Cable news daytime lineups shift constantly, but few programs maintain the ratings dominance of Fox News Channel's afternoon roundtable, The Five. Understanding the show requires looking past the studio lights to examine the primary keyword: The Five Fox News cast. This rotating panel of commentators and anchors commands millions of viewers each weekday at 5:00 PM Eastern, driving major political conversations across the United States.
The program's success stems from its distinct format. Instead of a single anchor delivering a monologue, five distinct personalities dissect current events, cultural trends, and political friction points. The current permanent core features conservative mainstays Greg Gutfeld, Dana Perino, Jesse Watters, and Emily Compagno, alongside alternating liberal voices such as Jessica Tarlov and Harold Ford Jr. Examining their backgrounds illuminates why this specific group resonates so deeply with its audience and how the show maintains its cultural footprint.
The Core Conservative Lineup
The backbone of the program relies on four conservative co-hosts who bring vastly different professional backgrounds to the table. Their distinct career paths shape how they interpret daily headlines, ranging from policy experience to late-night satire.
Greg Gutfeld
Greg Gutfeld has anchored the program since its inception in 2011. Known for his sharp, satirical commentary, he balances his seat on the afternoon panel with hosting his own late-night program, Gutfeld!. His commentary often leans into cultural critique, media criticism, and anti-establishment humor. Viewers tuning in for his segments expect deadpan delivery and unconventional conservative takes that challenge mainstream media narratives.
Dana Perino
Dana Perino serves as a steady, policy-focused voice on the panel. Before her long-running tenure in cable news, she served as the White House Press Secretary under President George W. Bush. In addition to her role on the afternoon roundtable, she co-anchors America's Newsroom. Her approach centers on institutional knowledge, legislative mechanics, and polished communication, providing a contrast to the more flamboyant personalities on the stage.
Jesse Watters
Jesse Watters joined the permanent panel later in the show's run after gaining prominence for his ambush-style field reporting segments on The O'Reilly Factor. Today, he also anchors Jesse Watters Primetime. Watters brings a populist, confrontational style to the discussion, frequently targeting cultural elites, institutional corruption, and progressive policies with a casual, conversational delivery.
Emily Compagno
Emily Compagno stepped into a permanent co-hosting role following previous shifts in the lineup. A trained attorney and former federal criminal prosecutor, she brings legal analysis to the forefront of political debates. She has also hosted programs on Fox News Radio and contributed frequently to related network segments, allowing her to dissect complex judicial and legislative actions from a legal perspective.
The Liberal Counterweights
To maintain the debate format, the conservative majority is balanced by prominent liberal contributors who occupy the rotating fifth seat. These commentators represent Democratic viewpoints, ensuring regular friction during policy debates.
Jessica Tarlov
Jessica Tarlov serves as a primary liberal voice on the program, offering sharp, data-driven defenses of the Biden administration and progressive policies. As a regular contributor, she frequently engages in lively back-and-forth exchanges with Gutfeld and Watters, often standing as the lone progressive voice against a unified conservative panel.
Harold Ford Jr.
Harold Ford Jr., a former Democratic congressman from Tennessee, brings a more moderate, institutional perspective to the liberal chair. His legislative background allows him to analyze bills and bipartisan compromises from a pragmatic viewpoint, frequently attempting to bridge gaps between polarized partisan talking points.
Historical Evolution and Past Cast Members
The current roster is the result of over a decade of evolutionary changes. When the show launched in 2011 to replace Glenn Beck’s vacant hour, the original lineup included Bob Beckel, Eric Bolling, Kimberly Guilfoyle, Greg Gutfeld, Dana Perino, and Andrea Tantaros.
Over the years, departures and network realignments reshaped the stage:
- Juan Williams: Served as the primary liberal co-host for a decade before stepping down in 2021 to broadcast from Washington, D.C. permanently.
- Geraldo Rivera: Joined as a co-host in 2022 before departing following on-air disagreements with fellow panelists.
- Jeanine Pirro: Co-hosted for several years before leaving the network to take a government appointment.
These shifts demonstrate how the network manages talent rotation while keeping the core dynamic intact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the current permanent hosts of The Fox News show?
The regular daily lineup consists of Greg Gutfeld, Dana Perino, Jesse Watters, and Emily Compagno, joined by rotating liberal co-hosts like Jessica Tarlov and Harold Ford Jr.
What time does the program air?
The show broadcasts live on weekdays at 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time from New York City.
Why did Jeanine Pirro leave the panel?
She departed the program and the network when she was appointed to serve as a U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia.
Is the show broadcast live every day?
Yes, the program generally airs live from weekday studios, though major holidays or special news events occasionally prompt pre-recorded or modified schedules. More details on daily programming can be found directly on the Fox News Schedule.
