Fitness trainer and television personality Jillian Michaels sharply criticized “The View” co-host Joy Behar during a Friday episode of the podcast “Actual Friends,” repeatedly calling the longtime daytime host a “bitch” while discussing the ABC program and Behar’s past comments.

Michaels made the remarks while appearing with podcast co-host Dr. Drew.

During the episode, Dr. Drew criticized rhetoric he associated with “The View,” prompting Michaels to interrupt and share her own criticism of Behar.

Michaels said her frustration with Behar dated back years, including the period when Michaels appeared as a coach on the reality television show “The Biggest Loser.”

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Michaels served on the program until she officially left in 2014.

During the podcast discussion, Michaels delivered a blunt assessment of the television host.

“Joy’s a bitch! She’s such a bitch, and she’s been a bitch for years. I used to deal with her back in the ‘Biggest Loser’ days when she would go after me because she was overweight and unhealthy and just a crotchety old bitchy broad,” Michaels said.

“And she’s a bitch. And she’s always been a bitch. Sorry, doc.”

The exchange occurred during a broader conversation about political commentary on daytime television.

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Michaels’ remarks referenced past disagreements with Behar during the years Michaels was active on “The Biggest Loser,” a weight-loss competition program that aired on NBC.

Behar has been a longtime co-host of “The View,” the ABC daytime talk show that features panel discussions on political and cultural issues.

The program regularly includes commentary on current events and has frequently drawn criticism from political figures and commentators over statements made by its hosts.

Other public figures have also criticized the program in recent years.

Comedian and HBO host Bill Maher discussed “The View” during an August 2025 episode of his “Club Random” podcast.

While explaining his familiarity with some members of the show’s panel, Maher questioned whether the current lineup reflected the best image of women in public debate.

“I love Whoopi [Goldberg] and Joy, those are the two I really know. And I did it like a year ago and I liked everybody,” Maher said.

“But like, I don’t know if they’re really, at this moment, the best advertisement for women.”

Maher continued his criticism by suggesting that comments made on the show sometimes carried political consequences.

“They say some things that are just, like, not helpful, like, say, to elections,” he added.

Maher had previously appeared as a guest on “The View” in May 2024, where he engaged in a discussion with Behar about political commentary and criticism of then-President Joe Biden.

During that exchange, Behar asked Maher whether he hesitated to criticize Biden publicly because of concerns about influencing voters.

“I’m nervous about saying anything against Biden because I feel, not that I have so much power — and you have some more than I do obviously. Are you afraid that might influence people who are on the fence?” Behar asked.

Maher responded that he believed avoiding criticism could damage a commentator’s credibility.

“I think you lose all credibility. I do. I mean, my bond with my audience has always been [that] I don’t pull a punch,” Maher said.

“My bond with my audience is you’re not gonna like everything I say, but you know I’m saying what I really think is true.”

Political figures have also weighed in on the show.

Republican Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana discussed the program during a November 2025 appearance on “The Benny Show,” where he said he had no plans to appear as a guest.

“I will not be going on ‘The View.’ In fact, my version of hell is being required to watch reruns of ‘The View’ for the rest of eternity,” Kennedy said.

“I have no interest in going on,” the senator added. “I’d rather be poked in the eye with a sharp stick.”

The program’s guest lineup has also drawn scrutiny.

According to the Media Research Center, “The View” had not hosted any conservative guests who openly supported President Donald Trump during 2025 as of July 30.

However, Savannah Chrisley, who has publicly supported President Trump, appeared on the show as a guest host in February while co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin was on maternity leave.

Chrisley filled in during the temporary absence as the panel continued its regular broadcast schedule.

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