Why Alyssa Farah Griffin Is Unexpectedly Missing From ‘The View’

Entertainment Gossip and News

1. The Flu Strikes The View: A Co-Host Down, Another on the Mend
   Just as audiences of The View were celebrating the return of Whoopi Goldberg after her bout with the flu, another co-host, Alyssa Farah Griffin, fell ill. The flu season has been particularly brutal this year, and it seems no one is immune—not even the hosts of one of daytime TV’s most popular shows. On Monday, February 24, Whoopi Goldberg, 69, made her return to the show, albeit still sounding under the weather. She coughed her way through her opening remarks, jokingly noting, "So Alyssa’s out sick, I’m back." Despite her recovery, Goldberg didn’t mince words about her experience, describing the flu as "awful" and recounting how her body ached, her head hurt, and even her cat kept its distance—a humorous but relatable touch for anyone who’s ever felt utterly miserable with the flu.

2. Whoopi’s Harrowing Bout and the Flu Shot Debate
   Goldberg, ever the trooper, returned to work less than a week after falling ill, a fact that left some viewersraising eyebrows. She did, however, acknowledge that she’d gotten a flu shot, which she credited for shortening the duration of her illness compared to friends who hadn’t been vaccinated. Still, her lingering cough and congested voice left some members of the studio audience and social media commenters concerned. On the show’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, a clip of Goldberg’s return sparked debate, with one user writing, "Whoopi is still coughing, sounds congested, talking about how it was so bad her bones hurt, but she’s back to work less than a week later." Others shared similar sentiments, questioning whether she should have taken more time to recover. Amid the criticism, there was also sympathy. One commenter shared their own experience, writing, "I got the flu shot too, and still I got the flu! This year was the worst!" It’s a reminder that, even with precautions, the flu can be unpredictable.

3. Cohosts Rally Around Whoopi
   While Goldberg’s health was the main topic of discussion, her cohosts—Ana Navarro, Sunny Hostin, and Sara Haines—were quick to offer their support. The trio listened with empathy as Goldberg recounted her ordeal, their expressions a mix of concern and camaraderie. Navarro, Hostin, and Haines are no strangers to the challenges of live television, and their warmth toward Goldberg highlighted the strong bond between the cohosts. Together, they reassured her and the audience that she was doing better and that the show must go on. The moment was a small but heartfelt reminder of the placeholders of teamwork and friendship that keep The View running smoothly, even when life throws curveballs.

4. Alyssa Farah Griffin’s Absence Creates Speculation
   As Goldberg returned, attention shifted to her absent cohost, Alyssa Farah Griffin, 35, who was also sidelined due to illness. The show didn’t specify whether Griffin had the flu or another ailment, leaving viewers to speculate. Given the timing—and Goldberg’s recent illness—it’s hard not to wonder if the two incidents are related. If Griffin does have the flu, it wouldn’t be surprising, given how contagious the virus is, especially in close-knit work environments like a TV set. Whether or not Griffin’s illness is flu-related, her absence serves as another reminder of how the virus has disrupted lives this season.

5. Social Media Weighs In: The Debate Over Working While Sick
   Whoopi Goldberg’s decision to return to work while still recovering sparked a wider conversation on social media about the pressures of working through illness, particularly in high-profile jobs like television. Some users praised her dedication, calling her a "warrior" for powering through. Others, however, questioned whether she—and by extension, the show’s producers—should have prioritized her recovery over returning to work. One user bluntly wrote, "You are still coughing, which means you are sick. Should have stayed home." The debate isn’t unique to Goldberg or The View; it’s a broader cultural issue about workplace expectations and the stigma around taking time off for illness. As flu season rages on, it’s a conversation that’s unlikely to fade anytime soon.

6. Looking Ahead: Recovery and Resilience
   For now, fans of The View will have to wait and see when Alyssa Farah Griffin returns to her seat at the table. The show’s producers haven’t provided a timeline for her recovery, but it’s likely she’ll be back as soon as she’s feeling better. In the meantime, Goldberg and her cohosts will continue to carry the show, bringing their signature blend of humor, debate, and camaraderie to the table. As the flu continues to circulate, one thing is clear: this year’s season has been a reminder of the fragility of health and the importance of taking care of ourselves—and each other. For Goldberg, Griffin, and anyone else navigating the flu, here’s hoping for a speedy recovery and a return to full strength soon.