The original cast of The Five on Fox brought a new level of investigative panel energy to daytime television. Viewers tuned in to hear sharp debate, legal insight, and candid reactions anchored by a core group of rotating hosts and recurring commentators.
This article maps out who stood at the center of that powerhouse ensemble, how the show balanced politics and personality, and which faces became synonymous with The Five. The following sections break down hosts, panelists, recurring contributors, and the lasting impact of the original lineup.
| Role | Name | Tenure on The Five | Primary Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Host (Original) | Greg Gutfeld | 2011–present | Set the irreverent tone and anchored panel discussions |
| Co-Host (Original) | Kimberly Guilfoyle | 2011–2016 | Legal analysis and high-profile interview presence |
| Panelist (Original) | Dana Perino | 2011–2013, periodic returns | Former White House press secretary providing policy context |
| Panelist (Key Early Regular) | Bob Beckel | 2011–2015 | Straightforward Democratic strategist perspective |
| Panelist (Key Early Regular) | Eric Bolling | 2011–2017 | Business news background and direct on-air sparring |
Greg Gutfeld and the Tone of The Five
Greg Gutfeld built The Five around a blend of sarcasm, timed segments, and rapid-fire debate. His experience editing print and digital outlets shaped a show that prioritized speed, humor, and unpredictability, making each hour feel like a live newsroom sprint.
Under his leadership, the panel rarely settled for talking points, instead pushing guests and one another to defend positions in real time. This approach helped define the Fox News daytime identity and kept the program at the center of culture-war conversations.
Kimberly Guilfoyle and High-Profile Dynamics
Kimberly Guilfoyle joined as a co-host and brought a prosecutorial background that resonated with viewers following high-profile legal and political stories. Her on-screen confidence and direct questioning style raised the energy level during prime-time segments.
The chemistry and eventual departure of Guilfoyle reshaped the panel’s balance, leading to adjustments in how the show blended legal insight, celebrity access, and political argument. Her early exit marked the end of one of the most watched original pairings in the lineup.
Dana Perino and Policy Perspective
Dana Perino entered the set as a voice of establishment experience, translating White House dynamics for a primetime audience. Her measured delivery contrasted with the louder personalities on the panel and often provided a grounding effect.
By breaking down policy nuances between segments, Perino helped viewers connect fast-paced headlines to longer-term governance trends, even when those insights challenged her own party’s narrative.
Bob Beckel and Eric Bolling: Contrasting Styles
Bob Beckel and Eric Bolling represented opposite ends of the political spectrum while sharing a taste for blunt language. Beckel’s candid Democratic loyalty paired with Bolling’s competitive instincts created some of the show’s most memorable on-air clashes.
These confrontations drew strong viewership, but also highlighted the thin line between passionate debate and personal friction, which the show navigated carefully to retain credibility with audiences.
The Lasting Influence of the Early Five Lineup
The structure and personality of the original Five crew left a lasting mark on daytime programming at the network.
- Established a fast-paced, debate-first format that many rivals attempted to copy
- Proved that political talk could thrive in daytime slots with broad demographics
- Showcased the value of mixing legal, political, and entertainment expertise around a single host
- Highlighted the risks and rewards of pairing intense personalities for maximum viewer engagement
- Set a template for subsequent panel-driven shows seeking to balance news and commentary
FAQ
Reader questions
Who were the original hosts when The Five launched in 2011?
The original lineup consisted of Greg Gutfeld as host and Kimberly Guilfoyle as co-host, supported by rotating panelists including Dana Perino and Bob Beckel.
Did the panel change significantly after Kimberly Guilfoyle left The Five?
Yes, her departure led to a reshuffling of regular contributors and a shift toward a slightly less combative on-camera chemistry while preserving the show’s confrontational style.
What made Bob Beckel and Eric Bolling memorable as a duo on The Five?
Their openly adversarial rapport, rooted in real political differences, delivered high-drama exchanges that became a signature feature of the program for many viewers.
How did Dana Perino’s role differ from the other panelists on The Five?
Perino brought a press secretary’s clarity to policy explanations, often slowing the pace to unpack legislation and strategy in a way that distinguished her from the more entertainment-focused contributors.