Fox News Shakeup: Emily Compagno Named ‘The Five’ Co-Host
Fox News Adds Emily Compagno to "The Five" – What You Need to Know
What Happened?
Fox News just announced a new addition to its most popular show. Here’s the simple version:
- Emily Compagno is joining "The Five" as a permanent co-host.
- She starts on September 8.
- She’s taking the fourth seat that has been filled by rotating guests since Jeanine Pirro left last year.
- The announcement came from Suzanne Scott, CEO of Fox News Media.
Important Point: This isn’t just any show change — "The Five" is the #1 most-watched program on cable news and has been for over four years straight.
Who Is Emily Compagno?
Emily isn’t new to Fox News — she’s been with the network since 2018. But her background is pretty unique:
- Co-host of the early-afternoon show "Outnumbered"
- Legal analyst for Fox News
- Hosted a true crime podcast and a show on Fox Nation (Fox’s streaming service)
- Former criminal defense attorney
- Former captain of the Oakland Raiders cheerleading squad
- Comes from a military family
Fun Fact: She’s one of the few people who can say they’ve argued in court and performed at NFL games!
Why "The Five" Is a Big Deal
You might wonder: Why does one seat on a talk show matter so much? Here’s why:
- Most-watched cable news show for 19 quarters in a row (that’s over 4 years!)
- Often beats primetime shows in viewership
- Started in 2011 as a way to give more airtime to Fox contributors
- Has launched careers — several co-hosts moved on to bigger roles at Fox
- Known for lively debates, humor, and chemistry — even when hosts disagree
Key Insight: Suzanne Scott once said the show works because it feels like "family and friends having varying backgrounds and opinions… debating but still laughing together in the end."
The Current Team on "The Five"
Emily will join these regulars:
- Greg Gutfeld – Host of Gutfeld! (late-night style show)
- Dana Perino – Former White House Press Secretary
- Jesse Watters – Host of Jesse Watters Primetime
- Jessica Tarlov – Liberal commentator (alternating)
- Harold Ford Jr. – Former Democratic Congressman (alternating)
Note: Tarlov and Ford rotate to provide a liberal perspective — the show aims for balanced debate.
What About Jeanine Pirro?
The seat Emily is taking has been open since Jeanine Pirro left in 2023 to become Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia — a top federal prosecutor job.
- Since then, Fox used guest hosts to fill the spot.
- Recently, there’s been speculation about Pirro’s future with the Trump administration.
- Trump reportedly criticized her for not blaming vandals for damage at the Reflecting Pool on the National Mall.
- A $14.7 million no-bid contract was awarded to repaint the pool — and Pirro’s comments drew attention.
Important Context: Pirro’s departure wasn’t about the show — it was for a government role. Her current situation is separate from Emily’s hiring.
What Emily Says
“I couldn’t be more honored to join ‘The Five,’ a team I have long admired… Having an official seat at the table on what I truly believe is the most fun show on television is an incredible privilege.”
— Emily Compagno
Summary
| Who | What | When | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emily Compagno | Joins "The Five" as co-host | Sept 8 | Fills permanent seat after Pirro left |
| "The Five" | #1 cable news show 19 quarters straight | Since 2011 | Huge audience, launchpad for talent |
| Team | Gutfeld, Perino, Watters, Tarlov, Ford Jr. | Ongoing | Mix of views, known for chemistry |
| Jeanine Pirro | Left for U.S. Attorney role | 2023 | Seat rotated until now |
FAQ
1. Is Emily Compagno replacing Jeanine Pirro?
Yes — kind of. Pirro left in 2023 for a government job. Since then, the seat was temporary. Emily is the first permanent replacement.
2. Why is "The Five" so popular?
It mixes politics, culture, crime, and fun — with hosts who disagree but stay friendly. People watch for the chemistry, not just the news.
3. What makes Emily Compagno different?
She’s a lawyer, TV host, podcast host, and former NFL cheerleader — all at once. That rare mix gives her a unique voice.
4. Will this change the show’s style?
Fox says no — they value the current dynamic. Suzanne Scott said Emily’s "energy and talent" fit perfectly.
5. When can I watch her debut?
September 8 — tune in to Fox News at 5 PM ET to see her first episode as a full-time co-host.
Bottom Line: Fox News just locked in a rising star for its biggest show — right before a major election cycle. Expect more lively debates, laughs, and a lot of viewers.