Ed out: Carley In?

Queens boy out: Jersey girl in? Fox & Friends Weekend co-host Ed Henry appears to be on his way–given the Tucker Carlson treatment. Both seemed to bristle at being treated to the F&FW trials where they were not given the Anderson Cooper coddling but they had to find a way to endear themselves to the “implorables,” the backbone of America who are not ensconced in the elitist Establishment’s Ivory towers.

Tucker’s trial by fire (where he actually had to eat on air contrary to his sworn attestations aforehand and to suffer other motley indignities to the delight of the Everywo/man) resulted in his becoming an FNC prime-time host of his highly-rated eponymous show. Now, oft decried as the “journalist” co-anchor on F&FW by his beloved tattooed Army co-host serviceman Pete Hegseth, Ed seems set to be on a similar path as the co-anchor with the lovely LSU alum, Sandra Smith, on America’s Newsroom as Bill Hemmer moves on to “green pastures” in the afternoon to take over Shep’s erstwhile grazing milieu.

Perhaps, Fox & Friends (in its various iterations) blond beauty Carley Shimkus from New Jersey will join slightly harder-edged brunette Jersey girl Jedediah Bila on the curvy couch with Pete to sweeten the pot. As longtime fans of F&FW know full well, it would not be the first time that two gorgeous gals ruled the roost in the early FNC weekend morn. Once the comely Kiran Chetry, Jersey-girl Alisyn Camerota, and Julian Phillips made up the two-gal, one-boy ensemble that awakened F&FW fans to greet the dawn.

Much success, Ed! And, hopefully, Carley will fill your footsteps in her sleek, sexy stilettos.

 

Ainsley Available Again?

Ringless again! First, their was apparently well-connected Kevin Wayne McKinney: Then, there was former Clemson quarterback Will Porter. But, apparently, the gorgeous queen of the Fox & Friends weekday curvy couch queen Ainsley Earhart is on the market again. The author noticed yesterday that she was not sporting a wedding band: In fact, after the author checked she has not worn it all week. Seemingly, the lovely lady is available anew.

According to a Page Six article which I had not read until I did some research today on Ainsley, she has separated from Will Porter and has no interest in reconciliation with him due to a purported dalliance that he reportedly had with one of her closest friends. If true, it is purportedly the second time that she has had a similar sad relationship in that regard.

Hopefully, she will find a kinder future–with or without someone.

[Author’s aside: Strangely, Ainsley followed the author yesterday but she has unfollowed the author since.]

Jedediah’s Sexy F&FW Debut

Sharp, saucy Staten Island siren with sexy stems! To the strains of Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer,” first time guest co-guest and former “The View co-host Jedediah Bila made her glam debut in the center seat on the Fox & Friends Weekend curvy couch. As the camera zoomed in on her saucily “shaking it” in a short blue dress and her more sedate male co-hosts Pete Hegseth and Ed Henry, the leggy lovely exclaimed, “I’m already dancing!”

To the F&FW audience, Ed promised, “You’re going to get Jedediah a lot more.” And, the Wagner College valedictorian was unveiled to the fans indeed as the show progressed.

In a subsequent segment subtitled, “Jedediah on the Curvy Couch,” on a personal level Jedediah revealed that she is from Staten Island and that she was a Catholic school girl; and that she had recently wed. (According to U.S. Weekly, the thirty-nine year old married Jeremy Scher on February 17 in Huntington, New York, her affianced with whom she had “been living together for a while.”) She added that she went on honeymoon to Italy, enjoying a hot air balloon in Florence yet fearful and cursing; took a Vespa scooter to tour; and took a chairlift up a mountain. However, she indicated that she sadly had to leave the light of her life Emma, an adorable white “toy” dog behind.

In the same segment, supra, on a professional level, she recounted that she had reviewed a book by conservative talk show host (and now FNC host of Life, Liberty, and Levin) Mark Levin, Liberty and Tyranny, and that is how she made her first appearance on FNC on Sean Hannity’s show (March 10, 2010). Chiming in on cue, Ed asked, “Are you working on a book?” Jedediah animatedly answered, “I am working on a book! It’s comes out November 9….It’s called “#Do Not Disturb: How I Ghosted My Cell Phone to Take Back My Life.” It’s going to change your life: You’ve got to get this book!” Elaborating, she remarked, “I took steps: I had a technology addiction, and I realized how crazy it was! I share personal anecdotes; I share the whole journey–crazy ex-boyfriend story. You’re not going to miss anything!”

