Fox News launched The Five in 2011 as a temporary replacement for Glenn Beck’s vacant hour, yet it quickly evolved into one of the most-watched cable news programs in the United States. The show relies on a roundtable format where a panel of co-hosts debates current political events, cultural trends, and major news stories of the day.
Unlike traditional news broadcasts that rely on straight reporting, the appeal of The Five centers on unscripted friction, contrasting worldviews, and sharp banter. The permanent ensemble features conservative staples alongside liberal counterweights, creating a dynamic where guests and hosts interrupt, challenge, and occasionally crack jokes at one another's expense. Understanding why the program dominates ratings requires looking closely at its current lineup, how the panel chemistry functions, and the format evolution over more than a decade on air.
The Current Cast Lineup of The Five
The daily rotation balances conservative mainstays with prominent liberal voices. While the exact seating chart and daily guest co-hosts shift, the core group anchors the broadcast every weekday afternoon.
- Greg Gutfeld: A founding host who brings an irreverent, satirical perspective to political discourse. He often uses deadpan humor and cultural commentary to counter mainstream media narratives, balancing his seat on the panel with his own late-night weekend program on the network.
- Dana Perino: Serving as a co-host since the show's inception, Perino brings a steady, policy-oriented approach derived from her background as the White House Press Secretary under President George W. Bush. She often acts as the moderator or stabilizing voice when debates escalate.
- Jesse Watters: Joining the core group after years of conducting ambush-style field interviews and reporting, Watters delivers populist conservative commentary. He also hosts a prime-time slot on the network, making him a central figure in shaping modern conservative media messaging.
- Emily Compagno: Stepping into a permanent co-host role, Compagno brings a legal background and sharp analytical framing to debates regarding crime, jurisprudence, and constitutional questions.
- Jessica Tarlov: As a primary liberal voice on the panel, Tarlov routinely defends Democratic policies and progressive viewpoints against a predominantly conservative cast. She relies on polling data and policy arguments to hold her ground during high-tension segments.
- Harold Ford Jr.: Serving as an alternating liberal or moderate voice, the former Tennessee congressman provides a centrist perspective. His approach often leans toward bipartisan compromise, distinguishing his commentary from more partisan talking points.
How the Panel Chemistry Drives Ratings
Cable news thrives on conflict, but The Five separates itself through conversational pacing. Rather than a formal anchor reading a teleprompter, the broadcast mimics a heated dinner table discussion.
The format is structured into distinct segments covering top political headlines, cultural controversies, and media bias. Because the conservative hosts outnumber the liberal contributors on any given day, the progressive panelist—typically Jessica Tarlov—must navigate a barrage of counterarguments. This structural imbalance creates high-stakes television. Viewers tune in to see how the minority voice handles pressure, and whether the conservative hosts can trip each other up with friendly fire.
Humor plays an equally vital role. Greg Gutfeld injects comedy into heavy policy debates, preventing the show from feeling overly academic or rigid. Meanwhile, Dana Perino keeps the train on the tracks when cross-talk threatens to make the dialogue unintelligible.
Evolution of the Cast and Notable Departures
The show's longevity is tied to how it adapts when high-profile hosts exit. Over fifteen seasons, several major figures have occupied those chairs before moving on to other projects or parting ways with the network.
- Juan Williams: A liberal fixture from 2011 to 2021, Williams provided a classic journalistic liberal perspective. He left the show after remote broadcasting during the COVID-19 pandemic made him realize he wanted to remain based in Washington, D.C. full-time.
- Jeanine Pirro: A fiery conservative host who joined the permanent lineup before departing to serve in a government legal role. Her exit prompted a reshuffling of the bench and the eventual addition of Emily Compagno to the daily seat.
- Geraldo Rivera: Known for volatile on-air arguments with Greg Gutfeld and Jesse Watters, Rivera transitioned from a FOX News contributor to a co-host slot before a dramatic public exit.
- Early Era Alums: Figures like Kimberly Guilfoyle, Eric Bolling, and Bob Beckel shaped the formative years of the program before leaving due to career shifts or network controversies.
Despite these frequent lineup adjustments, the core formula has remained intact. The network discovered that viewers prefer organic friction over sterile panel interviews. You can read more about the network's broader programming shifts on Fox News.
The Closing Segment: One More Thing
Every episode of The Five concludes with a segment titled "One More Thing". This portion of the broadcast breaks away from hard politics.
During this final minutes block, each host shares a personal anecdote, a heartwarming animal video, a plug for a book or side project, or a lighthearted critique of pop culture. This segment serves a strategic purpose. It humanizes the hosts after an hour of intense ideological combat, allowing viewers to see them smile, laugh, and share casual banter before the credits roll. It bridges the gap between political combatants and relatable television personalities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who decides the seating arrangement on The Five?
The physical seating chart is managed by the show's producers and network executives, though it generally places the primary conservative hosts in fixed positions with the liberal co-hosts interspersed to maximize debate flow.
Is The Five broadcast live every day?
Yes, the show typically airs live at 5:00 PM Eastern Time from the network's New York City studios. On rare occasions when major news breaks or holidays occur, pre-taped episodes or special editions may air.
How are the liberal co-hosts chosen?
Rather than filling all five chairs with conservatives, network leadership intentionally maintains a balance by featuring prominent Democratic contributors like Jessica Tarlov and moderate voices like Harold Ford Jr. to ensure opposing viewpoints are represented on every broadcast.
What was the original inspiration for the show?
The Five was created in response to an open hour left behind by Glenn Beck's departure in 2011. Producers wanted an ensemble roundtable that could test multiple opinions quickly rather than relying on a single host format. Track additional media industry insights via Adweek.
