In the years since its debut, ABC’s The View hasn’t been a stranger to controversies. The talk show has experienced an array of uncomfortable situations, with many of them stemming from comments made by its pundits. Just recently, co-host Meghan McCain came under fire for past comments made in relation to Asian Americans and the COVID-19 pandemic. This recent situation, however, does not seem to have negatively impacted the show’s viewership, as it would appear the show is greatly succeeding in that regard.
A press release from ABC reports that for the week of March 8, 2021, The View was ranked No. 1 in Households and Total Viewers, 2.1 rtg and 2.738 million, respectively. With this, the show took the top spot in all 25 weeks of original telecasts during this TV season in Households and 24 of 25 weeks in Total Viewers. During that week, The View led the daytime network and syndicated talk shows and news programs. Behind the show were Live with Kelly and Ryan (1.8 rtg and 2.504 million, respectively), Dr. Phil (1.7 rtg and 2.250 million, respectively) and NBC’s Today Third Hour (1.5 rtg and 2.130 million, respectively).
In terms of season to date, the show ranks No. 1 in Households and Total Viewers (2.2 rtg and 2.970 million, respectively). This actually marks a first for the show in its 24-year history at this point in a season.
During the week of March 15, The View also averaged 2.734 million Total Viewers, with an estimated 379,000 in the Women 25-54 demographic and roughly 256,000 from that of the Women 18-49 demo. This is all based on Live+ Same Day Data from Nielsen Media Research.
In addition, The View is also thriving and surpassing numbers of last season. Compared to this point in time last season, the show is up in Total Viewers by 13%. In terms of numbers, this season has garnered 2.970 million compared to last season’s 2.628 million. And the numbers in the Women 25-54 demographic have seen a 1% increase (from 390,000 to 395,000). All in all, The View has reportedly earned its most watched season in the past six years, more specifically since the 2014-2015 season.
These are pretty impressive numbers, especially when you consider the daytime competition The View is currently up against. It would seem that viewers are more than engaged, despite the controversies.
The most recent situation began when Meghan McCain tweeted in support of stopping the recent violence aimed at Asian Americans in the midst of the pandemic. However, during a segment on Last Week Tonight, John Oliver recalled comments made by the host that seemed to contradict her sentiments. Back in March 2020, McCain said on air that while she did not agree with stereotyping Asian Americans, she had no problem with then-President Donald Trump referring to COVID-19 as “the China Virus.” Since the segment aired, McCain responded, apologizing for her past comments.
It remains to be seen if The View’s ratings will continue to hold as the television season continues. But we’ll be sure to keep you posted as more updates on viewership arrive.
You can check out The View weekdays on ABC at 11 a.m. ET.