And, that was just the beginning of Jedediah’s audition and the weekend!

*F&FW – 09/08/18 (@6:34 a.m. ET).

Abby’s View Table: Whose F&FW Curvy Couch?

Now she’s gone. Who will rule the F&FW curvy couch? Yes, sadly, today, the sexy short-lived former queen of Fox & Friends Weekend, good girl Abby Huntsman Tweeted, “It’s official! Thrilled to return to where it all began for me @abcnews …never dreamt back then I’d one day join @theviewabc table.” Now, the question is what lovely royal will be given Abby’s crown and scepter to reign on the F&FW curvy couch after her untimely abdication.

Probably, the hottest F&FW co-host was the comely Kiran Chetry; the naughtiest, perhaps, was Juliet Huddy (who always smilingly blushed when the blonde heard her show intro’d by Playboy Playmate Jenny McCarthy, saying, “Yes, the drapes match the rug”), and the strangest transmogrifying one, Alisyn Camerota, a sexy, smart gal who later “woke” to another whole new world–CNN.

Regrettably, the sexy, sharp Puerto Rican Five siren Kimberly Guilfoyle left FNC under some less than flattering accusations. And, strangely, the leggy lovely Nicole Petallides left her FBN:AM fans without an explanation but, happily, she still graces the screen as a reporter for FBN. Molly Line seems to be a possibility since she seems to be getting more air time on FNC on shows such as Outnumbered as of late: Formerly, she oft guest co-hosted F&FW when the suits were seemingly trying to transition Aly out–without success.

So, who should be the next F&FW queen? If it were up to the author, FNC would bring back Nepalese goddess Kiran Chetry: The former F&FW & America Morning co-host has the killer looks, personality, and smarts to arouse her F&FW fans to a fabulous morning. (She’s done her time, and she has been loyal to the network and her fans.) If not Kiran, Nicole would be awesome on the curvy couch as the brainy, famously leggy Greek beauty who will waken F&FW viewers with a jolt of pulchritudinous femme fatale java.

Nevertheless, the author believes that the odds favor Rachel Campos-Duffy who has begun to occupy the center seat lately on both Fox & Friends and Fox & Friends Weekend. She’s a lovely lady who came to the public’s consciousness as a cast member on MTV’s The Real World: San Francisco before becoming a regular guest co-host of The View–and she’s the wife of Rep. Sean Duffy (R-WI). Like former F&FW co-anchor Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Survivor contestant (the predecessor of Anna Kooiman, who was the predecessor of Abby), Rachel starred in her own reality series and she has political connections like Abby Huntsman (whose dad is the current Ambassador to Russia).

Stay tuned.

 

Abby’s Adieu (F&FW): Short & Sweet

“Abby, please don’t go, too!” But, sadly, Fox & Friends Weekend co-host Abby Huntsman did just that in spite of the plea of this Carpe Diem author. With less than two years under her belt as Fox & Friends Weekend co-host, she bade her co-hosts Pete Hegseth and Ed Henry, her crew, and, most importantly, her viewers a fond farewell to reportedly join her good friend Meghan McCain at the table on The View to wage friendly fire with libs Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, and Whoopi Goldberg.

Yesterday, in the opening segment, Abby exclaimed, “Big news that we will talk about tomorrow! But this is our last weekend together! So, we are going to make the most of this [inaudible].” True to her word, she did just that today. And, it came as no surprise to those who follow cable news (HuffPo link): But, to the viewers who do not, it probably did since Abby sat on the F&FW curvy couch as queen for such a short reign. In the final segment today, F&FW producers gave Abby a fitting farewell tribute (vid via J$P) as they brought in her hubs Jeff and their daughter Isabel Grace to mark this new chapter in her life. The daughter of the current ambassador to Russia and the past ambassador to China, Jon Huntsman, Jr., certainly was politically savvy and smart. And, the Utah lovely also had her sexy side–albeit family friendly–a la weekday Fox & Friends co-host Ainsley Earhardt. She gave her fans a reason to rise in the early morn on the weekend with her cheerful disposition, beauty, and brains.

