Fox News is making a major change to the lineup of its highest-rated program, filling a permanent seat that has been vacant for more than a year.
The move has also led many to question what may be next for a longtime liberal host on the network.
Jessica Tarlov, a liberal co-host of Fox News’ “The Five,” was absent from her panel in the latest episode, and conservatives are speculating.
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On the August 24 broadcast of The Five on Fox News, former MTV host Kennedy, Jesse Watters, Greg Gutfeld, Emily Compagno, and Dana Perino were present for her panel, but Tarlov apparently wasn’t there.
Tarlov is the Democratic Party’s political strategist on the program.
Perino did not mention her absence when introducing the panelists.
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The show went on as usual with panelists bragging about President Donald Trump’s first-ever INDYCAR race on the National Mall over the weekend.
Perino kicked off the show with, “Everyone I’m Dana Perino! Kennedy, Jesse Watters, Greg Gutfeld and Emily Compagno. It’s five o’clock here in New York City and this is The Five.”
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The network announced Compagno as the new co-host of The Five before the show aired.
Compagno was on the panel ahead of her official debut on September 8.
Jessica Tarlov also didn’t appear on the latest edition of The Five.
“Fifteen years later, The Five remains a powerhouse and appointment viewing for millions of Americans. 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,” Fox News CEO Suzanne Scott’s statement read.
Viewers assumed Compagno was Tarlov’s replacement and asked the same question: “Is she getting replaced?
“Tell me Emily is replacing Jessica please?” asked one. Emily is light, joy, and happiness. “Jessica is darkness, anger and joylessness.”
Why didn’t Jessica come today? asked another. Is she mad that she’s been replaced?”
A third said, “I see a new face on the show! “Does that mean Fox News is over Jessica and kicked her off the show?”
But Tarlov had one supporter who said, “This was a horrible show! Well, I’m done watching The Five now. Emily is a drama queen. I can’t stand her. “Never been a fan of hers. Jessica is 10x better than her.
Compagno is joining the team, and Tarlov has not announced she is leaving “The Five.”
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She recently took a short vacation break that sparked some rumors online, but she still represents the liberal side on the program.
Compagno said she was honored to officially become part of a program she has frequently joined over the years.
“I couldn’t be more honored to join The Five, a team I have long admired and have been fortunate to work alongside over the years,” Compagno said.
“Having an official seat at the table on what I truly believe is the most fun show on television is an incredible privilege.”
Compagno initially joined Fox News as a contributor in 2018 before becoming a permanent Outnumbered co-host three years later.
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Before entering television, she practiced criminal defense and civil litigation and later worked as a federal managing attorney and acting director at the Social Security Administration.
Compagno also worked as a judicial extern for Judge John T. Noonan on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and held legal positions internationally.
Before her legal and television careers, she served as captain of the Oakland Raiders cheerleading squad and was selected as an NFL ambassador, including participating in a USO tour visiting American troops in Iraq and Kuwait.
She is also the author of Under His Wings, which debuted atop Amazon and The New York Times bestseller list.
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Compagno will now move from Fox’s daytime lineup into one of the most prominent positions at the network, Fox News reported.
.@TheFive has named @EmilyCompagno a full-time host. She will officially join the program beginning Sept 8th alongside @greggutfeld @DanaPerino @JesseBWatters as well as the rotating liberal seat featuring @HaroldFordJr and @JessicaTarlov.
More:https://t.co/aKHQ0gfN3D pic.twitter.com/lTdizND7md— johnny dollar (@johnnydollar) August 24, 2026
“The Five” just got even better! 🎉 Join us in congratulating @EmilyCompagno as she officially joins the show as a permanent co-host! Don’t worry, @JesseBWatters your seat is safe! 😂 Welcome to the family, Emily! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/EdyAXXEp76
— The Five (@TheFive) August 24, 2026
And beginning September 8, the rotating role viewers have frequently seen her occupy on The Five becomes hers officially.
This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
