Morning television shifts over decades, and few programs shape political discourse quite like Fox News Channel's flagship morning broadcast. Since premiering in 1998, the show has seen dozens of anchors rotate through the couch, leaving behind a legacy of high-profile departures, career reinventions, and shifting network strategies.
Understanding who once anchored the program offers a clear window into how morning cable news evolved from a niche alternative into a dominant cultural touchstone. Let's look back at the most memorable previous hosts who shaped the early morning hours over the last twenty-five years.
The Early Days and Original Anchors
When the show launched in February 1998, the lineup looked quite different from today's familiar faces. The initial weekday team helped establish the casual, conversational tone that defined the franchise.
E.D. Hill served as one of the original weekday co-hosts from 1998 until 2006. Known for her sharp interviewing style, Hill anchored alongside early contributors before transitioning to other hours at the network. Her departure paved the way for a new era of anchors who would take the morning ratings to unprecedented heights.
Another foundational presence from the early years was Fox News veteran Brian Kilmeade, who remains a fixture, alongside long-running anchors like Steve Doocy, who recently transitioned to special projects. Yet, the revolving door of co-hosts and weekend talent has always driven the show's dynamic nature.
Defining Weekday Departures and Successors
Mid-2000s and 2010s shifts brought some of the most recognized names in cable news history to the desk. Their tenures often ended with dramatic career pivots or high-profile transitions.
Gretchen Carlson (2006–2013)
Gretchen Carlson joined the weekday team in 2006 after spending time on the weekend editions. As a Stanford graduate and former classical violinist, Carlson brought a distinct interview approach. She left the weekday show in 2013 to host her own afternoon program, later becoming a prominent voice in workplace advocacy. Her spot on the morning couch was subsequently filled by Elisabeth Hasselbeck.
Elisabeth Hasselbeck (2013–2015)
Coming directly from ABC's daytime talk show landscape, Elisabeth Hasselbeck brought strong conservative viewpoints and mainstream name recognition to the morning team. Her tenure lasted two years before she chose to step away from television entirely to focus on her family, paving the way for Ainsley Earhardt to step into the permanent weekday co-host role.
The Weekend and Franchise Rotation
While weekday anchors capture daily headlines, the weekend editions and early morning predecessor hour—Fox & Friends First—served as vital training grounds and landing spots for notable personalities.
Alisyn Camerota (2008–2013)
Alisyn Camerota spent years anchoring the weekend editions alongside figures like Dave Briggs and Clayton Morris. Her straightforward journalistic approach made her a staple of morning broadcasts before she eventually departed the network to anchor elsewhere in cable news.
Tucker Carlson (2012–2016)
Before launching his evening commentary powerhouse, Tucker Carlson spent several years co-hosting the weekend edition alongside Anna Kooiman and others. His weekend stint allowed him to refine the populist commentary style that later defined his primetime career.
Abby Huntsman (2016–2018)
Abby Huntsman joined the weekend team after building a profile in digital and cable news. She spent two years on the couch before leaving the network to join daytime television on ABC, demonstrating the frequent talent pipeline between morning cable and daytime talk formats.
Pete Hegseth (2017–2024)
Pete Hegseth anchored the weekend edition for seven years, becoming one of the most recognizable faces of the franchise. His extensive military background heavily influenced the show's coverage of defense and veterans' affairs until late 2024, when he left the network following his nomination to serve as the United States Secretary of Defense.
Behind the Scenes: Weather and News Updates
Morning broadcasts rely heavily on supporting anchors and meteorologists who anchor the second tier of the desk. Their longevity often anchors the show far longer than the main hosts.
Janice Dean served as the senior meteorologist for over two decades, delivering forecasts and championing advocacy work until her emotional final farewell. Her presence provided a steady, comforting constant through numerous co-host transitions. Similarly, news anchors like Jillian Mele handled morning headlines from 2017 until 2021 before passing the baton to Carley Shimkus.
To learn more about the broader history of cable broadcasting and media trends, you can explore the Pew Research Center or read historical breakdowns on The Hollywood Reporter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the original hosts of the show when it launched in 1998?
The initial broadcast featured Brian Kilmeade, Steve Doocy, and E.D. Hill among the early foundational team that established the morning format for the network.
Why did Elisabeth Hasselbeck leave the show?
Elisabeth Hasselbeck left in 2015 primarily to spend more time with her family, stepping away from the daily early-morning grind after a two-year run.
Who replaced Pete Hegseth on the weekend edition?
Following Pete Hegseth's departure to enter public service administration, Griff Jenkins took over prominent hosting duties on the weekend lineup alongside Rachel Campos-Duffy and Charles Hurt.
How long did Gretchen Carlson anchor the weekday program?
Gretchen Carlson co-hosted the weekday edition from 2006 until 2013 before launching her own solo afternoon hour on the network.
