In a move that has blindsided both industry insiders and dedicated viewers, Fox News is at the center of a ratings-fueled earthquake that could permanently alter the landscape of cable news. Fresh ratings data released on August 29, 2025, has not only cemented Fox’s dominance over its rivals but has also sparked intense speculation about a major shakeup on its most-watched program, The Five. At the heart of the rumors: Harold Ford Jr., the former Democratic congressman and frequent Fox contributor, is reportedly being considered as a permanent replacement for Jessica Tarlov, the show’s outspoken liberal co-host.

This surprising turn of events has ignited passionate debate across social media and within Fox’s own ranks, with some hailing the possible change as a strategic masterstroke and others decrying it as a retreat from ideological diversity. As the cable news world reels, one question echoes: Is this the start of a new era for Fox—and for political debate on TV?

Ratings That Changed the Game

Fox News has always been a ratings powerhouse, but the latest numbers are nothing short of staggering. In Q2 of 2025, Fox averaged a whopping 1.6 million viewers throughout the day, leaving MSNBC (596,000) and CNN (406,000) in the dust. The real star, however, is The Five. Airing at 5 p.m. ET, the panel show has now dominated the cable news landscape for 15 consecutive quarters, drawing an eye-popping 3.9 million viewers and even outpacing major broadcast rivals like CBS Evening News.

This surge is attributed to Fox’s relentless coverage of the 2024 Republican National Convention, ongoing political drama, and the show’s unique blend of personalities. The network now commands a commanding 62% share of the cable news audience—a figure that has left competitors scrambling for answers and industry veterans calling it a “ratings earthquake.” Fox’s ability to bounce back after the 2023 post-Tucker Carlson dip has been nothing short of remarkable, and the current momentum has only intensified speculation about what’s next.

The Five: Chemistry or Controversy?

While Fox’s ratings are the envy of the industry, it’s the internal dynamics of The Five that have captured everyone’s attention. Since its inception, the show has thrived on the combustible chemistry between its hosts—four conservatives and a single liberal voice, currently Jessica Tarlov. Tarlov, who joined as a contributor in 2017 and became a full-time co-host in 2022, is known for her unapologetic defense of progressive policies and her willingness to spar with colleagues like Greg Gutfeld.

Her style has made her both a lightning rod and a fan favorite. She’s been praised for holding her own against a sometimes-hostile panel, but also criticized for being “annoying” or “out of touch” by the show’s conservative base. Tarlov’s recent absences, including a maternity leave earlier this year, reignited rumors about her future on the show—rumors that were previously debunked but have now resurfaced with new intensity.

Enter Harold Ford Jr.

Amid this backdrop, Harold Ford Jr. has quietly become a rising star at Fox. A former Tennessee congressman with a centrist Democratic pedigree, Ford joined The Five as a rotating host in 2022, often filling in during Tarlov’s absences. Unlike Tarlov’s combative style, Ford’s approach is measured, pragmatic, and often bridges the gap between the show’s liberal and conservative voices.

Insiders say Fox executives have been impressed by Ford’s ability to engage audiences without alienating the core conservative viewership. His recent on-air praise for some of President Trump’s crime policies was seen as a sign of his bipartisan appeal. Social media posts have called him a “breath of fresh air,” and some fans argue that his presence could help The Five expand its reach to independent and moderate viewers.

The Viewer Divide: Cheers, Fury, and Ideological Battle

The rumor of Ford’s possible permanent appointment has split the audience. Supporters see it as a savvy move that could make The Five more appealing to a broader cross-section of Americans. They praise Ford’s professionalism, calm demeanor, and “common-sense takes,” contrasting them with what they see as Tarlov’s divisiveness.

On the other side, Tarlov’s fans are furious. They argue that her presence is essential for maintaining genuine debate and ideological diversity on the show. Many have taken to X (formerly Twitter) to call her a “national treasure” for consistently challenging the conservative panel. Critics of the rumored shakeup accuse Fox of caving to partisan pressure and diluting the show’s commitment to real debate.

This viewer divide reflects a larger tension within Fox and the cable news industry as a whole. As American politics grow more polarized, networks face a difficult choice: double down on their base, or try to broaden their appeal with more moderate voices.

A Larger Power Play?

The speculation around The Five is about more than just one seat at the table. With the show now regularly outdrawing even Fox’s prime-time heavyweights like Hannity and The Ingraham Angle, network executives are reportedly considering broader changes to keep their momentum going. Some insiders suggest that the Ford-Tarlov swap could be just the first step in a wider overhaul of Fox’s programming, especially as the network faces new competition from streaming platforms and an evolving media landscape.

Others see the move as a response to pressure from Fox’s conservative audience, who have long complained about the influence of liberal voices like Tarlov. There are even whispers that the network wants to align itself more closely with Donald Trump’s post-election resurgence and the shifting priorities of the Republican base.

Still, there has been no official confirmation from Fox, and the uncertainty has only fueled speculation. Is this a calculated risk based on ratings data, or a knee-jerk reaction to online outrage? Only time will tell.

What’s Next for Tarlov and Ford?

If the rumors prove true, and Ford takes the permanent liberal seat, The Five could shift toward a less confrontational, more centrist format. This could alienate some of Tarlov’s most passionate fans, but it might also attract new viewers who are tired of partisan bickering.

As for Tarlov, her future at Fox remains unclear. Some expect she’ll be reassigned to other roles at the network, while others believe she could leverage her profile into new projects, such as her Raging Moderates podcast. Whatever happens, it’s unlikely she’ll fade from the public eye quietly.

For Ford, the opportunity could mark a major turning point in his media career, giving him a national platform to shape political discourse and perhaps even paving the way for bigger roles in the future.

The Bigger Picture: Fox’s Strategy and the Future of Cable News

The shakeup at Fox comes at a pivotal moment for the cable news industry. With audiences fragmenting and streaming platforms pulling viewers away from traditional TV, networks are under intense pressure to innovate and adapt. Fox’s overwhelming ratings lead gives it room to experiment, but also raises the stakes for every decision.

Will the rumored changes to The Five set a new standard for cable news, or spark a backlash that erodes its dominance? As Fox insiders and viewers alike debate the merits of moderation versus confrontation, one thing is clear: the network isn’t afraid to make bold moves to stay on top.

For now, the cable news world waits, watches, and wonders: Is this a one-off shakeup—or the start of a Fox News revolution?