Introduction

Views were recorded to see that Joy Behar and Sara Haines were not present during Carrie Underwood and other American Idol judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie interview on The View making “Joy Behar skipped Carrie Underwood interview on The View” one of the biggest entertainment stories of March 2026. The social media quickly began speculating that Behar had deliberately shied away from Underwood due to political issues that had been reported earlier.

But was it a political snub or just a production decision for TV?

So, according to Entertainment Weekly, People and Inside Edition, alongside with a few sources from ABC, here is the whole story, its reasons for going viral and what every viewership should know.

What was the weather like on the 24th March 2026 on The View?

Later, on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie appeared on The View to promote the upcoming season of American Idol.

The first segment of the live telecast included the usual Whoopi Goldberg, Sunny Hostin and Abby Huntsman as they discussed the news with Joy Behar and Sara Haines, who were on as usual for Whoopi’s Hot Topics segment.

Then, viewers noticed something unusual after a break for commercials.

On the return of the program, Behar and Haines were not present at the discussion table. Rather, Goldberg, Hostin and Huntsman had some time with the three judges on American Idol.

It didn’t take long for the moment to generate questions on social media.

However, at the end of the episode, Joy Behar got up and left, and Whoopi Goldberg announced Behar would be on the Behind the Table podcast on that day, insuring she would be part of that day’s production.

One source told Entertainment Weekly that Behar’s absence was a “production decision” since they were doing an interview with three guests, who would need extra seating.

Why it Was Personal to Viewers

The production was simple enough to be explained, but there was a strong impression in the eyes of many viewers that something more dramatic was going on.

The rumours had been circulating since January 2025 when Carrie Underwood appeared as part of Donald Trump’s second Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol.

On The View, Joy Behar openly raised the question of Underwood’s decision to be part of the Trump inauguration and questioned how she could “love” her country when she appeared at an event tied to Trump.

Those comments drew a lot of interest in the media.

Behar garnered a harsh backlash from former The View host Elisabeth Hasselbeck, who made posts on social media that was described by several news outlets as an “incendiary series of social media posts.

This history led to headlines being made at the moment linking Behar’s absence to Underwood’s appearance.

This apparent connection was picked up by publications such as Country Rebel, Country Music Nation and Us Weekly which ran editorials based on the headlines that Joy Behar missed Carrie Underwood’s interview after a performance at her inauguration.

The story spread like wildfire on social media, as some suggested that Behar turned down Underwood due to political reasons.

The Official Explanation: A “Production Decision”

Though there was a lot of speculation, various news outlets shared the same account from someone involved with the show: “It’s a protocol upgrade.Although there was plenty of speculation, several news sites reported the same among sources involved in the show: “It’s a protocol upgrade.

The only reason for the switch, according to Entertainment Weekly, is that three guests for the interview around The View table were required for the production.

Inside Edition also said a statement said that was due to seating restrictions, not disagreement.

The absence was due to “insufficient seating for the three judges, not politics,” the publication said.

This explanation of how it works is consistent with the long standing format of The View.

For shows that feature larger guest panels, with three or more guests it is not uncommon for one or two co-hosts to step out from the table so that everyone can sit at the table and comfortably interview the guest(s).

One important element also undermines the political theory:

• Sara Haines was also at the table, but she left.

Haines, unlike Behar, doesn’t have a large number of reports of public conflict with Carrie Underwood, indicating it was more than one guest who was mightily inconvenienced by the seating arrangement.

Many people on the internet commented that this rotation is normal procedure when multiple people are appearing on the show.

Track the history of the controversy throughout.

Follow the controversy back through the Timeline.

It is necessary to consider the order of events in order to understand how the story quickly spread.

This was the reason for the viewers’ feeling that Behar’s previous criticism matched her temporary lack of presence during Underwood’s appearance.

How Large Guest Panels are Handled by the View

The seating layout during the Underwood interview is not unusual.

In interviews with several guests, the View has occasionally switched co-hosts.

Guest hosts/guest contributors such as Ana Navarro, Sheryl Underwood, and Kara Swisher have been regulars on the show, taking turns based on the show’s format and seating.

Similarly, Whoopi Goldberg has her Fridays off, and Joy Behar usually has her Mondays off.

In May 2026, Behar also took an extended leave from the program while performing her stage production My First Ex-Husband in Paris and London.

In that time Sheryl Underwood, Kara Swisher, Ana Navarro and Whoopi Goldberg hosted in various roles.

The examples show that the practice of rotating hosts is not unique to the show, but rather a long-standing tradition of the show.

