The Most Popular Anchors on Fox News: A Comprehensive Overview

When it comes to the world of 24/7 news and commentary, Fox News holds a prominent place. Known for its conservative perspectives and charismatic anchors, Fox News continues to attract millions of viewers. In this article, we will explore some of the most beloved anchors on Fox News, examining their viewership, impact, and influence on the network.

Shepard Smith: A Liberal Lean with a Large Audience

One of the most popular and enduring faces on Fox News is Shepard Smith. Despite his support for same-sex marriage and defense of CNN, Shepard Smith has maintained a dedicated viewership. He typically averages about 1.43 million total viewers for Shepard Smith Reporting, and in 2018, Fox renewed their deal with him. Viewership numbers speak for themselves, suggesting that he is both appreciated and trusted within the network.

Outnumbered: A Game-Changing Show

The success of Outnumbered can be attributed largely to the dynamic trio of Andrea Tantaros, Harris Faulkner, and Sandra Smith. This talk show notched the top spot among its competitors in April 2016. With a viewership of 1.642 million, it also excelled in its 25-54 demographic, attracting 305,000 viewers. The show's popularity sky-rocketed since its inception, cementing the anchors' status as household names.

Neil Cavuto: A Dove in a Sea of Hawks

Neil Cavuto, often known as the "dove" in a sea of hawks, has managed to maintain a loyal fanbase despite occasional controversies. During a brief three-month medical leave in 2016, Cavuto returned to the air and showed that he still commanded a significant audience. On his program, Cavuto spoke candidly about President Trump's behavior, earning praise for his measured approach. Cavuto's return brought a boost to his show, outperforming its CNN counterpart during prime time.

Gretchen Carlson: From Anchoring to Allegations

Gretchen Carlson once anchored FOX and Friends for seven years before her prominence became intertwined with scandal. Although the network fired her in 2016 after allegations of sexual harassment, she still commanded a significant following on The Real Story, averaging 1.7 million viewers. The lawsuit revealed that Carlson was dismissed due to her refusal of sexual advances, leading to an official apology from Fox News and a settlement of $20 million.

Ainsley Earhardt: A Conservative Favorite

Ainsley Earhardt's approval rating stands at an impressive 60% on Ranker, making her a sought-after interviewee, particularly for discussions with the president and his family. Her co-hosting of various Fox News shows, including FOX and Friends and her own segment Ainsley Across America during Hannity, has solidified her position as a staple in the network's lineup.

The Five: A Dominant Force in Cable News

The Five, a flagship show hosted by Jesse Watters, Kimberly Guilfoyle, Greg Gutfeld, Dana Perino, and Juan Williams, has been consistently popular, with 2.15 million viewers in early 2018. This makes it one of the most-watched cable news programs on television.

Jenna Lee: Legacy and Departure

Jenna Lee, who hosted Happening Now with Jon Scott, departed Fox News after 10 years, leaving behind a strong legacy. The show, with a 74% approval rating from Google users, performed exceptionally well during its run. Lee's abrupt departure was met with well-wishes from viewers and colleagues on social media platforms like Twitter.

Bret Baier: Sunday Success

Bret Baier's Special Report has consistently drawn large audiences. After adding a Sunday version, the show's viewership skyrocketed to 2.34 million during the second quarter of 2017, showing the network's commitment to expanding its reach.

Bill O'Reilly: An Era's Legacy

Bill O'Reilly, once a beacon of Fox News viewership, left the network in 2017 amid sexual harassment allegations. Despite his departure, The O'Reilly Factor still brought in a solid 3 million viewers weekly. His successor, Tucker Carlson, has since taken the reins and has proven to be a hit among younger viewers.

Martha MacCallum: A Versatile Anchor

Martha MacCallum's talent extends beyond her primary role. She hosted The First 100 Days, which saw viewership peaks during Trump's first 100 days in office. After the show's cancellation, she was given a new slot with the same rating, indicating her continued popularity.

Sean Hannity: Returning to Prime Time

Sean Hannity, with its consistent viewership of 2.51 million, has seen a significant boost with the return to the 9 p.m. slot. In September 2017, the show averaged 3.5 million viewers, setting new records and demonstrating the power of Hannity's appeal to the network's core audience.

Conclusion

The anchors and hosts of Fox News hold a special place in the network's legacy. From Shepard Smith and Neil Cavuto to Jenna Lee and Ainsley Earhardt, each has contributed to the network's popularity and influence. These anchors have managed to balance controversy and content to maintain a dedicated following, ensuring Fox News' place as a leading network in conservative news and commentary.