If you’ve flipped on Fox News recently during the 5:00 PM ET hour, you’ve likely seen a familiar face—and heard a very distinct voice—holding down the left side of the table. Despite the constant cycle of rumors that swirl around the network’s most-watched show, is Jessica Tarlov still on The Five? The short answer is yes. As of early 2026, Dr. Jessica Tarlov remains a core part of the program, serving as one of the rotating liberal co-hosts alongside Harold Ford Jr.
People always seem to be looking for a "departure" headline. Maybe it’s because she’s often the lone dissenting voice in a sea of conservative heavyweights like Greg Gutfeld and Jesse Watters. Or maybe it’s just the nature of The Five fans to speculate whenever a host takes a few days off for a vacation or a personal life event. But honestly, if you’re looking for her, she hasn’t gone anywhere.
The 2026 Status: Why the Confusion?
The "is Jessica Tarlov still on The Five" question usually spikes for a couple of reasons. First, the show operates on a rotating basis for the liberal seat. Unlike the permanent chairs held by Dana Perino or Greg Gutfeld, the "lefty" slot is shared. When Harold Ford Jr. is in the chair, people assume Jessica left. When Jessica is there, people ask where Harold went. It’s a rhythmic swap that has been the status quo since January 2022.
Then there’s the personal stuff. Tarlov has been quite open about her life with viewers. She’s a mom of two now—her second daughter, Teddy, was born in April 2024. Naturally, maternity leave and family time mean she’s off the air for stretches. In a world of 24/7 news, a two-week absence feels like a lifetime to regular viewers, leading to those "did she get fired?" Google searches.
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Balancing Act: Life as the "Odd Woman Out"
Being the resident liberal on the most-watched show in cable news isn't exactly a walk in the park. Tarlov has spoken about this often. In a late 2024 interview with Katie Couric, she described herself as the "odd woman out," but noted that the show’s appeal comes from its "Thanksgiving dinner" energy. You've got the family at the table, everyone’s arguing, but they still show up the next day.
- Educational Pedigree: She isn't just a "talking head." She holds a Ph.D. in Government from the London School of Economics.
- Day Job: Outside of Fox, she has held high-level roles at Bustle Digital Group (BDG), focusing on consumer insight and research.
- Podcast Life: She also keeps busy with the Raging Moderates podcast alongside Scott Galloway.
She’s a high-achiever. It’s a lot to juggle.
Is Jessica Tarlov Still on The Five After the Lawsuits?
You might remember the headlines from early 2024. There was a massive $30 million defamation lawsuit filed by Tony Bobulinski over comments Tarlov made on air regarding his legal fees. It was a tense moment. Usually, when a host gets hit with a multi-million dollar suit over an on-air comment, the "suspension" rumors start flying.
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Tarlov did issue a correction on air the very next day. She clarified that she had seen no indication that certain payments were made for his legal fees. While the legal drama was significant, it didn't result in her removal from the show. Fox News has a history of standing by its talent through various legal hurdles, and Tarlov was no exception. She stayed in her seat, kept her head down, and continued to provide the Democratic counter-narrative.
Why She Matters to the Show's Success
The Five makes television history pretty much every week. It’s consistently the number-one program in all of cable news—even beating primetime shows. A huge part of that success is the chemistry. Love her or hate her, Tarlov brings a specific brand of evidence-based, data-driven pushback that forces the other co-hosts to sharpen their own arguments.
If the show were just five people agreeing with each other for 60 minutes, it would be boring. You need the friction. You need the "wait, that's not actually what the data says" moments. Tarlov provides that. Even Greg Gutfeld, who she tangles with the most, has acknowledged that the show needs that balance to work.
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Real Talk: Dealing with the Audience
It’s no secret that the Fox News audience isn't always Tarlov’s biggest fan club. She’s been very transparent about the "fan mail" (and not-so-fan mail) she receives. But interestingly, she told The New York Times that she sees her role as a strategic move. She wants to show viewers that "ideological foes can get along."
It's a noble goal. It’s also a savvy career move. Being on the most-watched show in cable news gives her a platform that almost no other Democratic strategist has. Why would she leave that?
What’s Next for Jessica Tarlov?
So, we know she’s still there. But what’s the trajectory?
- Midterm Focus: As we head deeper into the 2026 midterm election cycle, Tarlov’s role will likely become even more central. As a pollster and strategist, this is her "Super Bowl."
- Digital Expansion: Expect more from her in the podcasting and digital space. Her work with Scott Galloway shows she’s looking to reach an audience beyond the traditional cable news demographic.
- The "Rotating" Reality: Don't be surprised if she isn't there every single night. The rotation with Harold Ford Jr. (and occasionally others) is baked into the contract. It keeps the hosts from burning out.
Actionable Insight for Viewers:
If you want to know for sure if she’s on today, the best place isn’t a rumor site—it’s the official The Five social media accounts. They typically post the daily lineup about an hour before showtime. If she’s not in the chair, don’t panic. She’s likely just on her scheduled rotation or taking a well-deserved day off with her kids.
She remains a fixture of the network. Her contract, her ratings, and her willingness to "jump into the lion's den" every afternoon suggest she’ll be a mainstay for a long time to come.