Fox News recently announced a major shift in its primetime lineup, as Jesse Watters has been named the permanent host for the coveted 8 p.m. time slot, previously occupied by the controversial Tucker Carlson. This move marks a significant milestone in Watters’ career at Fox News, and while some fans are celebrating his new role, others are questioning the abrupt departure of Carlson and the circumstances surrounding his exit from the network.

Jesse Watters Takes Over Tucker Carlson’s Spot

Jesse Watters, the co-host of The Five and the current host of Jesse Watters Primetime in the 7 p.m. slot, will now be stepping into the 8 p.m. timeslot previously held by Carlson. His new show, which will maintain the same name, will focus on a fresh take on major headlines of the day while featuring interviews with newsmakers across the country. The network has made it clear that the move is a strategic one, with Watters taking over a time slot that had consistently drawn high ratings under Carlson’s tenure.

In response to the reshuffle, Fox News executives emphasized their confidence in Watters’ ability to lead in primetime, noting his popularity and sharp commentary as key assets. The network’s decision to elevate Watters is a natural progression for the anchor, whose previous show has seen strong success and viewership.

The Fallout From Tucker Carlson’s Exit

Carlson’s departure from Fox News in April 2025 has been surrounded by a great deal of controversy and media attention. Fox News announced in a statement that the two parties had “agreed to part ways” after Carlson’s exit, though sources suggest that the decision was influenced by a series of internal and external factors.

Carlson, who had been with the network for over a decade and had become a polarizing figure, played a role in a $1.6 billion lawsuit filed by Dominion Voting Systems. The lawsuit was the result of conspiracy theories related to election fraud that were promoted by Carlson and other Fox personalities after the 2020 U.S. presidential election. The settlement of $787.5 million for the lawsuit made headlines, and the public release of Carlson’s private messages, including inflammatory remarks about Trump supporters and violent rhetoric, put additional pressure on Fox News executives.

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One such message, sent by Carlson to a producer in January 2021, expressed his disturbing comments about the Capitol riots and his thoughts on an altercation involving an Antifa supporter. The message, which went public as part of the Dominion lawsuit, raised alarms within the network and contributed to the decision to sever ties with Carlson. This fueled speculation about the network’s decision to move on from Carlson, despite his ratings dominance.

A Controversial Moment in Fox News History

The timing of Carlson’s departure and Watters’ ascension to the 8 p.m. timeslot have left many viewers questioning the network’s direction. Some have criticized the decision to move Watters into the primetime position, arguing that he lacks the gravitas and experience that Carlson brought to the table. Others, however, believe that Watters’ style is a natural fit for the timeslot and that his rise reflects Fox News’ desire to continue pushing forward with the success of its opinion-driven programming.

The debate about Carlson’s exit is not just about programming. It has also raised serious questions about Fox News’ internal dynamics and the future of conservative commentary. Carlson’s removal follows a string of controversies that have sparked heated debates about media ethics, journalistic integrity, and the network’s role in shaping political discourse in America.

What Led to Carlson’s Departure?

Carlson’s departure from Fox News was precipitated by a series of internal and external factors. The Dominion lawsuit, which exposed Fox News’ role in spreading misinformation about the 2020 election, was undoubtedly one of the key reasons behind Carlson’s exit. Additionally, Carlson’s private text messages, which included disturbing remarks about the Capitol riot and other inflammatory comments, put significant pressure on the network.

The loss of Carlson, one of Fox News’ most popular figures, left a gap in the network’s programming, which the company quickly moved to fill. Watters, who had gained significant popularity as a co-host on The Five, was seen as a natural replacement for Carlson. However, the circumstances surrounding Carlson’s departure have raised concerns about the network’s commitment to journalistic standards and whether the decision to part ways with him was truly in the best interest of the network.

Fox News’ New Direction: What Does This Mean for the Network?

As Jesse Watters takes over the primetime slot, Fox News is facing a pivotal moment in its history. The network has long been a dominant force in conservative media, but with Carlson’s departure and the subsequent reshuffling of its programming, questions have emerged about its future direction.

Will Fox News continue to embrace the opinion-driven, partisan commentary that has made it so popular among conservative audiences, or will it take steps to address the concerns raised by critics regarding its role in spreading misinformation? The decision to move Watters into the 8 p.m. timeslot signals that the network is committed to maintaining its position as the top conservative media outlet, but the fallout from Carlson’s exit will likely continue to shape the network’s future.

Jesse Watters’ New Role: What’s Next?

With his new primetime role, Jesse Watters is poised to continue his rise as one of the leading voices in conservative media. Watters’ brash, unapologetic commentary has made him a fan favorite, and his transition into the 8 p.m. timeslot reflects the network’s confidence in his ability to carry the primetime torch.

Watters’ approach to conservative commentary is well-suited for the timeslot, and his willingness to tackle controversial issues head-on will likely resonate with the network’s core audience. However, as the ratings and viewership numbers of The Five and Jesse Watters Primetime continue to evolve, the real test will be whether Watters can capture the audience that Carlson cultivated and keep Fox News at the top of the ratings game.

Conclusion: The Future of Fox News and Its Programming

The shakeup at Fox News has left many wondering what the future holds for the network. With Jesse Watters stepping into the 8 p.m. timeslot, Fox News is clearly looking to continue its dominance in conservative media. However, Carlson’s exit, along with the controversies surrounding his departure, has raised serious questions about the network’s commitment to journalistic integrity and its long-term direction.

As Fox News navigates these challenges, the shift in programming may signal a new chapter for the network. Whether or not Watters can maintain the same level of success as Carlson remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the drama surrounding the reshuffling at Fox News will continue to capture the public’s attention for the foreseeable future.