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Ana Navarro returned to The View for her first episode of 2020. The political analyst is a regular co-host on Friday shows when Whoopi Goldberg takes the day off and Joy Behar substitutes as moderator. Navarro’s first appearance on the show in the new year coincided with Meghan McCain’s absence. Fans noticed the change in tone at the panel and took to Twitter to celebrate.

Meghan McCain and Ana Navarro
Meghan McCain and Ana Navarro | Lorenzo Bevilaqua/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images

Fans celebrate Meghan McCain’s absence

While McCain was gone for personal reasons, Navarro rejoined the co-hosts at the “Hot Topics” table. Taking McCain’s chair was Yvette Nicole Brown, who has been a frequent guest in the past.

“The last few days without Meghan you have really shined and I especially loved listening to your views on sex [education],” a fan tweeted Huntsman. “Can we have more of this Abby? I love hearing [from] you.”

“What a great hour,” a viewer commented. “Everyone wasn’t in 100% agreement but all views were presented and received in a friendly, respectful manner. No Meghan pouting and sulking. Let’s face it, even Whoopi occasionally pontificates instead of just offering an opinion. Perfect mix today.”

“I loved this dynamic, it felt like a conversation among friends,” a Twitter user added. “Abby is great when Meghan isn’t there. I did not miss the nose twitch, scowls, huffs, puffs, and yelling that Meghan encompasses.”

“I’m so happy I could see The View without Meghan McCain crying ‘poor me,'” another fan said. “Entitlement at its finest, biggest snowflake next to husband and in-laws. She’s not professional.”

“Can we trade Meghan for Ana full-time, please?” a viewer asked.

Why was Meghan McCain gone from ‘The View’?

On Thursday’s show, Goldberg announced that McCain would be off until the following Monday. The moderator did not say why the conservative co-host was missing but it coincided with a report saying her castmates were not talking to her.

“They aren’t speaking to each other. It’s been about a month. None of the ladies talk to Meghan now,” an inside source told Page Six. “Abby was the last woman standing. It’s bad. Meghan’s so rude.”

Another insider tried to play down the alleged tension there’s on the ABC talk show.

“Of course [McCain is] polarizing, but that’s the point of the show. It’s always going to be tense after big arguments and we’re living in a polarized time, but there is no hate going on,” the source told Fox News. “She brings views to represent the other side and it can really irk people.”

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Furthermore, Page Six reported that McCain had already informed producers she would be missing out on Friday’s show, but Thursday’s absence was a surprise.

“She stayed home for a personal matter,” the source told Page Six. People also corroborates this information reporting that McCain’s absence was due to “family reasons.”

McCain has not addressed the controversy her absence has generated but is expected to return to the show on Monday.

The View airs weekdays at 11 a.m. ET and 10 a.m. PT/CT on ABC.

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