Fox News continues to dominate cable TV, with The Five averaging 3.851 million viewers in Q2 2025, according to AdWeek. Yet, amid the ratings victory, rumors of a major behind-the-scenes shakeup are stealing the spotlight. Sources cited by usceleblife.com on August 30, 2025, suggest that Harold Ford Jr., the former Democratic Congressman and rotating liberal co-host, is being considered as a permanent replacement for Jessica Tarlov. The news ignited a firestorm on X, garnering 1.7 million views by September 3, 2025, and fans are sharply divided. Some praise the move as a “bold power shift”, while others warn it could “upend the show’s dynamic.” Could this be the first step in a broader prime-time overhaul at Fox News?

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!”

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.