For the second time in a week, Fox News has made a stunning announcement about one of the network’s premier talents.
The network announced Wednesday that Saturday evening “Judge Jeanine” host Jeanine Pirro will become a permanent co-host of the popular afternoon program “The Five.”
“’The Five’ continues to be a beloved show by the American audience. Each of the co-hosts is accomplished and insightful talent with diverse opinions and terrific chemistry who will certainly help drive this ensemble program going forward,” Fox News Media CEO Suzanne Scott on Wednesday.
“Greg Gutfeld, Dana Perino, and Jesse Watters will continue to occupy the other three seats when the changes debut on Jan. 24. Later that evening, Watters’ new program, Jesse Watters Primetime, will kick-off as the outspoken star will anchor Fox News’ 7 p.m. ET timeslot in addition to co-hosting The Five,” Fox News reported.
“The Five topped everything CNN and MSNBC had to offer during 2021, averaging 2.9 million viewers to finish as the second most-watched show on cable news. It also made history by averaging a staggering 3.3 million viewers during the fourth quarter of 2021 to become the first non-primetime program in cable news history to finish an entire quarter as the most-watched cable news show,” the report continued.
“Pirro, a frequent substitute, joined Fox News in 2006 and will give up her weekend program “Justice with Judge Jeanine” to focus on her full-time role on “The Five.” New programs replacing Pirro and Watters’ weekend shows will be announced at a later date,” the report added.
“She will continue hosting ‘Castles USA’ on FOX News Media’s streaming service FOX Nation, where she dives into the rich history of iconic castles all around the country,” the announcement added.
On Monday, the network announced that another Saturday host, Jesse Watters, would become permanent host of “Fox News Primetime” after months of rotating hosts.
The network says he will remain a co-host of “The Five,” but he will no longer be hosting his Saturday evening program. It’s not clear who will take over that timeslot.
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“Jesse’s versatility and hosting acumen has grown exponentially over the last five years, and he has developed a deep connection to the audience through two hit shows The Five and Watters’ World. We look forward to watching him expand his connection even further through this new solo weeknight hour,” FOX News Media CEO Suzanne Scott said.
“I’m thrilled to take on this new challenge and am grateful for the opportunity,” said Watters, who got his big break on Fox News appearing on “The O’Reilly Factor.”
Watters joined the network in 2002 as a production assistant, making his on-camera debut in 2003 as a correspondent for The O’Reilly Factor, where he conducted signature ‘man on the street’ interviews.