Gone much too soon, Abby! You will be missed!

 

 

Things I Shouldn’t Say

Aly’s woke wrong, and Ainsley’s Ainsley. In the old days of Fox & Friends, Mancow was mimicking oral sex with E. D. Hill with his second and third fingers in a vee and lapping it up with his tongue with a naughty smile as a blushing E. D. laughed it off. Apparently, they had been lovers–and, viewers were invited to a peep show of sorts of days gone bye.

Now, it’s different. New Day co-host Alisyn Camerota has gone from Roger Ailes smart, sassy, sexy lovely to Jeff Zucker’s snarky, “rolling eye” gal when it comes to her conservative guests. But, sometimes, she’s fair–even though the viewer knows that Zucker is watching and having his way way too often.

As to Fox and Friends co-anchor Ainsley Earhardt, she plays her role a la Abby Huntsman of Fox & Friends Weekend. Both are beautiful, brainy gals bringing it to the center seat on the curvy couch. They are both sexy as all get-out: But, they are also rather religious. So wrap your brain around that–if you can.

As a synopsis, Aly is still sexy but she is Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct: You never know if she’ll kill you with her looks or her CNN ice pick. As to Ainsley (and Abby), they both appear very inviting but one wonders if they really in truly are that sweet.

Abby: Back in the Saddle Again!

Huntsman: “This weekend. [Nervous grimace emoji].” Fox & Friends Weekend co-host Abby Huntsman announced that she would be back on the curvy couch this weekend. After the birth of her beautiful daughter Isabel Grace [photo] in late November, Abby seems somewhat nervous about her return after maternity leave.

When a fan asked today (March 19), “When r u coming back to work? We miss you, she replied, “”This weekend. [Nervous grimace emoji].”

No worries, Abby! Your fans eagerly await your return–or, as Aerosmith, might say “Back in the Saddle Again”! [Vid].

Acerbic McCain Disses Doocy (Peter)

Steve sanguine: Ainsley anguished. This Wednesday morn, Fox & Friends fans eagerly awaited co-anchor Steve Doocy‘s reaction to his son, FNC correspondent Peter Doocy, being dissed by a perturbed, irascible, supercilious Senator John McCain after being queried as to whether his relationship with President Trump was frayed to the point that he was not to support anything that the President came to him and asked for.

Introducing the segment regarding the heated exchange between his son and the fiery Senator, Steve said, “John McCain is the man who torpedoed the Affordable Care Act fix in the Senate. So, that’s a good question regarding the relationship with the President. And, a young correspondent I happen to know asked the Senator about it and I don’t think he liked the question.”*

Immediately thereafter, in the vid that ran, Peter asked, “Has your relationship with the President frayed to the point that you are not going to support anything that he comes to you and asks for?”

Menacingly, McCain acerbically retorted, “Why would you say something that stupid? Why would you ask something that dumb? Huh?…You mean that I’m going somehow to behave in a way that I’m going to block everything because of a personal disagreement. That’s a dumb question!” Then, he turned and walked away in a huff.

After the clip, Steve declared, “Is it a fair question? Clearly, John McCain has not been a reliable “yes” vote for the Trump train. And, so going forward what’s he going do? As the President said, he would like to have John McCain’s vote but he doesn’t.”

Interjecting, co-host Brian Kilmeade stated, “McCain had a speech after getting a Freedom Award where he was very negative about the President.” Explaining, he mentioned McCain’s allusion to the President’s policies as “half-baked nationalism.”  But, defending McCain, he said, “But, he seemed to, at least, give a vote for the moving forward on the budget resolution, to discuss the budget: That will be later this week.”

In answer, co-anchor Ainsley Earhardt responded, “Well, they’ve been going back and forward, Senator McCain and the President.” Pointing to Steve, Ainsley exclaimed, “And, for him to talk to your son who I feel like is my family, I didn’t like that! But, I understand, I know he’s going through a lot so God bless him: But, I didn’t like that exchange! Looking intently at Steve, a sympathetic Ainsley asked, “How did you feel as his dad?”

