'The View' Officially Announces New Co-Host

Let the controversy begin. Just one week after Elizabeth Hasselbeck shocked viewers by announcing that she would leave The View for Fox & Friends, Jenny McCarthy officially signed on as a panelist on the daytime talk show.

On Monday's new episode of The View, Barbara Walters confirmed the news that McCarthy will replace outgoing panelist Joy Behar. McCarthy is poised to start her stint on the series when the 17th season premieres Sept. 9. McCarthy tweeted the news soon thereafter:

McCarthy's hiring will undoubtedly jumpstart a wave of criticisms, with many already lambasting The View's decision to even consider placing the comedienne in the spot following her controversial views on vaccinations and autism. In fact, angry fans of The View are already speaking out against McCarthy on Twitter:

Then again, The View thrives off of controversy — just see Rosie O'Donnell's short stint on the series, and almost anything that came out of Hasselbeck's mouth. Perhaps that makes McCarthy a perfect fit?

Image: ABC