The Joy Behar Show

The Joy Behar Show was a nightly talk show on HLN hosted by comedian and political commentator Joy Behar. Airing from 2009 to 2011, the program featured a mix of topical political discussion, celebrity interviews, and comedic commentary on current events. It served as a platform for Behar's distinct voice, expanding her role beyond her long-standing position as a co-host on ABC's The View.

Overview

Launched in the fall of 2009, the show was part of HLN's strategy to build a prime-time lineup around strong, opinionated hosts, following the success of programs like Nancy Grace. It provided a more extended and in-depth forum for Behar to engage with the day's news, distinct from the panel format of The View. The program was produced in New York City, often taping in the same day to ensure relevance to breaking stories, and it competed in the crowded late-night landscape against established shows like The Tonight Show and The Daily Show.

Format and content

The format typically opened with a monologue where Behar delivered comedic and pointed commentary on politics and pop culture, drawing from headlines in publications like The New York Times and The Washington Post. The core of each episode was a series of interviews, ranging from politicians like Nancy Pelosi and Newt Gingrich to celebrities such as Barbara Walters and Larry King. Discussions frequently centered on major events of the era, including the Affordable Care Act, the Tea Party movement, and international incidents like the Arab Spring. Recurring segments often involved audience interaction or lighter features, balancing serious debate with entertainment.

Production and broadcast history

The series was announced in August 2009, with CNN Worldwide president Jim Walton greenlighting the project for the HLN network. It premiered on October 18, 2009, in the 9 p.m. Eastern Time Zone slot, following Nancy Grace. Production was handled by Joy Behar Productions in association with HLN. After two seasons and approximately 200 episodes, CNN announced in June 2011 that the show would end the following month, with its final broadcast on July 15, 2011. The cancellation was part of a broader programming shift at the network, with the time slot eventually filled by expanded coverage of Nancy Grace.

Critical reception and ratings

Critical response was mixed; some reviewers praised Behar's accessible and sharp-witted approach to complex issues, while others found the format uneven compared to more focused political commentary on MSNBC or Fox News. In terms of ratings, the show initially drew respectable viewership, benefiting from the lead-in provided by Nancy Grace. However, over its run, it faced stiff competition and fluctuating numbers, ultimately not achieving the sustained audience growth that HLN had sought for its prime-time lineup. Its performance was often measured against rivals like The Rachel Maddow Show and The O'Reilly Factor.

Host and notable contributors

The program was defined by its host, Joy Behar, whose career spans stand-up comedy, The View, and acting roles on shows like The Comedians. Regular contributors and frequent guests included political strategists like James Carville and Mary Matalin, comedians such as Susie Essman and Richard Lewis, and media personalities like Dr. Drew Pinsky. Notable recurring panelists and commentators also featured academics and journalists, providing diverse perspectives on the debates surrounding the Obama administration and cultural happenings in Hollywood.