The thing about this is that there is no there there.

There is nothing there.

Joy Behar didn’t mention Carrie Underwood’s interview directly in the show.

But she stayed in the day’s show by joining Behind the Table following the day’s show.

Later, during a June 2026 podcast, Behar spoke with Vice President JD Vance and asked him off camera why he called Donald Trump “America’s Hitler” in the past.

The idea of avoiding Underwood seems less convincing when viewed in light of the fact that Behar was prepared to leave no stone unturned in his quest to meet face-to-face with political opponents, as was discussed above.

ABC made no statement other than the one shared with Entertainment Weekly.

Inside Edition also reported that ABC went no further in commenting beyond what the ABC spokesperson said, which was that the seating arrangement was due to production logistics.

Social Media Reaction and Did Politics Play a Role?

The video quickly went viral on social media.

Split screen photos of Joy Behar and Carrie Underwood appeared on Country Rebel and Country Music Nation pages, sparking rumors of an ‘escalation.Split screen pictures of Joy Behar and Carrie Underwood were also posted on pages, including Country Rebel and Country Music Nation, which were spewing rumors of an ‘escalation.

Soon there was a division of comment.

Many viewers argued:

• Joy Behar purposely did not choose to include Carrie Underwood.
• The timing seemed odd, due to Behar’s criticism of 2025.
• The controversy was stoked by Hasselbeck’s response to Underwood.

Other people supported the show’s explanation:

• Sara Haines also departed, though she didn’t have a public spat with Underwood.
• The lack was a production choice, according to Entertainment Weekly.
• Seating was not the issue, but rather inside Edition said it was because of seating limitations.
• Before the show concluded, Behar came back and has made an appearance in the following podcast.
• It’s normal for The View to rotate the co-hosts when they have a big guest interview.

There is no evidence publicly reported that the temporary absence was for political reasons, according to Joy Behar.

A compilation of key takeaways from the Joy Behar and Carrie Underwood interview from 2026.

This story of the Joy Behar skipped Carrie Underwood interview went viral when the viewers made a correlation between a simple production change and an earlier political argument.

The following points are key:

• Joy Behar and Sara Haines left the table during Carrie Underwood’s March 24, 2026 interview.
• According to Entertainment Weekly, it was a production decision, because Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie needed to be accommodated.
• Inside Edition also pointed out that it was not politics, but limited seating.
• Behar had lashed out at Underwood’s 2025 performance for Trump’s inauguration, which prompted a lot of speculation.
• Sara Haines also resigned, casting doubt on the notion that Behar was the only one not to have been interviewed.
• Before the episode ended, Joy Behar came back and was on Behind the Table the same day.
• No official statement from either Joy Behar or ABC would confirm that there was any political motive.

Bottom Line: Skipped or Scheduled Out?

In reality, however, it can be argued that were it not for her being seated at the table during the portion of the program preceding the interview with Carrie Underwood, then she did skip the interview itself.

The available evidence, however, suggests People’s explanation, from Entertainment Weekly, People, and ABC-related sources, that it was a business decision and not a personal or political boycott.

The timing of it only embellished the rumours going around online, as Behar had already made a public criticism of Underwood’s 2025 inauguration appearance. However, it’s worth noting that Sara Haines also departed and the show’s history of adding co-hosts for multiple guests sheds light on the explanation that it was not a snub.

What happened next was the kind of thing that can easily turn into a social media controversy these days, as a simple production change soon turned into an entertaining news story thanks to context, headlines, and speculations from online sources.

Conclusion

The available evidence, however, suggests People’s explanation, from Entertainment Weekly, People, and ABC-related sources, that it was a business decision and not a personal or political boycott.

The timing of it only embellished the rumours going around online, as Behar had already made a public criticism of Underwood’s 2025 inauguration appearance. However, it’s worth noting that Sara Haines also departed and the show’s history of adding co-hosts for multiple guests sheds light on the explanation that it was not a snub.

What happened next was the kind of thing that can easily turn into a social media controversy these days, as a simple production change soon turned into an entertaining news story thanks to context, headlines, and speculations from online sources.

Introduction

Multiple Severe Thunderstorm Alerts Issued for South Carolina Counties: In 2026, South Carolina has had a very active and busy severe weather season, with the National Weather Service (NWS) and the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) issuing severe thunderstorm alerts to dozens of counties. People have been warned of damaging wind, large hail, critical lightning, flash flooding and the possibility of isolated tornadoes from the Upstate and Midlands to the Lowcountry and Grand Strand.

