Many people have been wondering about the future of Jessica Tarlov, the Democratic strategist and familiar liberal voice on “The Five”. Now we know that she has signed a new three-year contract with the network, keeping her at the table as Fox makes other changes to one of cable television’s most-watched political programs. Marie Claire reported the new agreement in a profile published this week.
Tarlov described the contract renewal as “a great affirmation of your seat at the table,” after roughly a decade working with Fox and more than four years as a co-host on “The Five.”
That seat is an unusual one.
Tarlov regularly finds herself presenting Democratic arguments while surrounded by colleagues who approach politics from a very different direction. She told Marie Claire that she frequently has only about 90 seconds to make her case, meaning there isn’t exactly time to unpack a doctoral dissertation before somebody across the table wants to respond.
Her strategy is often to begin with humor or something disarming before moving into the substance of her argument.
The arrangement is intentional. “The Five” has built much of its identity around political disagreement mixed with the personalities and relationships of its hosts. Tarlov and former Democratic congressman Harold Ford Jr. rotate in the program’s liberal seat, while Greg Gutfeld, Dana Perino, Jesse Watters and newly promoted Emily Compagno make up the regular lineup.
Compagno officially became a full-time co-host on September 8 after previously serving as a co-host of “Outnumbered.” Fox announced that a rotating personality would temporarily occupy her former position while the network searches for a permanent replacement.
The lineup adjustment comes as “The Five” remains a major ratings success.
Fox reported that the program averaged 3.6 million viewers during the second quarter of 2026. Axios separately reported that the show’s average audience had increased 148 percent since its 2011 debut, making its longevity particularly notable at a time when traditional cable television has generally faced declining audiences.
Jessica Tarlov broke down why most of Trump's accomplishments in office don't mean much to the average voter. Gasoline prices are elevated. Inflation is higher now than when Trump was sworn in. Prices across the board have not gone down. pic.twitter.com/S6t7KfOAnf
— Decoding Fox News (@DecodingFoxNews) September 10, 2026
Tarlov’s role helps explain why the show’s format has lasted.
The political arguments can become heated, particularly during discussions about President Trump and Democratic leaders, but Tarlov has said her off-camera relationships with her colleagues are considerably warmer than viewers might assume from watching the debates.
That appears to be part of the formula.
Harold Ford Jr. told Axios, “We all like each other,” while Greg Gutfeld described teasing as part of the program’s chemistry. Jesse Watters has even credited Tarlov with helping him better understand why Democratic voters are attracted to particular candidates.
In other words, disagreement isn’t some unfortunate technical malfunction at “The Five.” It is essentially the product.
Tarlov presents arguments from the Democratic side, her colleagues challenge them, she pushes back, and viewers get a political debate instead of five people spending an hour enthusiastically agreeing with themselves.
Her new contract indicates Fox intends to keep that formula intact.
Viewers who agree with Tarlov will continue having someone at the table articulating their political perspective. Those who strongly disagree with her will continue getting plenty of opportunities to yell at their television.
For Fox, apparently, both groups are worth keeping around.
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