Deflecting, Steve answered, “It’s, it’s a good question. And, you know what, it’s the sound bite we ran.”

As Solomon once said, “A soft answer turneth away wrath.” Well played, Steve–and Peter.

*Fox & Friends – 10/18/17 (@ 7:08 ET).

 

 

 

Shep Preempts Rick (and F&FW)!

Seriously? Preempting FNC’s chief meteorologist Rick Reichmuth (and Fox & Friends Weekend) this Sunday morn mid-show for Shepard Smith seems like one of the stupidest programming decisions that FNC has made. Such disrespect to Rick, the F&FW co-hosts, and their fans is almost unforgivable. Rick and the F&FW crew were doing a much better job than this interloper and his crew are doing. Get a grip, Fox News!

[Update: At least, Rick reappeared on “Shep’s show” at 8:38 a.m. ET.]

 

Aly & Dave Back Together–on CNN!

Clayton Out! Alisyn Camerota: “Don’t adjust your TV’s: It’s not 2012. Look who [sic] I’m reunited with, Dave Briggs, my old co-host!”* That is how New Day co-host introduced guest co-host Dave Briggs with whom she formerly co-anchored Fox & Friends on FNC (as Early Start promoted the upcoming New Day Show).

As New Day concluded, Aly turned to Dave, smiling, saying, “Well, Dave, um, it’s.” On cue, Dave turned to Aly, deadpanning, “Before, we go, you know…I’ve read this terrific book: I need to get you to sign my copy.” Beaming and looking at the camera, Aly jested, “What’s it called? You mean “Amanda Wakes Up?”

Beaming at his former Fox News co-anchor, Dave declared, “I’ve read it: I’ve done my homework. I’ve searched for my story in there.” Not so facetiously, she replied, “Oh, you may recognize a few characters in there!” Chuckling, Dave responded, “I recognize a little bit.”

And, fans of Fox & Friends Weekend and Fox News in general may recognize a lot. And, Amanda Wakes Up may tell a lot–about Aly’s transmogrification from her FNC role to her CNN one.

Ironically, on the very day that Aly and Dave reunited on CNN morning TV, Fox & Friends Weekend co-host Clayton Morris who was on the same team with Aly and Dave declared his departure from the curvy couch this Labor Day in the penultimate F&F segment and said that he might not ever be on TV again.

*Early Start – 09/04/17 (@ 5:46).

Hottie Heather Returns to F&F

Former Fox & Friends newsreader Heather Nauert returns as the new State Department spokesperson. The blonde beauty had the same sexy mien with a short dress and plunging neckline this early morn on the curvy couch as usual: And, she also brought the brains and strength re North Korea, Russia, and Syria with full control of POTUS’ perspective. She was a true Trump representative: Sexy, smart, and strong a la FLOTUS!

Congratulations, Heather, on your job! And, welcome back to F&F!

*Fox & Friends – 09/04/17 (@ 8:03 a.m. ET).

 

Kiran’s Lucky Guy

“My hubby Isaac Greaney.” This morning comely former CNN/FNC morning news anchor Kiran Chetry announced that she has remarried. In a Tweet to her followers, she wrote, “Congrats to my hubby Isaac Greaney head of @sidleyaustin team & rest of @SwimAcrossSound cmte for success @SAAswim.”

Why is Kiran’s guy lucky? Obviously, his Nepalese lovely is brilliant, sharp, and sexy. Not to mention altruistic. Last night, she Tweeted a video of her finishing her “2K @SAAswim today” with a tease of “big event is tomorrow.” Today, she Tweeted, “Not a swimmer. But I did it! For @SAAswim and the fight against cancer.” And, yes, Kiran was in fine form in her black bikini as she did her 2K (vid) and the big event (pic).

