In cable news, ratings are more than numbers—they are weapons. They crown winners, expose losers, and sometimes foreshadow dramatic power plays behind the scenes. This week, Fox News didn’t just win; it dominated. The network captured 14 of the top 15 most-watched shows in cable news, a sweep so overwhelming that rivals CNN and MSNBC were left humiliated. But the real story isn’t the ratings victory. It’s what those numbers may unleash inside Fox headquarters: a behind-the-scenes effort to permanently remove Jessica Tarlov from The Five.

The Ratings Earthquake

The latest Nielsen report wasn’t just strong—it was historic. Fox News secured nearly every top slot, leaving CNN with none and MSNBC with only one. Once considered unshakable competitors, both networks are suffering from collapsing formats and dwindling trust.

At the top of Fox’s fortress sits The Five, the ensemble panel show that continues to lead all of cable news. The program has become the “crown jewel” of the network, a ratings machine that pulls in millions of viewers daily. Its success, however, has raised a critical internal question: if The Five is the throne, how can Fox polish it further?

Jesse Watters, the New Kingmaker

One name stands out above all others: Jesse Watters. Long seen as a supporting act, Watters now commands both the #1 and #2 shows in all of cable news. As co-host of The Five and solo host of Jesse Watters Primetime, he has consolidated a level of influence few in television history have matched.

His dominance has made him a power broker inside Fox. Executives now view him as a key figure in shaping not only his own brand but also the direction of The Five. With two crowns on his head, Watters’ opinions carry enormous weight.

The Tarlov Question

Jessica Tarlov, the liberal voice on The Five, has long been both the foil and the lightning rod. Her clashes with conservative co-hosts create the fiery debates that drive much of the show’s energy. Yet, her confrontational style has reportedly become a subject of heated discussion in the upper ranks of Fox.

Executives are said to be weighing whether her presence still benefits the show or whether a softer, more moderate voice could attract a broader audience. Critics argue that Tarlov’s interruptions and sharp rebuttals disrupt the flow of conversation, while supporters insist her voice is critical to maintaining balance on a program otherwise dominated by conservatives.

One insider described the conversations as “strategic, not personal.” Another was blunter: “If The Five is the crown jewel, why not polish it?”

Harold Ford Jr. Waiting in the Wings

Enter Harold Ford Jr., the former Democratic congressman turned Fox contributor. Unlike Tarlov, Ford is calm, measured, and conciliatory. He builds bridges instead of tearing them down, offering a softer liberal presence that some executives see as less alienating to swing viewers and advertisers.

Ford has reportedly become a leading candidate to replace Tarlov if Fox decides to make the move. His appeal lies in his ability to disagree without sparking shouting matches, a style that could shift the show toward a more polished dynamic.

The Stakes of the Decision

The potential change has set off a storm of debate among viewers. Many loyal fans argue that without Tarlov’s sharp challenges, The Five risks becoming an echo chamber. Others welcome the idea of Ford, saying the panel would benefit from a more civil exchange.

Online, the speculation has turned into a daily guessing game, with audiences scrutinizing every interaction between Tarlov and her co-hosts for signs of tension. The fate of one seat on The Five has become symbolic of a larger question: in an era of extreme polarization, can TV talk shows still tolerate dissent?

Rivals in Crisis

While Fox debates its future, CNN and MSNBC are facing existential crises. CNN failed to place a single program in the top 15—a staggering fall for a network once seen as the global standard. MSNBC clung to just one spot, a faint consolation as Fox continues to dominate.

Polls show both rivals bleeding trust and viewership. Their formats feel stale, their narratives disconnected from broad American audiences. Meanwhile, Fox has tightened its grip on every time slot, turning prime time into an impenetrable wall.

Gutfeld’s Shock Success

Adding to the chaos is the success of Greg Gutfeld’s late-night show, Gutfeld!. Once mocked as an impossible experiment, it now regularly beats Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel, and Jimmy Fallon in ratings. What began as a long shot has become yet another pillar of Fox’s dominance.

Together, Gutfeld, Watters, Hannity, and Ingraham have created a lineup that critics admit rivals can’t touch. The fortress stands, and competitors remain outside the gates.

What Comes Next?

The immediate question is whether Jessica Tarlov will remain the liberal voice of The Five or be quietly replaced by Harold Ford Jr. The decision will reveal how Fox intends to manage its dominance—whether it doubles down on the fiery clashes that made the show a juggernaut or pivots toward a smoother, more moderate style to secure even broader appeal.

Jesse Watters, with his unprecedented ratings power, is now positioned as the kingmaker who could influence the outcome. His vision for the future of Fox may well determine not only Tarlov’s fate but also the network’s next chapter.

What started as a ratings report has become a Shakespearean drama of ambition, loyalty, and betrayal. In the throne room of cable news, crowns are heavy, daggers are hidden, and one seat at the table may soon be empty.