Elisabeth Hasselbeck’s return to *The View* has stirred up a mix of nostalgia and surprise among fans, especially given the dramatic circumstances surrounding her departure nearly a decade ago.

After co-hosting the show from 2003 to 2013, Hasselbeck was unexpectedly let go when producers informed her that her contract would not be renewed as the show was shifting to a “less political direction.”

This news left her feeling shocked and betrayed, as she recounted in her memoir, *Point of View*.

Hasselbeck described the moment she was informed as overwhelming, stating, “I could not breathe – literally, could not breathe.”

She spent a significant amount of time in distress, grappling with feelings of confusion and betrayal. Despite her appreciation for her time on the show, she was left questioning what she could have done differently to avoid the firing.

In a notable incident prior to her departure, Hasselbeck had a heated exchange with co-hosts Barbara Walters and Joy Behar, which almost led her to quit the show during a commercial break. This moment highlighted the intense dynamics and conflicts that often played out on the panel.

Now, nearly ten years later, Hasselbeck is set to return temporarily to co-host the show, coinciding with the anticipated arrival of Alyssa Farah Griffin as Meghan McCain’s full-time replacement. In her announcement, she expressed excitement about rejoining the panel and tackling current topics, while also promoting her children’s book, *Flashlight Night*.

Fans are eager to see how her return will unfold, especially given the history of high drama that characterized her previous tenure on the show.

Inside Elisabeth Hasselback’s high-drama firing from The View after ex-reality TV star announces return to the show