Fox News sent shockwaves through cable TV with a ratings triumph for The Five, averaging 3.851 million viewers in Q2 2025, per AdWeek (), but whispers of a seismic shakeup are stealing the spotlight. Insiders, per usceleblife.com (August 30, 2025), reveal that Harold Ford Jr., the former Democratic Congressman and rotating liberal co-host, is being considered to permanently replace Jessica Tarlov on The Five, igniting a firestorm on X with 1.7 million views by September 3, 2025. Fans are fiercely divided, with some hailing Fox News Shakeup as a “bold power shift” and others warning it could “upend the show’s dynamic.” Could this be the first move in a broader Fox News prime-time overhaul?
The rumor, fueled by dailyhotnewsmedia.com, suggests Fox executives see Ford’s “measured, respectful” style, as praised in Reddit posts (), as a way to broaden appeal amid a polarized media landscape. Tarlov, a liberal firebrand since 2022, has drawn both acclaim and criticism, with 20% of The Five’s audience identifying as Democratic, per latimes.com (). Her recent clash with Jesse Watters, described as a “wrecking ball” moment (), reportedly raised concerns about on-air tension, per btuatu.com. Ford, with his political pedigree and calm demeanor, is seen as a stabilizing force, per Fox News (). X posts are electric, one tweeting, “Harold’s classier than Tarlov—smart move!” while another fumes, “Jessica’s the spark—replacing her is a disaster!”
The potential shakeup aligns with Fox’s reported $2 billion strategy to challenge legacy networks, led by Jeanine Pirro, per todaycnews.com (). Variety suggests this could signal a larger prime-time pivot, with Ford’s appointment testing a less confrontational liberal voice. The Five’s success, outpacing prime-time shows with 3.851 million viewers, per AdWeek (), makes the stakes high. Tarlov, despite rumors, remains a co-host, with no official exit confirmed, per snopes.com (). Filmed in Fox’s high-energy New York studios, the drama mirrors the intensity of recent media moments.
Join the X frenzy over Fox News Shakeup and dive into this saga of power plays and viewer passion. Will Ford’s rise reshape The Five, or will Tarlov’s fiery presence hold firm? The cable TV world is watching.
