Fox News has sent shockwaves through the cable news world with the announcement of sweeping changes to its weekend broadcast schedule, marking one of the network’s most ambitious reshuffles in recent years. The changes, set to take effect Saturday, September 20, involve new hosts, expanded programs, and a bold push to solidify the network’s dominance among conservative viewers during the increasingly competitive weekend slot.

Griff Jenkins Steps In as Fox & Friends Weekend Host

One of the most notable moves is the promotion of veteran Fox reporter Griff Jenkins to co-host Fox & Friends Weekend, replacing Pete Hegseth. Jenkins, known for his extensive coverage of politics, military affairs, and breaking news, will join Rachel Campos-Duffy and Will Cain on the show’s signature white couch. Jenkins’ elevation follows Hegseth’s departure after his nomination and confirmation as U.S. Secretary of Defense—a high-profile move that left a major gap in Fox’s weekend morning lineup.

Hegseth, a fixture on Fox & Friends Weekend, was tapped by former President Donald Trump for the Pentagon role and secured confirmation in January following a contentious process, ultimately winning support from Senate Republicans and a tie-breaking vote by Vice President JD Vance. Jenkins’ appointment is seen as a strategic effort to refresh the show and maintain its strong connection with Fox’s conservative base.

Kayleigh McEnany Lands Her Own Two-Hour Show

Adding to the shake-up, Kayleigh McEnany—former White House press secretary and co-host of Outnumbered—will headline a brand-new two-hour program, Saturday in America. Airing from 10 a.m. ET, the show will feature political commentary, interviews, and in-depth coverage of the week’s biggest stories. Insiders say McEnany’s promotion reflects her growing popularity with Fox viewers and her ability to deliver sharp, assertive conservative messaging.

McEnany’s new role positions her as a central figure in Fox’s weekend strategy, with the network betting that her blend of policy expertise and media savvy will anchor Saturday mornings and draw a loyal audience. Her rise comes as Fox looks to deepen its influence among conservative viewers and set the tone for weekend political discourse.

Expanded Programming and New Faces

The changes extend beyond Jenkins and McEnany. Fox News correspondents Peter Doocy and Jacqui Heinrich will rotate as hosts of The Sunday Briefing, a new show airing at 11 a.m. ET. The program is expected to deliver insider reporting and analysis focused on Washington politics and policy. Doocy, son of longtime Fox & Friends host Steve Doocy, and Heinrich, engaged to Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, bring both journalistic experience and strong personal connections to the political world.

Meanwhile, The Big Weekend Show is expanding to a three-hour primetime block from 5 to 8 p.m. ET on both Saturdays and Sundays. The revamped show will be anchored by retired Marine Johnny Joey Jones and outspoken commentator Tomi Lahren, alongside two additional co-hosts. Fox hopes this longer format, featuring patriotic and activist voices, will better compete with rival networks and digital platforms for viewers seeking weekend political content.

A Somber Note Amid Change

The timing of Fox’s announcement was marked by tragedy, as news broke of the shooting death of conservative activist and Trump ally Charlie Kirk at a Utah Valley University event. Kirk, who had recently guest-hosted Fox & Friends Weekend, was considered a rising star in the conservative movement. His loss cast a shadow over Fox’s programming rollout and was felt deeply by the network’s audience.

Strategic Vision for Weekend Dominance

Taken together, Fox’s weekend shake-up signals more than a simple reshuffling of talent. The network is executing a calculated plan to fortify its influence during weekends—a period that has grown in importance for shaping political narratives and retaining loyal viewers. By elevating familiar conservative voices like McEnany, promoting seasoned contributors like Jenkins, and expanding primetime programming with Lahren and Jones, Fox is laying the groundwork for a new era of weekend dominance.

Insiders suggest these changes are just the beginning, with Fox positioning itself as the primary stage for Republican voices ahead of the 2026 midterms and beyond. As the network continues to adapt to shifting viewer habits and a changing political landscape, its latest moves underscore a commitment to remain at the forefront of conservative media.