In a jaw-dropping turn of events that has left Fox News insiders reeling, cable news ratings released this morning have unveiled a brutal shakeup, cementing Fox as the undisputed leader while igniting a firestorm of speculation. The numbers, revealed at 10:41 AM +07 on August 29, 2025, not only solidified Fox’s dominance but also hinted at a seismic shift on The Five, its top-rated show. Whispers are swirling that Harold Ford Jr., the polished former congressman, is being lined up to permanently replace Jessica Tarlov, the network’s outspoken liberal voice. The rumor has split viewers and industry veterans alike, with cheers from some and fury from others, as social media erupts with debates over bragging rights, embarrassment, and the future of prime-time TV. Is this the start of a larger power play within Fox? Here’s the full breakdown of this shocking twist.
The Ratings That Shocked the Industry
The latest cable news ratings have crowned Fox News the overwhelming victor, averaging 1.6 million total day viewers in Q2 2025, dwarfing MSNBC’s 596,000 and CNN’s 406,000. The Five, airing at 5 p.m. ET, led the charge with a staggering 3.9 million viewers, marking its 15th consecutive quarter as the most-watched program in cable news—a feat no non-primetime show has ever achieved. This dominance outpaced even broadcast rivals like CBS Evening News, amplifying Fox’s 62% audience share. The surge, driven by coverage of the 2024 Republican National Convention and ongoing political drama, has left competitors scrambling. Industry veterans are stunned, with some calling it a “ratings earthquake” that no one predicted, especially given the post-Tucker Carlson dip Fox weathered in 2023.
The numbers lit up X instantly, with fans boasting of Fox’s triumph and critics questioning the sustainability of its lead. The unexpected twist, however, lies in the performance of The Five’s panelists, where insider chatter suggests a strategic shift is afoot.
The Harold Ford Jr. Rumor: A Permanent Seat?
The real bombshell is the rumor that Harold Ford Jr. is being eyed to permanently replace Jessica Tarlov on The Five. Since joining as a rotating co-host in January 2022 alongside Tarlov and Geraldo Rivera, Ford has brought a measured, centrist Democratic perspective, often contrasting with Tarlov’s sharper liberal stance. Sources within Fox suggest network executives are impressed with Ford’s ability to bridge divides, citing his recent praise for President Trump’s crime initiatives on air. Posts on X reflect a growing sentiment that Ford’s calm demeanor and bipartisan appeal could boost The Five’s already sky-high ratings, with some fans calling him a “breath of fresh air.”
Tarlov, who joined as a contributor in 2017 and became a co-host in 2022, has been a polarizing figure. Her unapologetic defense of Democratic policies and high-profile clashes with co-hosts like Greg Gutfeld have earned her both admiration and vitriol. Recent absences, including her maternity leave earlier this year, fueled speculation—debunked by Snopes in February 2024—about her firing. Now, insiders claim her polarizing style may be sidelined for Ford’s smoother approach, a move some see as a bid to widen The Five’s audience beyond its conservative base.
Cheers and Fury: The Viewer Divide
The rumor has sparked a fierce online battle. Ford’s supporters cheer the potential change, with posts praising his “professionalism” and “common-sense takes,” contrasting him with Tarlov’s “annoying” presence. Others argue Tarlov’s exit would dilute The Five’s diversity, with fans hailing her as a “national treasure” for holding her own against four conservatives. Critics of the shakeup call it a “cowardly retreat” from ideological debate, while Ford’s backers see it as a savvy pivot to retain viewers tired of partisan shouting matches.
The tension mirrors broader sentiment on X, where Tarlov’s defense of controversial issues—like illegal immigration cases—has drawn ire, while Ford’s balanced critiques of both parties have won praise. This divide underscores a ratings-driven strategy: Ford’s moderation might attract independents, but Tarlov’s fiery exchanges have been a key draw, boosting viewership to 5.5 million on July 15, 2024, post-Trump assassination attempt.
A Power Play at Fox?
The shakeup raises questions about Fox’s long-term vision. With The Five outdrawing prime-time giants like Hannity (2.4 million) and The Ingraham Angle (2.2 million), executives may be recalibrating to maximize appeal in a polarized 2025 landscape. Ford’s political pedigree—son of a Tennessee congressman and former DLC chair—lends credibility, while Tarlov’s academic background (Ph.D. from the London School of Economics) and media savvy have made her a liberal star. Insiders hint this could be the first move in a broader overhaul, potentially targeting other shows or talent, especially as Fox faces competition from streaming and declining CNN/MSNBC viewership.
Some speculate the decision reflects pressure from conservative viewers, who’ve long criticized Tarlov’s influence, or a bid to align with Trump’s post-election dominance. Others see it as a pragmatic response to ratings data showing The Five’s success hinges on dynamic chemistry, which Ford may enhance. The lack of official confirmation from Fox fuels the intrigue, leaving analysts to wonder if this is a calculated risk or a knee-jerk reaction.
What’s Next for The Five?
As the dust settles, the industry watches closely. If Ford takes the permanent seat, The Five could evolve into a less confrontational format, potentially alienating Tarlov’s fans while broadening its reach. Tarlov’s future—whether reassigned or phased out—remains unclear, though her Raging Moderates podcast suggests she won’t fade quietly. For Ford, the role could catapult him into a national spotlight, leveraging his Morgan Stanley experience and TV tenure.