The View featured reviews of books, exhibitions, films, music, theatre and art.

There was a varied panel of contributors who offer their opinions including artists, writers, journalists, film-makers and critics.

In 2006, John Drennan, writing in the Irish Independent, asked if there was "a sweeter sound in Irish journalism than the wails of the effete South Dublin TV critic when RTÉ viewing figures show Killinaskully [a comedy which divided critics and viewers] has trounced John Kelly's The View once again?".

[2] The View Presents.... was a spin-off programme which featured different artist interviews and profiles from around Ireland.

Titled The View Presents: Duke Special versus Neil Hannon, it saw Neil Hannon and Duke Special performing songs from each others's careers, a duet together and answering questions put to them by John Kelly.