The View Cast & Crew

Created in 1997 by veteran journalist Barbara Walters, "The View" is a morning talk show with a twist: it's hosted by five women, including Walters, comedian Joy Behar and conservative "Survivor" alumna Elizabeth Hasselbeck, each of whom offers her own unique take on the day's news during the opening "Hot Topics" segment. Later, the ladies welcome various TV/film/music celebrities, who join them for a chat and/or perform for the studio audience. The show also offers tips on beauty, fashion, diet and relationships. Known for their free-wheeling hosting style, the ladies often find themselves lampooned on late night sketch shows. Debbie Matenopoulos was the original "youth-oriented" host; she left the show in 1999 to pursue other opportunities. After a long nationwide search, her seat at the "View" table was filled by "Channel One" reporter Lisa Ling. Ling subsequently left in 2002, and another search was underway. The winner? Elizabeth Hasselbeck (maiden name: Filarski), a former sneaker designer and contestant on CBS' "Survivor: The Australian Outback." In 2006, Vieira left "The View" to take over for Katie Couric on NBC's "Today" show, and was replaced by former talk show host/comedian/actress Rosie O'Donnell, who left in June 2007 after she and the producers could not agree on contract terms.