Who is Kiran’s lucky guy? As to his vocation, Greaney is a “partner in Sidley’s litigation group in New York” who joined the firm in 2004 and “has focused his practice on commercial litigation and disputes according to Sidney.com (which includes his pic). Re Greaney’s firm, its Sidley.com site indicates that it is a 150-year-old firm that “comprises a diverse group of legal professionals from many cultures who are dedicated to teamwork, collaboration and superior client service.” According to Greaney’s Twitter account, (which includes a second photo), he is from New York City.

Best wishes, Kiran! And, congratulations, Isaac!

Rob Schmitt: “Fox News 5am Anchor”

Breaking news? Did Fox & Friends First apparent new co-host Rob Schmitt break new news to his Twitter followers? Even though his purported new position does not appear on the Fox & Friends First Facebook page (which only lists Heather Childers), the FNC F&FF page (which only features Heather also), or the F&FF Twitter page (which features no one), Rob dubs himself “Fox News 5am Anchor” (the F&FF ET hour) on his own Twitter page.

Apparently, Rob jumped the gun–at least, as to the FNC official announcement. Of course, F&FF fans should not be surprised if he did: Inanely, FNC is usually late in letting their viewers know when a new host is on aboard.

Abby, Pete, & Clayton: F&FW’s “New Team”?

Clayton: “It’s great to have the band back together again.” Yes, Fox & Friends Weekend co-host returned Sunday as he had said: And F&FW seemed bound and determined to asservate that Clayton still held his seat on the curvy couch after Carpe Diem‘s article “Piro: This is My First Day.” In fact, co-anchors Abby Huntsman, Pete Hegseth, and Clayton Morris himself appeared to emphasize that, yes, Clayton–and Pete–were on F&FW‘s new team with its new queen Abby: Ergo, Todd Piro who declared “This is my first day” and introduced himself to F&F fans and F&F co-hosts with a June 14th segment (including bio vid) entitled ““Welcome to the F&F Family, Todd Piro!” was not replacing Clayton–at least, not yet.

As the opening began, Abby remarked, “And, welcome back to the to both of you! It’s so fun to have you two back!” In reply, Clayton declared, “It’s great to have the band back together again.” In response, Abby exclaimed, “It is!” Chiming in, Pete animatedly added, “Indeed! In the new studio, first time in the new studio, too.”

Turning to Abby, Clayton said, “And, you had that big announcement.” [Abby and hubs Jeff Livingston’s June 17 proclamation that she is preggers for the first time–a girl due around Thanksgiving (vid)]. Abby playfully retorted, “That you missed, Clayton!” Slightly defensively, Clayton answered, “I already knew it: I was privy to that.” Then, he jested, “And, I’ve gained an extra two pounds.”

Laughing and pointing to Clayton, Abby joked, “We’re growing together, Pete!”

Putting an exclamation on the apparent point of the opening segment, Pete responded, “We’re all growing together….And, this show is growing together as well.”

Welcome aboard, Pete! It’s about time FNC says it–officially!

[Author’s aside: As to Pete’s inclusion, supra, nota bene, FNC as it is wont to do with its new F&FW co-anchors still has not announced Pete Hegseth’s ascension to the F&FW curvy couch from contributor status.]

 

 

 

 

Piro: “This Is My First Day”

Morris: “See you next [sic] Sunday on the show.” Fox & Friends fans seemed a bit confused yesterday and today as to whether new hire Todd Piro, an erstwhile NBC Connecticut host was replacing Clayton Morris on Fox & Friends Weekend. Wednesday, Todd was welcomed to the Fox & Friends family as its “newest member” by F&F co-anchors, Steve Doocy, Abby Huntsman, and Brian Kilmeade.

In the segment, supra, entitled, “Welcome to the F&F Family, Todd Piro!, Todd introduced himself with a video showing him revisiting his hometown of Verona, New Jersey; visiting a life-long friend (from kindergarten); touring his high school where he played in the VHS Maroon and White marching band; and presiding over a family dinner where his mom said, “You always liked an audience” and his lovely, spunky wife saucily added, “I think she’s politely saying, ‘You like attention.'”

