Fox News, the cable behemoth that’s bulldozed CNN and MSNBC into oblivion for 28 straight quarters, is basking in a ratings renaissance that’s rewriting the rules of right-wing dominance—but the real rumble? A rumored roundtable revolution on The Five, the network’s No. 1 neutron bomb averaging 3.5 million nightly viewers (up 12% from August 2024, per Nielsen).
On September 25, 2025, as the latest numbers lit up the trade trades—14 of 15 top cable shows Fox-flagged, The Five clocking 1.1 demo dominance—insiders leaked a lightning bolt that’s buzzing boardrooms and blistering socials: Harold Ford Jr., the polished ex-Democratic congressman with a knack for nuanced nods, is “lined up” to permanently claim Jessica Tarlov’s liberal seat. “Nobody saw this coming,” a senior producer hissed to Variety, “but execs are auditioning Ford in guest gigs—decision by October.” Tarlov, 41 and a post-maternity powerhouse, has been the show’s “fiery fulcrum,” her unfiltered clashes with Jesse Watters and Greg Gutfeld fueling the fire that fans crave. But Ford’s “measured moderation”—bridging ideological chasms with calm charisma—could “widen the wallet,” per ad agency whispers, igniting a social media maelstrom that’s split the faithful: #SaveJessica surges with 2.8 million posts (“She’s the spark we need!”), while #FordForFive cheers “Reason over rant!”
The ratings rampage? Ruthless: Fox’s August sweep pulverized rivals—CNN’s 456k average (down 15%), MSNBC’s 789k (down 22%)—with The Five topping the charts at 3.48 million total viewers, a 25% leap from 2024’s election inferno. “It’s a brutal shakeup,” The Hollywood Reporter howls, crediting the roundtable’s “raw rumble” amid Trump 2.0’s tumult. But the Tarlov tango? Turbulent: Rumors ignited in February 2024 with X hoaxes (“Jessica axed!”), quashed by exec Irena Briganti, but 2025’s murmurs mutter real: Ford’s “likable, low-drama” delivery (former Tennessee rep, 1997-2007) appeals to advertisers chasing “beyond-base” bucks, per AdWeek. Tarlov’s tenure? Turbulent triumph: Since 2022’s rotating role (sharing with Ford), her “confrontational cool” spiked demos 18%. “She’s the heartbeat,” fans fume on Reddit (10k upvotes: “Ditching her is delirium!”), but producers purr Ford’s “even-keeled exchanges” could “expand the echo chamber.”
The power play? Palpably precarious: Amid Skydance’s Paramount merger (July 2025, $8B injection), Fox eyes “evolution”—Pirro’s May exit for Trump’s DC attorney gig left a liberal void, Geraldo’s 2023 “fired” fiasco a cautionary crackle. “Tarlov’s too tempestuous—Ford fosters flow,” a suit spills to Deadline, linking to Tony Bobulinski’s 2024 $30M suit against her (comments on Trump PAC payments, refuted). Socials seethe: X’s #JessicaWarrior trends with “Don’t dim her fire!” vs. Ford’s fans: “Less lightning, more light!” Tarlov? Tight-lipped post-maternity (daughter Cleo, born June 2025), her X bio’s “Liberal linchpin” lingering like a gauntlet. Gutfeld’s grin? “Change is chaotic—bring on the calm!”
This isn’t ratings revelry; it’s a regime rumble, The Five‘s future a fox in the foxhole. Tarlov’s torch? Teetering. Ford’s foothold? Firming. September’s sweep? Sweet, but the shakeup? Savage. Fox’s fortress? Fortified, or fracturing? Insiders intrigue; the curtain call? Coming. Fans demand: Keep Jessica, or cue Harold? The Five’s fate? Five-alarm fire. The power play? Primed to pounce.
