Waking up when the rest of the world is deep in REM sleep isn't for everyone. Most people would crumble. But for Carley Shimkus, it’s just a Tuesday. Since taking over the co-host chair on Fox & Friends First, she has become the literal face of daybreak for millions of Americans.
Honestly, the "overnight success" label doesn't fit here. It’s a total myth. Carley didn't just walk onto a set and start reading a prompter; she spent over a decade grinding behind the scenes. We're talking about a career that started with fetching coffee and greeting guests in a lobby. That’s the real story.
The Fox News Carley Shimkus Journey: From Greenroom to Anchor Desk
If you want to understand Fox News Carley Shimkus, you have to go back to 2009. She was a senior at Quinnipiac University. While most college seniors were worrying about finals or where the next party was, Carley was already getting her foot in the door as an intern at the Fox News D.C. bureau.
She didn't start as a reporter. Nope.
Her first official job after graduation was as a greenroom greeter for Fox Business Network. Basically, she was the person who met the big-name guests at the door, walked them to their dressing rooms, and made sure they had water. Most people would think that's "below" them. Carley saw it as a front-row seat to how the industry works.
The Imus Connection
One of the most pivotal moments in her early career was working on Imus in the Morning. She served as an associate producer for the legendary—and often controversial—Don Imus.
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- She credits Imus with giving her a "first shot" at being on-air.
- The radio environment taught her how to be quick on her feet.
- She eventually moved into a role for Fox News Headlines 24/7.
It’s kind of wild to think that the person now leading the 5 AM hour used to be the one making sure the "squeaky wheel" got the grease in the production office. She worked as a production assistant, then an associate producer, and eventually a reporter covering social media trends. She paid her dues. Period.
Why 5 AM Matters (And Why She’s Still There in 2026)
In late 2021, Carley replaced Jillian Mele as the co-host of Fox & Friends First. Fast forward to 2026, and she’s still the anchor holding down that slot alongside Todd Piro.
Why does this specific show matter?
Because it’s the lead-in. It sets the tone for the entire day’s news cycle on the network. If Fox & Friends First misses a beat, the flagship show has to play catch-up. Carley has managed to bring a mix of hard news delivery and a "morning person" energy that doesn't feel fake. That is a very hard needle to thread when your alarm goes off at 1:30 AM.
The Reality of the Schedule
She’s been vocal about the "toddler life" vs. "anchor life" balance. Being a mom while working the graveyard shift is a special kind of chaos.
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She often talks about the "fear of safety" that comes with motherhood in the current news climate. It’s not just about reading headlines anymore; it’s about how those headlines affect the world her son is growing up in. That vulnerability is probably why viewers connect with her. She isn't just a talking head; she's a parent who’s tired and worried just like everyone else.
What People Often Get Wrong About Her
People see the "Jersey Girl" vibe and the 5'10" stature and assume she was always destined for the camera.
Actually, she almost went a completely different route. After high school, she briefly tried her hand at modeling. She even booked a gig for Party City where she was dressed in a full goth costume for a Halloween advertisement. Her family still teases her about it.
She realized pretty quickly that modeling wasn't the "long game" for her. She wanted the newsroom.
A Quick Look at the Stats
While some sites claim crazy numbers, the reality of a news anchor's life is often more about the "grind" than the "glitter."
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- Education: B.A. in Broadcast Journalism from Quinnipiac.
- Height: 5'10" (without the heels).
- Husband: Peter Buchignani (they walked out to the Michigan fight song at their wedding).
- Current Role: Co-host of Fox & Friends First (5-6 AM ET).
Navigating the 2026 Media Landscape
In a world where everyone is screaming on social media, Carley tends to stay in her lane. She focuses on the "straight up" scoop.
She leans on mentors like Dana Perino and Ainsley Earhardt. She’s described Ainsley as a "guardian angel" in the building. That’s important because the news industry can be notoriously cutthroat. Finding a "family" atmosphere at a major network is rare, but she insists that's what she found at Fox.
She isn't just doing the morning show, either. You’ll see her on Fox Nation hosting specials or filling in on the main Fox & Friends curvy couch. She’s become a "utility player" who can handle anything from hard political interviews to lighthearted segments about viral TikTok trends.
Actionable Takeaways for Aspiring Broadcasters
If you’re looking at Carley Shimkus and thinking, "I want that job," here is the actual blueprint based on her path:
- Don't skip the "small" jobs. If you have to be a greenroom greeter or a production assistant for three years, do it. The networking happens in the hallways, not just on the screen.
- Be the "Squeaky Wheel" (Within Reason). Carley has said she wasn't afraid to tell people what she wanted. You have to ask for the opportunity, or someone else will.
- Master the "Pre-Show." Early morning shifts are where you prove you have the stamina. If you can handle a 2 AM wake-up call and still look professional, you can handle anything.
- Find Your "Tribe." Whether it's a mentor like Perino or a supportive spouse like Peter, you can't survive the 1:30 AM lifestyle alone.
Carley Shimkus has managed to turn the most difficult time slot in television into a launchpad. She didn't skip steps, she didn't complain about the "goth" modeling photos, and she didn't let the 1:30 AM alarm clock win. That’s why, in 2026, she remains a staple of the morning routine for millions.
To keep up with her latest segments, you can follow her daily on Fox & Friends First starting at 5 AM ET or check out her "Ride to Work" series on Fox Nation for a more behind-the-scenes look at her life in New York City.