Fox News remains the undisputed leader in cable TV, with The Five pulling in an impressive 3.851 million viewers in Q2 2025, according to AdWeek. But behind the ratings triumph, rumors of a major shakeup are stirring controversy.

Sources cited by usceleblife.com on August 30, 2025, claim that Harold Ford Jr., former Democratic Congressman and current rotating liberal co-host, may be tapped as the permanent replacement for Jessica Tarlov. The report quickly set social media ablaze, racking up 1.7 million views on X by September 3 and sparking fierce debate among fans.

Some hailed the potential move as a “bold power shift,” while others warned it could “upend the show’s dynamic.”

Could this be just the beginning of a larger prime-time overhaul at Fox News?

Economic Horizons: Charting a Path for 2025 - World Affairs Council

Industry insiders and social media chatter indicate that Fox executives see Ford’s measured, respectful style—celebrated in Reddit threads—as a strategic way to broaden appeal in today’s polarized media landscape, per dailyhotnewsmedia.com. Tarlov, a liberal firebrand since 2022, has drawn both acclaim and controversy, with roughly 20% of The Five’s audience identifying as Democratic, according to latimes.com. Her recent on-air clash with Jesse Watters, described as a “wrecking ball” moment, reportedly raised concerns about tension behind the scenes, per btuatu.com. Ford, with his political pedigree and calm demeanor, is seen as a stabilizing force capable of balancing heated debates, per Fox News. X posts reflected the divide: “Harold’s classier than Tarlov—smart move!” versus “Jessica’s the spark—replacing her is a disaster!”

Fox News star Kat Timpf reveals co-host's sweet gesture after double  mastectomy as she vows 'healing starts today'

The speculation coincides with Fox’s $2 billion strategy to challenge legacy networks, led by Jeanine Pirro, according to todaycnews.com. Variety suggests that Ford’s potential appointment could signal a larger pivot in prime-time programming, testing whether a less confrontational liberal voice can maintain the show’s momentum. With The Five consistently outperforming rival prime-time shows, the stakes are high. Despite the rumors, Tarlov remains a co-host, with no official exit confirmed, per snopes.com. The drama, captured in Fox’s high-energy New York studios, mirrors the intensity of recent media battles and power plays.

Fans and media observers are abuzz with speculation. Will Harold Ford Jr. reshape the dynamic of The Five, or will Jessica Tarlov’s fiery presence continue to define the show? The tension, the ratings, and the potential for change have made this one of the most captivating cable TV sagas of 2025. Viewers and industry insiders alike are watching closely, wondering what the next chapter in Fox News prime-time will bring.