Knowing which counties are being affected by the thunderstorms, what they mean and what to do in a safe manner is becoming more critical across the state. The purpose of this guide is to give you a comprehensive overview of severe thunderstorm season in South Carolina for 2026, along with which counties will be affected, potential severe weather hazards, safety tips and the outlook for the summer season.

2026 Severe Thunderstorm Alerts for South Carolina Counties

Multiple Severe Thunderstorm Alerts Issued for South Carolina Counties

A number of NWS forecast offices, such as NWS Columbia, NWS Greenville-Spartanburg, NWS Charleston, and NWS Wilmington have been issuing severe thunderstorm watches and warnings across a large portion of South Carolina throughout 2026.

Frequently Impacted Counties

Central South Carolina

• Newberry County
• Fairfield County
• Edgefield County
• Saluda County
• McCormick County
• Aiken County

Midlands Region

• Lexington County
• Irmo
• Chapin
• Lake Murray Area

Pee Dee & Grand Strand

• Horry County
• Myrtle Beach
• Conway
• North Myrtle Beach
• Socastee
• Little River
• Red Hill

Lowcountry

• Berkeley County
• Charleston County
• Dorchester County
• Barnwell County

Upstate South Carolina

• Laurens County
• Spartanburg County
• Woodruff
• Clinton
• Lyman

During March 15-16, 2026, SCEMD received a Storm Prediction Center (SPC) outlook with a marginal to moderate risk for severe weather for most of South Carolina. Heavy risk areas were in western counties close to the Georgia border and storms were forecast to occur during the late afternoon and evening hours.

May and June 2026 saw an increase in the intensity of storms. Notable examples include:

• May 11: Warning for quarter-size hail and 60 mph winds for southern Horry County.
• May 22: Severe thunderstorm WATCHES are in effect for Edgefield, Saluda and Newberry counties.
• June 14: Warnings affected Berkeley County, Moncks Corner, Goose Creek and Summerville.

The following alerts illustrate how rapidly strong weather can move from county to county.

What type of hazards are likely with these severe thunderstorms?

The National Weather Service regularly identifies four dangers when they are issuing a severe thunderstorm warning across South Carolina.

Damaging Winds

The most common hazard is strong straight-line wind gusts.

Numerous warnings have contained radar indicated winds of 60 mph or higher that can:

• Downing trees
• Damaging roofs
• Destroying outdoor structures

Widespread power outages are caused by this.This is what causes widespread power outages.

For instance, a warning that was issued on June 14 for Laurens County warning winds to approach 40 mph, while others issued stronger gusts.

Large Hail

There have been several hail-producing storms across South Carolina that have formed stone hail up to a 1″ diameter or larger, which is equivalent to quarter size hail.

Recent reports included:

• Hail up to ¾ inch in size in Horry County
• One-inch hail near the Columbia metro area

Large hail can cause damage to vehicles, windows, crops and roofing materials.

Isolated Tornadoes

A few of the 2026 storms had radar indicated rotation, making for greater potential for tornadoes.

Climate and weather conditions are closely monitored because tornadoes can form quickly as severe thunderstorm cells develop.

Lightning and Flash Flooding.

Lightning is one of the most dangerous weather hazards, as it is common and frequently occurs from the cloud to the ground.

SCEMD has issued numerous alerts about:

• Intense lightning strikes
• Torrential rainfall
• Urban flooding
• Road flooding in low lying roads

Rainfall can fill up drainage systems very easily and result in hazardous travel.

Marine Hazards

Marine conditions have been hazardous along coastal regions as well.

NWS Wilmington Marine Weather Statement boaters from Murrells Inlet to South Santee River issued a warning of:

• Winds up to 30 kt
• Small hail
• Dangerous lightning
• Reduced visibility

What is causing a number of alerts in South Carolina this year?

Severe thunderstorms are more likely to occur in South Carolina because of its geography and climate, particularly in the spring and summer months.

The 2026 season has been active due to several factors.

Stationary Fronts

A stationary front is frequently found between warm air and cool air masses in the Southeast, said meteorologist Tony Chiavaroli.

These boundaries can stall over South Carolina, setting up favorable conditions for:

• Prolonged rainfall
• Thunderstorm development
• Multiple episodes of extreme weather.

Spring Weather Transition

This week, March 8-14, 2026, is the state’s annual Severe Weather and Flood Safety Week, which reminds the public of the higher risk of warmer temperatures and stormy weather.