Strangely, no one explained what Todd’s new role would be: Ergo, it was only natural that F&F fans would wonder whose role he may be taking. Friday, he did his first diner interview at the Cozy Corner in Miami Springs, Florida, for F&F: Afterwards, new newsreader Philly lovely, adventure-seeking Jillian Mele (fun F&F intro vid) who recently replaced Heather Nauert (now State Department spokesperson) gushed: “I’m so excited for him! He got here about a week after I did.” Saturday and Sunday, Todd guest hosted on Fox & Friends Weekend, causing viewers to wonder if Clayton was leaving the show: Saturday it was mentioned several times that Todd was filling in for Clayton at but on Sunday it was not.

So, it is not surprising that F&F and F&FW fans want to know who Todd will be replacing–or if he is merely a new addition. Naturally, one might think that Todd might be the latest co-host of F&FW replacing Clayton to completely clean the slate of the old team consisting of the beloved three-time co-host Alisyn Camerota, fun family guy Dave Briggs, and tech geek Clayton to start anew with Abby as the queen of the weekend curvy couch with former VA candidate Pete Hegseth and the new guy Todd as her “bookend” guys.

For F&FW fans who happen to follow Clayton on Twitter, on Saturday, he Tweeted, “Off to Reheboth Beach/Bethany Beach Delaware for the week. See ya next Sunday on the show.”

Re Clayton’s return next Sunday, it is likely. But, nota bene, sometimes, F&FW vacations seem to be an adumbration of the future.

 

Bob Out Again: Juan In!

Five: About time? The Five co-host Bob Beckel, the liberal buffoon–who was “likeable enough” as former President Obama might characterize him–was fired Friday, allegedly “making an insensitive remark to an African-American” who reportedly “came to service his computer,” telling [him] that he was leaving his office because he is Black [sic]”: Ironically, unless The Five finds a fill-in, he will apparently be permanently replaced by his alternate liberal co-host, the very likable, knowledgeable African-American Juan Williams who lost his job at NPR for an allegedly “insensitive remark” about Muslims on FNC (O’Reilly Factor.) You cannot make this stuff up.

Self-admitted former substance abuser Bob was known for his cursing and crudeness on The Five but he was like the drunk on the bar stool next to you that amuses you as long as he does not spill beer on you or grab your girlfriend in a fresh fashion. But, he seemed to have a good heart as he mentored those who suffered from substance abuse.

Sometimes Bob’s tomfoolery made for good TV: But, when Juan Williams rotated in for him, the viewer wondered why Juan did not have the liberal seat full-time. In 2015, Bob was let go from The Five with former FNC honcho Bill Shine, saying, “We tried to work with Bob for months, but we couldn’t hold The Five hostage to one’s personal issues. He took tremendous advantage of our generosity, empathy and goodwill and we simply came to the end of the road with him.”  In 2017, Bob returned to the show: FNC chief Rupert Murdoch remarked, “Bob was missed by many fans of The Five and we’re happy to welcome him back to the show.

The author initially found this account re Bob highly suspect. The he remembered that Bob had referred to Chinese as “Chinamen,” a term which he understands that some consider derogatory and others may not. Regardless, it seemed to indicate an insensitivity in that regard. As to the aforementioned account re his latest termination, Bob appears to have crossed the Rubicon re racial remarks in seeming to question the ability of the IT guy because of his race.

When The Five aired later on Friday night, Bob’s name and fate were noticeably not found anywhere on the lips of his co-hosts Kimberly Guilfoyle, Jesse Watters, Dana Perino, or Greg Gutfeld. However, where Bob had last sat was predictably Juan Williams. And, presumably, he will now finally be The Five‘s resident liberal.

Pete: F&FW “Co-host”

Hegseth in the Middle! Fox & Friends Weekend “host” Pete Hegseth has apparently arrived as the successor to Tucker Carlson. Sunday, Pete was the centerpiece of “‘Sweet’ Surprise: Custom Chocolate with F&F [sic] Hosts’ Faces.”

In their usual promo segment with “Money Honey” Maria Bartiromo who follows them with her own show, co-hosts Abby Huntsman and Clayton Morris displayed a box of chocolates with the faces respectively of Abby on the left on a chocolate, of Pete seemingly strategically placed in the middle on another, and of Clayton on a right one. As the camera featured the Forest Gump-like delights, Abby remarked, “They are so wonderful, and they brought up our personalized chocolate [inaudible]: You can see there Clayton, Pete, and myself.” Aptly, Pete replied, “You should be in the middle though!”

