Fox News viewers have same question over The Five's 'missing' host
Fox News viewers have same question over The Five's 'missing' host
Jorge Solis Tue, August 25, 2026 at 1:19 PM UTC
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Emily Compagno appeared on The Five panel amid Jessica Tarlov's absence -Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited
The Five host Jessica Tarlov was missing from her panel in the latest installment, sparking rumors among conservatives.
On the Fox News broadcast of The Five on August 24, Jessica Tarlov, 42, appeared to be absent from her panel, which included former MTV host Kennedy, 53; Jesse Watters, 48; comedian Greg Gutfeld, 61; Emily Compagno, 46; and Dana Perino, 54. Tarlov serves as the Democratic Party's political strategist on the program. Her absence was not mentioned during Perino's introduction of the panelists.
The show went on as usual, as the panelists boasted President Donald Trump's first‐ever INDYCAR race on the National Mall over the weekend. This came after a lip reader exposed Trump's tense three-word question to Melania as Natalie Harp sat just yards away.
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Perino started off the show with, "Everyone I'm Dana Perino! Along with Emily Compagno, Kennedy, Jesse Watters, and Greg Gutfeld. It's five o'clock in New York City and this is The Five."
Ahead of the broadcast, the network announced Compagno as the new co-host for The Five.
Compagno appeared on the panel ahead of her official debut on September 8.
Jessica Tarlov did not appear on the latest installment 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.
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Viewers assumed Compagno was Tarlov's replacement and asked the same question: "Is she being replaced?"
One person said, "Please tell me Emily is replacing Jessica? Emily brings light, joy, and happiness. Jessica brings darkness, anger, and joylessness."
Another person said, "Why didn't Jessica show up today? Is she mad about being replaced?"
Jessica Tarlov's absence was not mentioned by the other hosts -Credit:Roy Rochlin, Getty Images
A third wrote, "I see someone new on the show! Does that mean Fox News has had it with Jessica and kicked her off the show?"
Despite the criticism, Tarlov had a supporter who shared, "This was a terrible show! Well, I’m done watching The Five now. Cannot stand Emily — complete drama Queen. Never been a fan of hers. Jessica is 10 times better than her."
While Compagno is joining the team, Tarlov has not stated she is departing The Five. She recently took a brief break for a vacation, which sparked rumors online, but she continues to represent the liberal perspective on the program.
Jessica Tarlov spoke about Donald Trump's association with Natalie Harp -Credit:AARON SCHWARTZ, AFP via Getty Images
On August 21, Tarlov spent part of her podcast, Raging Moderates, discussing Natalie Harp, President Trump's closest aide. She cited Jon Ossoff's comments about the 80-year-old president's association with Harp, referring to "his executive assistant, known as the human printer."
She continued, "Maggie Hayron calls her Trump's binky. So Natalie Harp has become a topic of conversation because Jon Ossoff mentioned her in one of his Sunday rallies."
Tarlov concluded, "On this, saying that this is just sexist, and the message that we're sending to young women working in politics, calling out Natalie Harp. He didn't, you know. There is an insinuation. He certainly didn't say, like Donald Trump and Natalie Harper having an affair."
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
