Five chairs. One table. A whole lot of shouting—or laughing, depending on the segment. If you’ve tuned in at 5 p.m. ET recently, you know the vibe. Fox News The Five cast today remains the most-watched juggernaut in cable news, but the faces in those swivel chairs have seen some notable shifts as we move through 2026.
Honestly, the chemistry is why people stay. It’s that "dinner table argument" energy that either makes you want to join in or throw your remote at the screen. But who exactly is sitting there right now?
The Core Four: The Unshakable Foundation
While the show started as a temporary replacement for Glenn Beck years ago, it evolved into a permanent fixture. Today, the "main" seats are occupied by a group of veterans who have mostly survived the various network shakeups.
Dana Perino is essentially the "class president" of the group. As a former White House Press Secretary, she brings a level of polish that keeps the show from descending into pure chaos. She’s often the one steering the ship back to the actual news when things get too wild.
Then there’s Greg Gutfeld. Love him or hate him, he’s the "King of Late Night" now, but he still clocks in for his day job on The Five. His brand of subversive, often cynical humor is the show's pulse. He’s the guy who will find a way to make a joke about a serious legislative bill, usually at the expense of his co-hosts.
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Jesse Watters has moved up the ranks significantly. He used to be the guy doing "Watters' World" man-on-the-street segments; now, he’s a primetime heavyweight who still keeps his seat at the 5 p.m. table. He plays the role of the confident, slightly smug provocateur perfectly.
The Big 2025 Shift: Where is Judge Jeanine?
You might have noticed a missing face if you haven't watched in a few months. Jeanine Pirro, a staple of the show for years, officially exited the network in May 2025.
It wasn't a standard "parting of ways." She was actually tapped by the Trump administration to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. That left a massive, loud hole in the cast that the show has had to fill with a rotating group of regulars.
The Liberal Seat: A Rotating Door of Debate
One of the most frequent questions about Fox News The Five cast today is who is representing the "left" side of the aisle. Fox has leaned into a rotation strategy here rather than a single permanent host like the Juan Williams era.
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- Jessica Tarlov: She is arguably the most frequent liberal voice. She’s sharp, fast with data, and clearly doesn't mind being the lone voice in a 4-on-1 fight. Her back-and-forths with Gutfeld are often the highlight of the hour.
- Harold Ford Jr.: The former Congressman brings a more moderate, "statesman" vibe. He’s less about the ideological fire and more about the policy mechanics, which offers a different flavor of opposition to the conservative majority.
You'll also see guest appearances from people like Kevin Walling or Adrienne Elrod when the main two are off. It’s a tough gig. You have to be okay with getting interrupted a lot.
Why the Lineup Still Works in 2026
The ratings don't lie. Even with the loss of Judge Jeanine, the show pulls in millions. Why?
Basically, it's the "One More Thing" segment and the general lack of a rigid script. Most news shows feel like a lecture. This feels like a hang. You've got Jesse leaning back in his chair, Dana holding her dog Jasper (or talking about him), and Greg making faces at the camera.
It’s personality-driven news.
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What Most People Get Wrong About the Cast
There’s a common misconception that these people hate each other. If you watch the body language during the commercial transitions on Fox Nation, you see a different story. They’re coworkers. They’ve been doing this for over a decade in some cases.
- The "Scripted" Myth: People think the fights are fake. Talk to anyone who has been on that set; the disagreements over topics like the border or the economy are very real, even if they grab dinner afterward.
- The Paycheck Factor: These are some of the highest-paid people in media. They stay because the platform is massive, not just because they love the 5 p.m. slot.
Looking Ahead: Who is Next?
With the 2026 midterms approaching, expect the rotating "fifth seat" to feature more political heavyweights. We’ve seen more of Katie Pavlich and Emily Compagno filling in for Dana or Jesse when they take vacations.
Compagno, specifically, has become a fan favorite. Her legal background and high energy make her a natural fit for the fast-paced "A-block" discussions.
If you’re trying to keep up with the cast daily, the best move is to check the official The Five social media accounts around 4 p.m. ET. They usually post a photo of the day’s lineup.
Keep an eye on the chemistry between Tarlov and the rest of the crew; as the political climate heats up, those "liberal seat" exchanges are getting a lot more intense. You can also catch the re-airings at 5 a.m. ET if you missed the live afternoon chaos.
Check the Fox News schedule specifically for "Fan Mail Friday" episodes, as that’s usually when the cast is most relaxed and the lineup is most likely to include the full "A-team" of regulars.