When Fox News launched The Five in July 2011 as a temporary replacement for Glenn Beck’s old time slot, industry critics expected a short-lived experiment. Instead, the roundtable talk show morphed into a juggernaut, regularly dominating cable news ratings and frequently outdrawing traditional primetime programming. Understanding the show's staying power requires looking past the studio lights to examine its current lineup, structural evolution, and the specific formula that keeps millions tuning in at 5:00 PM Eastern every weekday.
The program's enduring success stems from a mix of casual banter, sharp conservative commentary, and structured ideological friction. While cable news is packed with solitary anchors delivering monologues, The Five relies on a dynamic ensemble. This format creates unpredictable television where unscripted reactions often eclipse prepared talking points.
Current Cast and Lineup Dynamics
The core panel features a mix of veteran fixtures and newer additions who anchor the daily debates. The current regular cast balances conservative perspectives with designated liberal viewpoints to spark cross-table arguments.
- Greg Gutfeld: An original 2011 host, Gutfeld brings a satirical, libertarian-leaning perspective shaped by his background in comedy and publishing. His segments often inject pop culture critique and irreverent humor into heavy political topics.
- Dana Perino: Serving as co-host since the show's inception, Perino brings a measured, policy-focused approach rooted in her experience as White House Press Secretary under President George W. Bush. She often acts as a moderating or stabilizing voice during heated exchanges.
- Jesse Watters: Joining as a permanent co-host in 2017, Watters combines populist conservative commentary with field reporting. His style relies on direct addresses to the camera and populist framing of cultural issues.
- Emily Compagno: Elevated to a permanent co-host role, Compagno brings a legal analyst's perspective to the table, frequently dissecting judicial rulings, criminal justice trends, and legislative developments.
- Jessica Tarlov: Representing the liberal viewpoint as a regular co-host, Tarlov frequently stands alone against multiple conservative co-hosts, defending Democratic policies and pushing back against network narratives.
- Harold Ford Jr.: A former Democratic congressman from Tennessee, Ford provides centrist to center-left commentary, often seeking bipartisan compromises or offering alternative policy interpretations.
Evolution of the Panel and Notable Departures
The show's roster has experienced significant shifts since 2011. These changes reflect internal network restructurings, career moves, and high-profile departures.
In the early years, figures like Bob Beckel, Eric Bolling, and Kimberly Guilfoyle helped establish the show's confrontational chemistry before leaving the network. Later, Juan Williams spent a decade as the primary liberal counterweight before stepping down in 2021 when production returned to the New York studio post-pandemic. More recent years saw high-profile exits, including Geraldo Rivera's departure in 2023 and Jeanine Pirro's exit in 2025 after she was appointed to a federal prosecutor role. Each lineup iteration alters the on-air chemistry, shifting the conversational balance between populist outrage, dry wit, and policy defense.
Why The Five Dominates Cable Ratings
According to Nielsen media research published by Adweek, The Five regularly outpaces evening and primetime programs across CNN, MSNBC, and even other Fox News slots. Several distinct factors drive these numbers:
- The Lead-In Effect: Airing at 5:00 PM, the show captures viewers transitioning from afternoon news into evening routines, holding onto that audience better than traditional handover formats.
- Authentic Friction: Unlike tightly scripted panel shows, the co-hosts frequently interrupt one another, display genuine irritation, or share private jokes. Viewers tune in for the unpredictability of human friction.
- Shorter Segment Blocks: Topics cycle rapidly every few minutes. If a viewer dislikes a specific segment on foreign policy, a pop culture or lifestyle debate follows shortly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is The Five filmed?
The show broadcasts live from Fox News headquarters in New York City, though individual hosts occasionally remote-in from Washington, D.C. or major political events like the Republican National Convention.
Who created The Five?
The program was developed by former Fox News CEO Roger Ailes in 2011 as a low-cost replacement following Glenn Beck's departure from the network.
How are the seating arrangements determined?
Co-hosts sit around a large circular desk, with conservative hosts typically flanking the edges and the rotating or permanent liberal contributors positioned to maximize direct eye contact and debate flow.
Does the show feature guest panelists?
Yes. While the main table features the core daily hosts, producers frequently slot in guest commentators, lawmakers, and journalists to weigh in on breaking news stories.
