The View Cancels Cohost Halloween Costume Segment Again

The daytime talk show will forgo the tradition for the third year in a row due to the pre-election broadcast schedule.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Fashion

Bold vector editorial illustration of an empty theatrical vanity chair and a single sequined mask, depicting a canceled television tradition. — The daytime talk show 'The View' will forgo its annual Halloween costume segment for the third consecutive year to maintain a focus on the pre-election broadcast schedule. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you still find annual holiday show traditions meaningful?

For the third consecutive year, The View has canceled its popular cohost Halloween costume segment. The program will instead maintain its live broadcast schedule ahead of the presidential election.

Why it matters

The decision to skip the costumes ensures the talk show remains a live platform to discuss current events as the national election approaches. Producers are prioritizing the timely broadcast schedule over the elaborate tradition that previously featured elaborate celebrity transformations.

The show is in its 28th year of history, marking a distinct shift for a segment that was a staple until 2023. The production team confirmed the cancellation for 2026, opting for a performance from The Rocky Horror Show instead.

The players

The View

This American daytime talk show has aired for 28 years and serves as a major platform for political and social commentary.

Barbara Walters

She was a legendary broadcast journalist and the creator of the talk show who famously participated in elaborate historical character portrayals.

Whoopi Goldberg

She is an EGOT-winning actress and long-time moderator of the daytime program.

The details

The program will continue its Boo Are You Wearing segment, which features children appearing in costumes. Because the show produces its Halloween episode on tape rather than live, the scheduling constraints of the pre-election period necessitated the change.

The panel last wore Halloween costumes in 2023.
Barbara Walters appeared as Marilyn Monroe in 2003.
Barbara Walters portrayed George Washington in 2008.
Whoopi Goldberg appeared as Marge Simpson in 2016.
The program canceled the segment in October 2026.

Industry Dynamics

This move highlights how daytime talk shows increasingly prioritize live political analysis over traditional entertainment spectacles during high-stakes election cycles. The cancellation of this recurring segment represents a wider shift toward news-focused programming in the competitive daytime slot.

Viewers can still tune in to see the Boo Are You Wearing segment, which highlights children in costumes during the episode. The show remains accessible at its regularly scheduled broadcast time without the disruption of a pre-recorded special.

The takeaway

The prioritization of live news coverage during an election cycle can frequently sideline long-running entertainment traditions. Fans of the show can anticipate a performance from The Rocky Horror Show this year as a substitute for the panelist costume reveal.