Fox News Fills Permanent Host Chair on Cable Television's Top Show

2026-08-25 companies

New York, Monday, 24 August 2026.
Fox News named former attorney Emily Compagno as full-time co-host of The Five, cable television’s highest-rated program averaging 3.6 million viewers, effective September 8, 2026.

Fox News Announces Permanent Host for The Five

Fox News Channel, a division of Fox Corporation, officially named Emily Compagno as a full-time panelist on its flagship afternoon commentary show, The Five, on Monday, August 24, 2026 [1]. The move promotes Compagno from her role as co-host of Outnumbered to one of cable news’ most-watched programs, effective September 8, 2026 [1][3]. This strategic staffing decision comes as cable news networks continue to optimize key talent slots to maintain dominance in linear television ratings amid shifting audience demographics [2]. The announcement was confirmed by Suzanne Scott, CEO of Fox News Media, marking a significant shift for the program entering its 16th year [1][6].

Viewership Performance and Market Position

The Five has established itself as a ratings leader, averaging 3.6 million total viewers and 322,000 viewers in the 25-to-54 demographic during the second quarter of 2026 [1][4]. The show marked its 15th anniversary in July 2026 and has led cable news ratings for 19 consecutive quarters [1][5]. According to Nielsen data provided by Fox News, the program captures over 64% of cable news viewers in the 17:00 ET timeslot [7]. This consistent performance underscores the financial stability of the network’s afternoon lineup compared to competitors facing digital transition pressures [2][8].

Strategic Talent Transition and Replacement

Compagno will vacate her current role on Outnumbered, which airs from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM ET, to join the permanent panel of The Five [1][3]. Fox News will utilize rotating network personalities to fill Compagno’s seat on Outnumbered until a permanent replacement is selected [1][4]. The permanent seat Compagno is assuming was previously occupied by Jeanine Pirro, who departed after being appointed as U.S. Attorney in the District of Columbia in May 2025 [3][5]. This transition ensures continuity for the network’s top-rated show while managing talent distribution across its daytime programming block [6].

Panel Composition and Format

Upon joining The Five on September 8, Compagno will sit alongside co-hosts Greg Gutfeld, Dana Perino, and Jesse Watters [1][7]. The show features a rotating liberal seat currently filled by Harold Ford Jr. and Jessica Tarlov, maintaining the program’s signature roundtable format [1][4]. Launched in July 2011, the ensemble panel discusses politics, pop culture, and current events, a format that has remained resilient over 15 years [5][6]. The structure allows for diverse viewpoints, reflecting the network’s strategy to engage broad audience segments through debate and discussion [5].

Professional Background and Credentials

Compagno joined Fox News as a contributor in 2018 and became a co-host of Outnumbered in 2021 [1][7]. Prior to her television career, she practiced criminal defense and civil litigation, served as a federal managing attorney, and acted as director at the Social Security Administration [1][3]. She holds a law degree from the University of San Francisco School of Law and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Washington [2]. Additionally, Compagno is the author of Under His Wings, which debuted at No. 1 on the Amazon and New York Times bestseller lists [1][4].

Executive Commentary and Future Outlook

Suzanne Scott stated, “Emily is a highly accomplished host whose energy and talent have made her a standout across Fox News Media, and we are thrilled to officially welcome her to the show” [1][6]. Compagno responded, “Having an official seat at the table on what I truly believe is the most fun show on television is an incredible privilege” [1][7]. Fox News Channel has been the top network in basic cable for 10 years and the most-watched news channel for over 24 years [1]. The network continues to capture nearly 60% of the cable news audience, according to Nielsen Media Research [1].

Sources

Fox Corporation Cable News