Fox News Names Emily Compagno to 'The Five'

Fox News announced Monday that Emily Compagno, co-host of the network's noon show "Outnumbered," will become a full-time co-host on its top-rated program "The Five," effective September 8. The move, confirmed by Fox News Media CEO Suzanne Scott, places Compagno alongside longtime co-hosts Greg Gutfeld, Dana Perino, and Jesse Watters, with Harold Ford Jr. and Jessica Tarlov continuing to rotate in the program's liberal chair.

Compagno will step down from "Outnumbered," where a rotating roster of Fox News personalities will fill her spot until a permanent replacement is named, according to multiple reports. The announcement marks a significant promotion for Compagno, who joined Fox News as a contributor in 2018 and became co-host of "Outnumbered" in 2021.

A Permanent Slot After Pirro's Departure

The move fills a permanent seat on "The Five" that has been empty since Jeanine Pirro left the program. According to Deadline, Pirro departed after President Trump appointed her as U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia in May 2025. Variety similarly reported that Pirro left last year to become interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, though the two outlets differ on the precise timing of the departure.

Compagno will join a show that, as Fox News highlighted, celebrated its 15th anniversary in July and is the most-watched cable news program. The network said "The Five" averaged 3.6 million total viewers and 322,000 in the key 25-54 demographic during the second quarter, and has been the highest-rated show in cable news for 19 consecutive quarters, a statistic echoed by the New York Post and Variety.

Fox News's statement did not specify the reason for the seat opening, but the network's own coverage noted the program's dominance in the 5 p.m. timeslot, commanding over 64% of all cable news viewers there.

Reactions from the Network and Compagno

Fox News Media CEO Suzanne Scott welcomed Compagno in a statement: "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." She also highlighted the program's staying power: "Fifteen years later, 'The Five' remains a powerhouse and appointment viewing for millions of Americans."

Compagno expressed her excitement, saying, "I couldn't be more honored to join 'The Five,' a team I have long admired and have been fortunate to help alongside over the years." She added, "Having an official seat at the table on what I truly believe is the most fun show on television is an incredible privilege. I am grateful for the opportunity and can't wait to get started."

Compagno's Background and Career

Compagno's rise within Fox News has been carrying by a varied resume. She first joined the network as a legal analyst in 2018, and she also be a co-host of "Outnumbered" in 2021. According to Fox News and the New York Post, Compagno is the author of "Under His Wings," published by Fox News Books, which the Post describes as a No. 1 bestseller and Fox News says was a 2024 New York Times bestseller; the specifics vary slightly by outlet (the Post says it debuted at No. 1 on Amazon and the New York Times list in its first week).

She has also worked as a federal managing attorney and acting director at the Social Security Administration, served as a judicial extern for Judge John T. Noonan on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and held legal positions in South Africa and Brazil, per the Post. Before law, Compagno was captain of the Oakland Raiders' cheerleading squad and was selected as an NFL ambassador, representing the league internationally, says the Post.

A Program Central to Fox's Lineup

"The Five," originally conceived in 2011 as a roundtable to give more airtime to Fox News contributors, has become the network's most-watched program. Its roundtable format features regulars debating politics, pop culture, and other current events. The show's success is seen as critical for Fox News, especially as the network approaches the 2026 midterm elections, which Variety predicts will draw a wider swath of viewers to competitors like MSNBC and CNN as well.

As "The Five" deepens its bench, Compagno's promotion stands as a formal recognition of the "standout" reputation she has cultivated across Fox News's platforms, including hosting a true crime podcast and working on a Fox Nation. The change is effective in less than a month, as the show continues to dominate cable ratings.