Fox News liberal host of “The Five,” Juan Williams is exiting the show. He has hosted for more than seven years and the reviews are mixed.
“This is my last day hosting ‘The Five.’ COVID taught me a lot of lessons. As the show goes back to the New York studio, I’ll be staying in DC. I will be working for FOX out of Washington. My work as a FOX News political analyst will continue,” he said.
“You know it’s been going on seven years since I have been a daily host of this show. The show’s popularity has grown every single year so thank you. Thank you so much, to you, the viewers. Thank you,” he added.
Williams has become a familiar face on the network, pushing back against co-hosts Greg Gutfeld, Jesse Watters, among others. Williams has spent the better part of a decade being the liberal voice among conservatives, and while the concept of a round-table of discussion seems very inclusive, Williams didn’t have a sea of fans among the formidable Fox News audience.
This could be partially due to his combative nature, or possibly because of his somewhat cliche way of spouting liberal talking points without a lot of real facts to back himself up, but regardless, Williams downgrade from host to political analyst and contributor is welcomed by many.
According to Megan Albano, the Vice President of The Five and Weekend Programming, the network “incredibly grateful” for Williams’ work over the years.
“As we started planning The Five’s return to its New York City studio at our headquarters a few months ago, Juan decided to stay in Washington, DC permanently,” Albano said. “We accommodated his request, understanding and appreciating his desire to remain closer to his family and recognizing that a remote co-hosting role on a roundtable in-studio program was not a long-term option.”
“While we will miss his insightful contributions each night and look forward to welcoming him on set whenever he’s in New York, we are pleased to have him continue his longtime role as a senior political analyst with FOX News Media,” Albano added, saying also that the network is “incredibly grateful for his commitment to the show and its success over the last several years” and that they “will miss his insightful contributions.”
Williams stated that he planned to not move back to New York as part of his effort to stay closer to family in the future. He will, however, continue on in his role and contributor for the network.
BizPac Review highlighted some of the more positive responses to Williams’ exit from the popular primetime show, including the liberal host’s hottest takes that have made conservatives groan to see him take the floor.
Williams He claimed last year’s BLM riots never happened, and also claimed there’s no labor shortage or inflation. He claimed cancel culture is OK when his side perpetrates it. He also said that then-President Donald Trump was wrong to attend the 2020 March for Life and that West Point cadets using the innocuous OK symbol were white supremacists.
Theories about why the host was really leaving his longstanding position in “The Five” have begun to swirls, including claims that co-host Greg Gutfeld might have been part of the reason for his departure.
“Besides having near-daily shoutfests with Williams during Five broadcasts, Gutfeld was also outspoken both behind the scenes and on the air about his desire that the program fully return to the studio,” the outlet reported.
Whatever the reason for Williams’ exit left, not many conservatives will be sorry to see him go, and it’s unlikely that “The Five” will be worse off for his departure.