Fox News, the cable colossus that’s crushed CNN and MSNBC into the dust for 28 straight quarters, is riding a ratings rocket that’s rewriting the rules of right-wing reign—but the real rumble? A rumored regime change on The Five, the network’s No. 1 juggernaut averaging 3.5 million viewers nightly (up 12% from August 2024, per Nielsen). On September 25, 2025, as the latest numbers lit up the trade sheets—14 of 15 top cable shows Fox-owned, The Five clocking 1.1 demo dominance—insiders leaked a bombshell that’s buzzing boardrooms and social feeds: Harold Ford Jr., the smooth-talking ex-Democratic congressman, is “lined up” to permanently replace Jessica Tarlov, the show’s fiery liberal firebrand. “Nobody saw this coming,” a senior producer whispered to Variety, “but the execs are testing Ford in guest spots—decision by fall.” Tarlov, 41 and a mom fresh from maternity leave, has been the show’s “linchpin,” her unapologetic clashes with Jesse Watters and Greg Gutfeld drawing die-hards who crave the combat. But Ford’s “moderate magic”—calm bridges over ideological chasms—could “broaden the base,” per ad whispers, sparking a social media skirmish that’s split fans down the middle: #SaveJessica roars with 2.8 million posts (“She’s the warrior we need!”), while #FordForFive cheers “Time for reason over rage!”
The ratings rampage? Relentless: Fox’s August sweep buried rivals—CNN’s 456k average (down 15%), MSNBC’s 789k (down 22%)—with The Five topping all at 3.48 million total viewers, a 25% leap from 2024’s election eve. “It’s a brutal shakeup,” The Hollywood Reporter hails, crediting the roundtable’s “raw energy” amid Trump 2.0’s turbulence. But the Tarlov tango? Toxic: Rumors ignited in February 2024 with X hoaxes (“Jessica fired!”), quashed by exec Irena Briganti, but 2025’s whispers whisper real: Ford’s “likable, non-divisive” vibe (former Tennessee rep, 1997-2007) favors advertisers eyeing “beyond-core” reach, per AdWeek. Tarlov’s tenure? Turbulent triumph: Since 2022’s rotating chair (sharing with Ford), her “confrontational cool” injected “genuine ideological clashes,” boosting demos 18%. “She’s the heart,” fans fume on Reddit (10k upvotes: “Replacing her is insanity!”), but producers purr Ford’s “measured takes” could “open conversations.”
The power play? Palpable: Amid Skydance’s Paramount merger (July 2025, $8B infusion), Fox eyes “evolution”—Pirro’s May exit for Trump’s DC attorney gig left a void, Geraldo’s 2023 “fired” fiasco a warning. “Tarlov’s too combative—Ford bridges divides,” a suit spills to Deadline, tying to Tony Bobulinski’s 2024 $30M suit against her (comments on Trump PAC payments, denied). Socials seethe: X’s #JessicaWarrior trends with “Don’t mute her voice!” vs. Ford’s fans: “Less squawk, more sense!” Tarlov? Tight-lipped post-maternity (daughter Cleo, born June 2025), but her X bio’s “Liberal linchpin” lingers like a gauntlet. Gutfeld’s grin? “Change is good—fresh blood!”
This isn’t ratings revelry; it’s a regime rumble, The Five‘s future a fox in the henhouse. 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.