The die seems to have been cast: When one goes to Fox News Insider re Fox & Friends Weekend (“About”), it reads “Join Abby Huntsman, Clayton Morris and Pete Hegseth.” On F&FW‘s Twitter site, the latest Tweet (by Abby on May 5th) reads, “It’s this crew all weekend. Come spend your morning with us!! @fox&friends 6-10am ET @PeteHegseth @ClaytonMorris.”

Oddly, or simply in a dilatory fashion, Fox & Friends’ website names both Abby and Clayton as co-hosts but not Pete. Even though Pete himself stills lists himself simply as a “@FoxNew contributor,” F&FW producers indicated that he was now a co-anchor as it presented the three “co-hosts” Twitter addresses on the hour both Saturday and Sunday and presented them as the trio that reigned from the curvy couch without a hint that Pete was a fill-in.

A la Tucker Carlson, it seems that F&FW simply wants to slip in the latest anchor with little notice to its fans. A mite over a month ago, this Carpe Diem author remarked, “Perhaps, it is a mite premature, Pete: But, welcome aboard the F&FW ship!” Now, he says welcome aboard, Pete: You deserve your seat on the curvy couch.

Fox News Specialists? Not!

Unless “Specialists” is an FNC euphemism for “not so special” Five. On the positive side, it was Fox News Specialists co-hosts Eric Bolling, Eboni Williams, and Katherine Timpf‘s virgin show so they and the producers may have a honeymoon to work out the kinks with viewers who are accustomed to a livelier, sexier, and, quite frankly, much sharper The Five (which, thankfully, will air at 9:00 p.m. tonight to redeem its replacement).

The first thing that caught the author’s eye was the pretentious new solid circular desk that seemed to be designed to suggest a certain Sunday morning news gravitas with the co-anchors safely ensconced behind it: No much needed “leg chair” there today to spice up the show a la The Five at the five o’clock hour! As to the their heralded “specialists” guests, billionaire and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and Showtime’s “The Circus” co-producer and co-host Mark McKinnon, they were not bad, and they provided their usual political perspectives: But, one can see them as guests oft on almost any FNC show of note.

There were no scintillating debates as one would expect on The Five or even on Outnumbered: Sadly, it felt like merely time filler for this FNC viewer. Hopefully, the show was not a harbinger of what is to come for the inaptly named Fox News Specialists or the network itself as it seems to be transmogrifying from Rupert Murdoch’s juggernaut FNC to his sons James and Lachlan’s “gentler and kinder” Fox News.

“The Fox News Specialists” needs to up its game as does Fox News or its rumored future more conservative rival may do what CNN and MSNBC have not been able to do thus far, i.e., take it down a notch or two.

As the show concluded, McKinnon said, “Five o’clock will never be the same again.” The author fears that he might just be right.

“The Fox News Specialists”: Really?

Five O’Clock Somewhere might strike a more resonant chord with long-time Five fans whose show has moved to prime time (9 p.m. ET). The Five‘s replacement show as of Monday (May 1), “Fox News Specialists,” sounds somewhat supercilious at best and downright condescending to faithful, informed FNC viewers who probably know almost as much or possibly even more than the newly named co-hosts Eric Bolling, Eboni Williams, and Katherine Timpf.

Eric deserves the five o’clock slot if anyone does: Eric has held the Five center seat with distinction and promoted The Five diurnally by pointing to his left hand with all five “fingers” (including his thumb) extended at the end of virtually every show–not to mention, he’s a smart cookie who also anchors Cashin’ In on Saturday mornings (11:30 a.m. ET). As for Eboni, she’s has been a regular on Outnumbered who has a sharp legal mind, good common sense, and distinct feminine pulchritude. As to Katherine, she is smart and sexy, too, but she can be annoying with her millennial snark as she frequently has evidenced on Red Eye and the Greg Gutfeld Show.

