Clarifying the current host lineup on The Five
The question "who is the new host on The Five" typically arises when a familiar co-host departs or a rotating seat changes hands on the panel show aired on Fox News Channel. The Five features a fixed weekday lineup with rotating commentary segments, and audience confusion often follows announcements or temporary fills. This status clarifier outlines the present configuration, recent transitions, and how the show uses substitute hosts, so viewers can distinguish permanent cast changes from short-term fills.
Current main lineup as of late 2024
The Five maintains a stable set of principal hosts across the week, with clearly defined seats and recurring segments. The following table summarizes the typical weekday hosting assignments and their segments, based on the most recent public schedule available from Fox News and corroborating media reports.
| Host | Regular time slot | Typical segment | Notes on changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greg Gutfeld | 5:00 PM ET | The Five | Lead host; unchanged for years |
| Griffin Roberts | 6:00 PM ET | Inside Politics | Assumed main hosting role in 2023 after prior correspondent duties |
| Dana Perino | 7:00 PM ET | The News with Dana Perino | Returned to the schedule in 2023 after a multiyear hiatus |
| Jesse Watters | 8:00 PM ET | Watters’ World | Consistent lead since 2022 |
| Jeanine Pirro | 9:00 PM ET | Justice with Judge Jeanine | Moved to the hour in 2023 |
Recent transition detail
Most viewer-facing discussion about "the new host" on The Five refers to Griffin Roberts, who took over the 6:00 PM hour previously held by rotating contributors. Roberts had frequently substituted and reported for the channel before being elevated to a permanent main host role in 2023. His move was announced as part of a primetime lineup refresh that also returned Dana Perino to a regular nightly slot.
Understanding rotating substitutes and fill-in hosts
Viewers sometimes perceive a "new host" when a fill-in appears, particularly during holidays or scheduled weeks off. The Five uses experienced contributors and reporters to stand in temporarily, which can create the impression of a lineup shift without any permanent change. These substitutes are briefed to mirror the show’s tone and format, ensuring continuity for audiences.
Common substitute hosts and background
- Howard Kurtz — Former media columnist, often fills in during daytime and occasionally evenings when needed.
- Lisa Boothe — Contributor and former Fox News anchor, has substituted at multiple hours.
- Wes Benedict — Contributor and former congressional staffer, appears as a fill-in host.
- Joy Villa — Contributor and singer, has guest-hosted The Five when primary hosts were absent.
- Tim Murtaugh — Longtime Fox News communications executive and contributor, has filled in on air.
How to confirm the host for a specific date
Because substitutes rotate and planned absences can change, the most reliable way to identify who is hosting The Five on a given night is to check the official Fox News schedule page or the show’s on-screen lower third during broadcast. Those sources reflect the latest arrangement and any last-minute adjustments. When in doubt, searching the network’s published lineup with the date will clarify whether a permanent host or a fill-in is scheduled.
Quick reference: permanent hosts versus frequent substitutes
| Role | Name | Typical appearance | First became regular host |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent host (lead) | Greg Gutfeld | Weekdays, 5:00 PM ET | 2015 |
| Permanent host | Griffin Roberts | Weekdays, 6:00 PM ET | 2023 |
| Permanent host | Dana Perino | Weekdays, 7:00 PM ET | 2023 (return) |
| Permanent host | Jesse Watters | Weekdays, 8:00 PM ET | 2022 |
| Permanent host | Jeanine Pirro | Weekdays, 9:00 PM ET | 2023 |
| Frequent substitute | Howard Kurtz | Variable daytime/evening fills | Ongoing contributor fill-in |
| Frequent substitute | Lisa Boothe | Variable fills | Ongoing contributor fill-in |
Context on show format and host transitions
The Five is a commentary and talk panel program structured around a fixed lead host and several regular hours, each with a dedicated presenter. Substitute hosts are common in cable news to manage scheduled breaks, travel, and personal time, and The Five uses this model. Consequently, a perceived new host is usually a planned fill-in or the elevation of a recurring substitute to the permanent roster, as occurred with Griffin Roberts and Dana Perino.
Distinguishing temporary fills from permanent lineup changes
For audience members, telling the difference between a scheduled substitute and a permanent host switch reduces uncertainty. Permanent changes are typically announced in network press releases, included in upfront presentations, and reflected in updated on-screen graphics for the show. Temporary fills are often announced as one-off substitutions in day-of postings or brief promos. If you are asking who is the new host on The Five, verify whether official announcements accompanied the shift or whether it was noted as a short-term assignment.
Quick takeaways
- Griffin Roberts is the host who most recently joined the permanent lineup, taking the 6:00 PM hour in 2023.
- Dana Perino returned as a permanent nightly host in 2023 after a multiyear absence.
- Fill-ins such as Howard Kurtz, Lisa Boothe, and Wes Benedict appear regularly but are not permanent replacements.
- Check Fox News’ published schedule or the show’s on-screen lower third to confirm the host for any given episode.
- Official announcements and press materials clarify permanent moves versus temporary substitutions.
Final note on terminology and viewer clarity
Because The Five relies on both permanent hosts and a pool of substitute presenters, the phrase "new host" can refer to either a genuine lineup change or a familiar fill-in. Clarifying context—whether an announcement was made, whether the appearance is recurring, and whether the show’s graphics have been updated—helps viewers accurately identify who holds a permanent seat and who is substituting on a given night.