When a cable news program routinely outdraws primetime entertainment heavyweights, viewers start paying attention to the personalities steering the conversation. The Five on Fox News has dominated afternoon ratings by pairing sharp political commentary with casual, often fiery banter. At its core, the show relies on a distinct blend of conservative mainstays and liberal counterweights who dissect the day's top headlines. Understanding what drives the show means looking closely at the permanent hosts and rotating panel members who shape its daily ideological clash.
The format relies on a structured debate where personal backgrounds dictate ideological stances. Founded in 2011, the roundtable evolved from a temporary replacement into a ratings titan. Behind the polished television personas lie distinct professional paths, specific political ideologies, and individual public profiles that dictate how each host interprets current events.
Core Conservative Hosts
The foundation of the panel consists of permanent conservative voices who have anchored the program through years of shifting political landscapes.
Greg Gutfeld
Greg Gutfeld serves as the libertarian-leaning conservative anchor of the group. Known for blending cultural commentary with biting satire, he approaches news through a populist and anti-establishment lens. Before his television career expanded into his late-night show Gutfeld!, he worked as a magazine editor and writer. On the panel, he frequently uses humor and sarcasm to mock mainstream media narratives, championing individual liberty and free-market capitalism while heavily criticizing progressive cultural policies.
Dana Perino
Dana Perino brings institutional governance and traditional conservatism to the desk. Having served as the White House Press Secretary under President George W. Bush, her commentary often reflects a measured, establishment-conservative viewpoint. She rarely engages in raw shouting matches, instead relying on detailed policy breakdowns and administrative experience to counter liberal arguments. Beyond the afternoon show, she co-anchors America's Newsroom, solidifying her status as one of the network's most reliable hard-news anchors.
Jesse Watters
Jesse Watters represents a populist, nationalist-conservative perspective. He rose to prominence through his ambushing street interviews on The O'Reilly Factor before building a major media footprint with his own primetime hour. On the panel, his commentary focuses heavily on law enforcement, border security, media bias, and cultural shifts. His style is combative and direct, designed to challenge progressive orthodoxy head-on while appealing directly to working-class conservative viewers.
Emily Compagno
Emily Compagno adds a legal and analytical perspective to the conservative side of the desk. An attorney by trade and a former federal civil litigator, she evaluates political news through the prism of constitutional law, the justice system, and public safety. Her arguments typically emphasize statutory interpretation and the practical real-world effects of state and federal policies.
The Liberal Perspective and Alternating Voices
To maintain the friction that defines the format, the conservative majority is balanced by prominent liberal contributors who occupy the remaining seat.
Jessica Tarlov
Jessica Tarlov serves as the primary data-driven liberal voice on the program. Holding a Ph.D. from the London School of Economics and working as a professional Democratic strategist, she often stands alone against four conservative co-hosts. Her role requires defending Democratic policies, critiquing Republican administrations, and breaking down polling data. Rather than adopting a purely theatrical posture, she leans into policy specifics, frequently clashing with Gutfeld and Watters while maintaining professional relationships off-air.
Harold Ford Jr.
Harold Ford Jr., a former moderate Democratic congressman from Tennessee, regularly fills a seat on the panel to offer a bipartisan or center-left perspective. His commentary often leans toward fiscal conservatism paired with moderate social views, making him a distinct voice who occasionally breaks ranks with the progressive wing of the Democratic Party.
Evolution of the Panel and Notable Departures
The chemistry of the show has shifted significantly over the years due to high-profile departures and additions. Early iterations featured figures like Bob Beckel, Juan Williams, and Kimberly Guilfoyle. More recently, vocal personalities like Geraldo Rivera and Jeanine Pirro departed the regular lineup following career transitions and network shifts. These changes underscore how fluid the panel remains, even as the core dynamic between conservative hosts and a lone liberal challenger stays firmly in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the current permanent hosts of The Five?
The daily lineup features Greg Gutfeld, Dana Perino, Jesse Watters, and Emily Compagno, alongside alternating liberal voices like Jessica Tarlov and Harold Ford Jr.
How long has the show been on the air?
The program premiered in July 2011, originally launched as a temporary replacement before becoming a permanent fixture in the network's daily lineup.
Is the show live every day?
Yes, the program broadcasts live on weekdays at 5 PM Eastern, allowing the hosts to react immediately to breaking political news cycles.
How do the liberal hosts handle being outnumbered?
Hosts like Jessica Tarlov utilize structured talking points, public opinion polling, and direct pushback to defend left-leaning policies against four conservative viewpoints.
