Jesse Watters Officially Takes the Helm of Fox News’ 7 PM ET Hour

NEW YORK — In a major shakeup for cable news programming, Fox News has announced that Jesse Watters, the outspoken co-host of The Five and longtime network personality, will officially take over the network’s 7 PM ET primetime slot. The program, aptly titled Jesse Watters Primetime, is set to launch January 24, 2022, cementing Watters’ place as one of the most visible and influential figures in American television news.

The announcement came from Suzanne Scott, CEO of Fox News Media, who praised Watters’ unique voice, his proven ability to connect with viewers, and his sharp instincts as both a commentator and interviewer.

“Jesse’s versatility and hosting acumen has grown exponentially over the last five years,” Scott said. “He has developed a deep connection with the audience through two hit shows, The Five and Watters’ World. We look forward to watching him expand his connection even further through this new solo weeknight hour.”

Watters, in a statement filled with gratitude and enthusiasm, said: “I’m thrilled to take on this new challenge and am grateful for the opportunity.”

A Career Built Inside Fox

Watters’ rise to the primetime spotlight is the product of nearly two decades at Fox News. He began in 2002 as a production assistant and quickly moved on-camera, debuting in 2003 as a correspondent for The O’Reilly Factor.

It was there that Watters became known for his “man-on-the-street” interviews, a segment that combined humor with pointed political and cultural commentary. Whether asking beachgoers about foreign policy or quizzing pedestrians about current events, his interviews built a reputation for blending sharp satire with a populist edge.

By January 2017, Watters’ popularity had grown to the point where Fox awarded him his own show, Watters’ World, in the Saturday 8 PM ET slot. The program quickly became the number one show in its time period, averaging nearly 1.9 million viewers — the highest of any weekend news program.

Watters also landed major interviews, including sit-downs with former President Donald Trump and Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, helping boost his credibility as both an interviewer and entertainer.

The Transition at 7 PM

The 7 PM ET hour has historically been a competitive slot in cable news. Originally anchored by Martha MacCallum, the program was restructured in early 2021 when MacCallum was moved to The Story at 3 PM ET. Since then, the slot rotated among guest hosts, with Fox gradually transitioning it from a straight news program into an opinion-driven show.

By installing Watters, Fox signaled its commitment to solidifying that opinion format. The move also places Watters in direct competition with MSNBC’s The ReidOut and CNN’s evening lineup.

For Watters, the challenge is formidable: transform a rotating guest slot into must-see television while retaining his seat at The Five, one of Fox’s most popular roundtable programs.

The Five: Fox’s Powerhouse

Watters will not be leaving his role at The Five, where he sits alongside Greg Gutfeld, Dana Perino, and rotating liberal and conservative voices. The show has been the number one program in cable news during the 5 PM ET hour, consistently outperforming competitors on CNN and MSNBC.

In the fourth quarter of 2021, The Five averaged 3.29 million total viewers, topping all non-primetime programming and becoming the first non-primetime cable news program in history to achieve that milestone. The show also captured key demographics, ranking second overall in the coveted 25–54 age group.

For Watters, this dual role means he will appear on two of Fox’s most watched programs each weekday — a remarkable feat that underscores his growing influence inside the network.

The Watters Style

Watters is not shy about what sets him apart. Known for his sharp wit, direct delivery, and ability to blend humor with serious commentary, he has carved out a unique persona. One of his signature elements is the “Mom Texts” segment, in which he reads candid and sometimes humorous text messages from his mother, a liberal critic of his conservative takes.

The segment has become a fan favorite, showcasing Watters’ willingness to laugh at himself while also humanizing his political commentary. It embodies the style that has carried him to primetime: pointed, entertaining, and accessible.

Ratings and Recognition

Fox’s decision to give Watters a nightly solo program was driven not only by his personality but by hard numbers. Watters’ World consistently dominated its time slot, and The Five has broken records across the board.

In October 2021 alone, The Five delivered more than 3.1 million total viewers, setting a new record for any non-primetime show in Fox’s history. Across the year, it topped CNN and MSNBC’s daytime and primetime lineups, proving that Watters’ presence resonated with audiences.

Watters also gained attention as the author of How I Saved the World, a New York Times number one bestseller that debuted in 2021. The book also climbed to number one on Amazon during its launch week, further solidifying his status as a multiplatform voice for conservative America.

Challenges Ahead

While Watters’ ascent is impressive, it also comes with challenges. The 7 PM slot is a crowded battleground, and competing networks will be watching closely to see if Watters can replicate his weekend and roundtable success in a solo primetime format.

His style — a blend of biting humor, unapologetic conservatism, and occasional controversy — may attract loyal fans while alienating others. But Fox appears confident that Watters is the right fit for the network’s evolving identity, which increasingly emphasizes strong personalities and opinion-based programming.

A Personal Connection

What has perhaps fueled Watters’ rise more than anything is his ability to forge personal connections with viewers. Fans describe him as relatable, approachable, and genuine — qualities that have helped him stand out in a media environment often criticized for elitism and detachment.

From his early man-on-the-street interviews to his current work on The Five, Watters has built a reputation for capturing the voice of “everyday Americans.” It is this quality, Fox executives believe, that will drive Jesse Watters Primetime to success.

A New Era for Fox at 7 PM

As Fox News prepares to launch Jesse Watters Primetime, the move represents more than a programming change. It signals the network’s commitment to reshaping its 7 PM slot into a permanent opinion hour led by one of its most popular rising stars.

For Jesse Watters, it marks the culmination of a journey that began behind the cameras nearly two decades ago. Now, with intelligence, personality, and a deep bond with his audience, he steps into the primetime spotlight with momentum on his side.

Whether he redefines the 7 PM hour or simply strengthens Fox’s already formidable lineup, one thing is clear: Jesse Watters has arrived as a dominant force in American cable news.