When Gulf moisture interacts with surface heating, the threat for thunderstorms increases greatly.

Enhanced weather detection technology.Better weather detection technology.

Modern Doppler radar systems may be able to detect:

• Rotation within storms
• Damaging wind signatures
• Hail-producing cells

This enables forecasters to warn people ahead of time, at an even faster rate than ever before.

Advanced radar technology has been used by the local meteorologists such as Ed Piotrowski (WPDE) and Chris Justus (WYFF 4) to give quick updates as storms form.

Real-Time Reports: The experience residents are having with 2026 Storms

Over social media and local weather services, residents have reported the “on-ground” effects of these extreme thunderstorms.

Grand Strand – June 14

According to Conway residents, conditions were:

The mini hurricane was right here, in Conway.

Reports included:

• Powerful wind gusts
• Continuous lightning
• Torrential rain
• Trees struck by lightning

Three inches of rain were reported at 5:15 PM in Goose Creek.

Laurens County – May 27

Meteorologist Chris Justus says:

Several thunderstorms with heavy rain and strong winds.

Residents posted pictures of yards flooded and standing water, along with one person saying, “Looking at the pictures of the standing water and flooded yards, I wouldn’t want to live there!”

My yard reminds me of a river.

Upstate – March 8

Heavy rains over Greer, Taylors and the surrounding areas resulted in:

• Power outages
• Hail concerns
• Strong winds

There were also reports of pets’ being fearful of the thunder and the lightning.

Columbia Area – May 24

The rain was heavy near Chapin and Red Bank and matched the earlier prediction from the NWS, highlighting how well the NWS is predicting the rain.

Some of the common questions from residents were:

• Which severe weather app is best?
• “Will schools close?”
• How long the warning will continue to be in effect?

During a severe thunderstorm WARNING, do the following:If a SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING is issued, the following is what you need to do:

SCEMD is dedicated to three key principles:

Be Informed

Keep an eye on trusted weather information sources all the time.

Make a Plan

Be aware of which type of shelter to seek out before bad weather.

Build a Kit

Have emergency equipment on hand.

If a severe thunderstorm WARNING is issued:

Move Indoors Immediately

ABC 4 News’ Dave Williams, a Berkeley County resident, pleaded with the county to protect its residents:

Take shelter in an indoor location safely.

Stay away from windows and stay out of the sun.Stay out of the sun and away from windows.

The safest location is:

• A basement
• An interior room
• The lowest level of a sturdy building:

Avoid Travel

Roads can be dangerous very rapidly for the reasons of:

• Flooding
• Falling trees
• Flying debris

Keep Devices Charged

SCEMD recommends:

• Fully charged phones
• NOAA Weather Radios
• Backup battery packs

Know the Difference

South Carolina also had a statewide Tornado drills on March 11, 2026, to help residents practice emergency shelter procedures.

To receive official alerts for your county:

Emergency managers remind people not to exclusively use social media.

The following is a list of trusted alert sources:

• NWS Columbia
• NWS Greenville-Spartanburg
• NWS Charleston
• NWS Wilmington
• SCEMD
• Weather.gov
• NOAA Weather Radio
• Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)

Local meteorologists such as:

• Ed Piotrowski
• Chris Justus
• Adam Clark
• Tony Chiavaroli

also offer real-time radar and storm information.

Looking Ahead to South Carolina’s Summer 2026 Storm Season

Thunderstorm chances remain between 48% and 59% in portions of the state with rain falling between June 18-19, 2026 as forecasted.

Meteorologists expect:

• A new severe thunderstorm warning is issued for additional severe thunderstorms.
• Flash flood concerns
• Frequent lightning events
• Isolated tornado risks

Hot temperatures and ample moisture, as well as unstable weather, indicate that severe weather watches and warnings will be frequent this summer.

Conclusion

In 2026, the number of multiple severe thunderstorm alerts in counties across South Carolina shows that it is critical to remain weather aware and prepared. Communities throughout the state have been threatened by 60 mph winds, large hail, flash flooding, and isolated tornadoes from Edgefield and Aiken counties, out to Horry, Berkeley, Laurens, and Lexington counties. The National Weather Service and SCEMD remind everyone to be prepared, act in time, and use more than one way to get an alert. If a warning is issued, immediate shelter and adherence to warnings will make the difference. With the summer storm season in South Carolina continuing, it is imperative that everyone is alert, listens to weather forecasts carefully, and understands the potential for severe weather to develop quickly. The last thing anyone needs when thunder roars is to think about what to do to protect their lives and property.