On Saturday, January 10, 2026, **The Weekend View**—the popular Saturday spinoff of ABC’s long-running daytime talk show **The View**—kicked off its 2026 season with a bang that no one saw coming. Streaming live on ABC News Live at 7:30 a.m. ET, the half-hour program typically features a lighter, lifestyle-focused mix of pop culture recaps, celebrity drama breakdowns, and weekend-friendly banter, distinct from the more politically charged weekday episodes. Regular co-hosts Sara Haines, Ana Navarro, Sunny Hostin, and Alyssa Farah Griffin returned to the table, ready to dive into topics like the latest reality TV premieres and friend-group dynamics.

But the real shock came early in the broadcast when **Whoopi Goldberg**, the iconic moderator of the flagship **The View** who rarely appears on the weekend edition, made a surprise entrance. Viewers did a double-take as the EGOT winner strode onto the set, declaring, “Don’t adjust your eyes! That’s me joining you this weekend.” What followed was a moment that left audiences nationwide speechless.

In a candid, unscripted revelation, Goldberg announced she would be stepping away from her daily moderating duties on **The View** for an extended period—potentially the rest of the season—to pursue a groundbreaking new project: a recurring guest role in the legendary Italian soap opera **Un Posto Al Sole** (A Place in the Sun). The multi-episode storyline, which she filmed during a secretive two-week absence in late 2025, is set to premiere later in 2026 on Italy’s Rai network. Goldberg revealed that her character—an American translator navigating the dramatic lives of residents in the fictional Palazzo Palladini apartment building—would mark her first major international television commitment in years.

“I’ve been on this show for almost two decades, and I love it, but sometimes you gotta chase the crazy ideas,” Goldberg said with her trademark wit and warmth. “This isn’t goodbye forever—it’s just me taking a little Italian sabbatical. The ladies here are more than capable, and I’ll be popping back in when I can. But trust me, watching me try to speak Italian on camera? That’s going to be must-see TV.”

The announcement stunned the panel and viewers alike. Co-host Sara Haines, visibly emotional, quipped through laughter, “Whoopi, are you serious? We’re losing our moderator to Naples?” Ana Navarro chimed in with her signature humor: “Starring in a fake soap opera sounds so much better than living through the real one here in America right now.” Sunny Hostin and Alyssa Farah Griffin expressed a mix of excitement and sadness, praising Goldberg’s adventurous spirit while acknowledging the void her temporary departure would leave.

The decision ties back to Goldberg’s earlier absence from **The View** in November 2025, when she traveled to Naples to film the episodes. At the time, she shared behind-the-scenes glimpses on social media, calling it a “wonderful, crazy thing to do.” Production company Fremantle Italia had teased that her character would debut in 2026 as part of a special multi-episode arc, but few expected Goldberg to use the **Weekend View** return as the platform for such a personal bombshell.

Fans of **The View** universe reacted immediately across social media. Many expressed shock and support, with comments flooding in like “Whoopi going international? Iconic!” and “The View without Whoopi daily? I’m not ready.” Others speculated on how the flagship show would adjust, noting that Joy Behar has moderated in the past during Goldberg’s absences. ABC executives have not yet confirmed a replacement moderator, but sources close to the production suggest the remaining co-hosts will rotate the role, maintaining the show’s signature dynamic energy.

**The Weekend View** itself, which launched in January 2025 as a streaming extension of the franchise, has grown into a beloved Saturday ritual for fans seeking lighter fare. Unlike the weekday program’s intense political debates, the weekend version leans into celebrity news, reality TV recaps (including discussions on shows like **The Traitors** Season 4 premiere), and relatable advice segments—such as how to handle toxic friend groups or telling a pal they can “do better.” Goldberg’s rare appearance added star power, but her announcement shifted the focus entirely.

As the episode wrapped, Goldberg hugged each co-host, promising, “I’m not going anywhere permanently. This is just a new chapter—and who knows, maybe I’ll bring some Italian drama back to the table when I return.” The panel ended on an upbeat note, toasting to Goldberg’s bold move and teasing more surprises in the weeks ahead.

The revelation has sparked renewed interest in **The Weekend View** and **The View**, with viewership spikes expected as audiences tune in to see how the shows evolve. For Goldberg, now 70, this international foray represents a thrilling pivot after years of anchoring one of daytime TV’s most influential platforms. Whether her Italian soap role becomes a viral sensation or a quiet success, one thing is clear: Whoopi Goldberg continues to surprise—and captivate—her devoted fans.

In an era of predictable television, this jaw-dropping announcement reminded everyone why **The View** and its extensions remain must-watch: because sometimes, the biggest stories come straight from the table itself.