“News Specialists” sounds more like an obnoxious MSNBC show that might be hosted by Mika Brzezenski  of Morning Joe who infamously said, “[Trump] is trying to undermine the media and trying to make up his own facts. He could have undermined the messaging so much that he can actually control exactly what people think. That is our job.”

Eric, Eboni, and Katherine, it’s not Mika’s job, and it’s not your job. As you all well know, your job is to report and to let your audience decide. And, when you and your colleagues do it well, every viewer is a “Fox News Specialist.”

Break a leg! Hopefully, it’s “five o’clock somewhere”!

O’Reilly Out: Carlson In

Five replaces Carlson; Bolling replaces Five; and Watters replaces Bolling. Yesterday, FNC honcho Rupert Murdoch “caved”: Joined his boys James and Lachlan in dethroning the King of Cable Bill O’Reilly (statement)–while O’Reilly was on vacation. And, O’Reilly did not get the last word on his once eponymous show last night newly named simply The Factor.

Rather, The Factor fill-in host Dana Perino solemnly declared, “Finally, tonight, it is the end of an era here at the Fox News Channel….Bill O’Reilly is leaving this chair and this network after more than twenty years. Bill has been the undisputed king of cable news, and for good reason: He is an incredibly talented broadcaster who raised the bar for interviewers everywhere; he has also held his staff to exacting standards in his quest to put the best possible program on the air and they are great; and you his audience responded in record numbers making The Factor the number one cable news show for more than sixteen years.” Trying to soften the blow to O’Reilly’s fans further, Dana declared, “In a memo to the staff today, Rupert, James, and Lachlan Murdoch who run Fox News described Bill this way, [saying], “By ratings standards, Bill O’Reilly is one of the most accomplished TV personalities in the history of cable news. In fact, his success by any measure is indisputable. We wish him the very best.”

Even though the Murdochs recently re-signed their FNC flagship anchor and top revenue generator to an 18-million-per-year contract, they decided to  jettison O’Reilly amid the continuing allegations of sexual harassment. According to the New York Times, Fox luminaries Rebecca Gomez (2011), Laurie Dhue (2016), and Juliet Huddy (2016) have received settlements: Furthermore, reportedly, erstwhile Outnumbered regular Andrea Tantaros‘s psychologist Michele Berdy said under oath that Andrea “complained to me about recurring unwanted advances from Bill O’Reilly.” To boot, the New York Daily News reported, “On the day before he [O’Reilly] was booted, a black colleague said a leering O’Reilly shamelessly ogled her cleavage and nicknamed her ‘Hot Chocolate.'”

Not amused, O’Reilly responded to his firing, saying, “It is tremendously disheartening that we [Fox News and O’Reilly] part ways due to completely unfounded claims. But that is the unfortunate reality many of us in the public eye must live with today. I will always look back on my time at Fox with great pride in the unprecedented success we achieved and with my deepest gratitude to all my dedicated viewers.” [For full statement, link here.]

As to O’Reilly’s dedicated viewers, they will now have “a new evening and prime time lineup” according to Fox News. As of Monday (April 24),  Tucker Carlson Tonight will replace the recently renamed O’Reilly Factor (to The Factor); The Five will follow with the usual cast of Kimberly Guilfoyle, Greg Gutfeld, Dana Perino, Juan Williams, and Bob Beckel with the addition of Jesse Watters to take Eric Bolling‘s middle chair (April 24); Bolling gets his own show in the old The Five slot at 5:00 p.m. ET (May 1).

Coaxing his own Tucker Carlson Tonight viewers to make the jump to the new time last night, Tucker concluded his show saying, “There is change coming to Fox News, the channel and to this program: Starting Monday, we are moving to 8 p.m. Eastern Time. You’ve made the journey with us from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.: We hope you’ll come along once more and join us an hour earlier.” Graciously, he aptly added, “We’ve got big shoes to fill: We’re going to do our best.”

Indeed, Tucker does have big shoes to fill: Whether O’Reilly devotees will give Tucker that chance remains to be known. And, to whether FNC fans cotton to James and Lachlan’s kinder, gentler Fox News is another issue altogether: Their father Rupert had the Midas touch with his “Mad Men” mentality. Going PC may be FNC’s folly: Alchemy in reverse.