If you’ve flipped on Fox News at 5:00 PM lately expecting to hear a fast-talking, data-driven liberal perspective, you might have found yourself staring at a different face. It happens every few months. The internet starts buzzing. People flock to X (formerly Twitter) asking the same frantic question: where is Jessica Tarlov?
She isn't gone. Honestly, she’s just busy.
Tarlov has become one of the most polarizing yet essential figures on cable news. As the primary liberal voice on The Five, she occupies what many call the "toughest seat in television." It’s a literal 4-on-1 fight every single day. But unlike the sacrificial lambs of cable news past, Tarlov doesn't just sit there and take it. She comes armed with spreadsheets, polling data, and a Ph.D. from the London School of Economics that she isn't afraid to use as a shield.
The Rotating Seat Mystery
So, why the frequent disappearances? The answer is a lot more mundane than most conspiracy theorists want to believe. Unlike Greg Gutfeld or Dana Perino, who are essentially the "anchors" of the ship, the liberal seat on The Five is designed as a rotating position.
When Tarlov isn’t there, it’s usually for one of three reasons:
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- The Rotation: She shares the "liberal" chair with Harold Ford Jr. They switch off based on a predetermined schedule. If Harold is in the seat, Jessica is usually back home in New York or working her "day job."
- Family Life: Jessica is a mom of two now. She welcomed her second daughter, Teddy, in April 2024. Between her eldest, Cleo, and a toddler at home, she takes regular time off to be a parent.
- The BDG Gig: People forget she has a massive career outside of Fox. She serves as the Senior Vice President of Research and Consumer Insight at Bustle Digital Group (BDG).
She isn't just a talking head. She’s a corporate executive. That means when a major brand needs to know how Millennials or Gen Z are feeling about the economy, Jessica is likely in a boardroom in Manhattan instead of a TV studio in Midtown.
What Really Happened with the Lawsuit?
You might have heard about the $30 million defamation lawsuit filed by Tony Bobulinski. That caused a massive stir in late 2024 and early 2025. Many viewers thought the legal heat might get her booted from the network.
Basically, it started over a comment she made regarding legal fees and a Trump Super PAC. She issued a correction on-air the next day. While the legal drama was real, Fox News has stuck by her. Why? Because she brings the ratings. The Five is consistently the most-watched show in cable news, and the friction between her and co-hosts like Jesse Watters is exactly what the audience craves.
She’s actually lean, mean, and still very much employed.
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The Raging Moderates Factor
If you can’t find her on your TV, she’s probably in your ears. In late 2025 and moving into 2026, Tarlov has ramped up her presence on the Raging Moderates podcast with Scott Galloway. This is where she gets to be a bit more "unfiltered" than the FCC or Fox News standards might allow.
They tackle everything. From the 2026 midterms to the bizarre reality of current immigration protests, Jessica uses the platform to break down the "why" behind the headlines. Just last week, she was vocal on social media about the fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis, calling for an immediate investigation. She uses her digital presence to keep the heat on issues that her co-hosts might gloss over.
Surviving the "Sacrificial Liberal" Label
It’s gotta be exhausting. Imagine going to work and having four people tell you you're wrong for sixty minutes straight. Jessica has admitted in interviews, specifically with the New York Times, that it’s a strategic move. She knows she’s reaching people who would otherwise never hear a Democratic talking point.
She isn't there to convert Greg Gutfeld. She's there for the viewer at home who might be on the fence.
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Why She Isn't Leaving Fox Anytime Soon
- Impact: She’s on the #1 show in cable.
- Platform: It gives her a massive springboard for her work at BDG.
- Thick Skin: She famously turned Donald Trump’s personal criticisms into a badge of honor. When he called her "jittery" or complained about her voice, she basically said, "If the most powerful man in the world is watching me, I'm doing something right."
Where to Find Her Right Now
If she’s not on your screen today, don't panic. Check the calendar. If it’s Harold Ford Jr.’s week, she’s likely deep-diving into consumer data at Bustle or recording with Scott Galloway.
To stay updated on her whereabouts, the best bet is to follow her on X (@JessicaTarlov). She’s incredibly active there, often posting clips and corrections in real-time. You can also track the The Five’s official schedule, though they tend to keep the daily lineup a bit of a surprise to keep the social media engagement high.
Next Steps for Followers
To stay ahead of the curve on where Jessica is appearing, you should subscribe to the Raging Moderates podcast on YouTube or Apple Podcasts. It’s the only place you get her analysis without the constant interruptions of a 5-person panel. Additionally, if you’re interested in the data side of her career, keep an eye on BDG Media’s insights reports; she often publishes white papers on Gen Z trends that explain the logic behind her political takes.