes more polarized, viewers are increasingly seeking a return to journalistic integrity—fact-based reporting delivered with professionalism and respect. Faulkner’s triumph underscores a broader demand for news that provides clarity and insight, rather than stoking division.

“Respect and truth matter,” Faulkner said. “That’s what my show is built on.”

Faulkner vs. Behar: A Rivalry That Defines Daytime TV

The rivalry between Faulkner and Behar has become a defining feature of daytime television, symbolizing two very different approaches to news and entertainment. Behar, known for her fiery commentary and provocative style, has built The View around intense, emotional debates. But as Faulkner’s ratings rise and her focus on respectful, fact-driven journalism resonates with audiences, it’s clear that the days of relying solely on controversy may be numbered.

In contrast, Faulkner’s style is grounded in clear analysis, calm discussion, and professional integrity—qualities that are increasingly in demand among viewers tired of partisan bickering and sensationalism.

The Road Ahead: A Rivalry for the Ages

As the battle between Faulkner and Behar intensifies, the future of daytime TV may hinge on the outcome of this rivalry. Will Behar and The View adjust their approach to stay relevant, or will they continue to embrace the dramatic, confrontational style that has defined their success? Can Faulkner maintain her momentum, offering a new vision for what daytime TV can be—a space for reasoned, insightful conversation?

The stakes are high, and with their differing visions for the future of the industry, the rivalry between Faulkner and Behar could redefine how daytime television operates in the years to come.

Conclusion: Faulkner’s Legacy in Daytime TV

Harris Faulkner’s recent comments and rise to prominence reflect a broader shift in the media landscape. As one of the few voices remaining in daytime television committed to journalistic integrity, Faulkner’s success represents a win for viewers seeking a more balanced, fact-based approach to the news.

Her feud with Behar is more than just a personal rivalry—it’s a fight for the future of the genre itself. Whether Faulkner can continue to lead the charge for substance and respect in the media world remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: she’s not backing down from the challenge. The future of daytime television is being rewritten, and Harris Faulkner is at the forefront of this transformation.