Greg Gutfeld Addresses The Five’s Future Amid Second Child Rumors

Greg Gutfeld, the comedic linchpin of Fox News’ The Five and host of Gutfeld!, has been at the heart of intense speculation recently, fueled by both his personal life and professional commitments. At 60, Gutfeld and his wife, Elena Moussa, 42, welcomed their first child, Mira, in December 2024, and confirmed they’re expecting a second child, Leo Alexander, due in late 2025. Amid these life-changing events, rumors swirled about Gutfeld’s future with The Five, with some fans fearing he might scale back or leave the top-rated cable news show due to his growing family. On a May 2, 2025, episode of The Five, Gutfeld addressed these concerns, announcing the show’s trajectory and admitting the decision “wasn’t easy.” This article explores Gutfeld’s statement, the context of his second child, and what lies ahead for The Five.

Gutfeld’s Announcement: Securing The Five’s Future

During the May 2, 2025, broadcast of The Five, Gutfeld tackled speculation about his role head-on, prompted by co-host Jesse Watters’ playful jab about Gutfeld’s “second promotion” as a father of two. Gutfeld, known for his quick wit, confirmed his commitment to the show, stating, “I’m not going anywhere—this table is my second home, and it wasn’t easy deciding how to balance everything, but The Five is locked in for the long haul.” He teased that the show would continue its 5:00 P.M. ET slot, with “no major shakeups,” dispelling rumors of a format change or his departure. The announcement, met with applause from co-hosts Dana Perino, Jeanine Pirro, Harold Ford Jr., and Jessica Tarlov, reassured fans who had worried about his absence during Mira’s birth and recent family commitments.

Gutfeld’s statement addressed logistical concerns, particularly after his 46-day paternity leave in 2024 for Mira’s birth sparked fan backlash over guest hosts on Gutfeld!. He acknowledged the challenge of juggling fatherhood and his demanding career, saying, “Two kids at 60 isn’t a walk in the park, but neither is debating Jesse’s hairpiece every day.” The lighthearted tone masked a serious commitment: Gutfeld’s April 2024 multi-year contract extension with Fox News ensures his presence on The Five and Gutfeld! through at least 2027, with additional Fox Nation projects like What Did I Miss?, premiering May 12, 2025.

Second Child Context: A Life-Changing Pivot

The rumors about Gutfeld’s future intensified with the confirmation of his second child. Gutfeld and Moussa, married since 2004, were long-time advocates of a childless lifestyle, with Gutfeld joking in 2015 that his bulldog, Gus, was his “child.” Mira’s arrival, announced by Perino on The Five on December 10, 2024, shocked viewers, and Gutfeld’s May 1, 2025, ultrasound reveal for Leo on Gutfeld!—confirmed by a Daily Express report—cemented his transformation into a family man.

Gutfeld has been candid about the challenges, telling The Five on January 7, 2025, that fatherhood “erased 60 years of regret” but required leaning on Moussa, whom he calls the “real MVP.” The couple’s preparations for Leo include a nursery in their $10.5 million SoHo loft, a $12.8 million Palm Beach mansion purchased in March 2025, and the discreet sale of their Flatiron loft for $7.5 million, suggesting a focus on family-friendly spaces. The decision to stay with The Five “wasn’t easy,” Gutfeld admitted, citing sleepless nights and the emotional weight of balancing two young children with a high-profile career.

The Five’s Stability: Why It Matters

The Five, airing weekdays at 5:00 P.M. ET, is cable news’ highest-rated show, averaging 4.6 million viewers in Q1 2025, thanks to its roundtable format featuring Gutfeld, Perino, Watters, Pirro, and Tarlov (with Ford Jr. as a rotating liberal voice). Gutfeld’s contrarian humor and rapport with Perino are central to its appeal, and his absence in 2024 drew complaints, though the ensemble format weathered it better than Gutfeld!. Fans on X expressed relief at his May 2 announcement, with posts like, “Greg staying on The Five is huge—nobody else brings that spark!”

Fox News, under CEO Suzanne Scott, views Gutfeld as a cornerstone, especially after Gutfeld! overtook broadcast late-night shows like The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in 2021. His ability to attract younger viewers (25–54 demographic) is critical, and The Five’s stability ensures Fox’s dominance in a politically charged 2025 under a new Trump administration. Gutfeld’s announcement quashed rumors of an airtime shift or cancellation, with Fox confirming no changes to the show’s format or schedule.

What’s Driving the Rumors?

The speculation about Gutfeld’s future stems from several factors. His 2024 paternity leave, which saw guest hosts like Emily Compagno fill in, frustrated some fans, with X posts lamenting a “gaping hole” on The Five. His March 2025 absence, likely tied to early pregnancy appointments for Leo, reignited concerns, especially after unverified claims of Gutfeld! moving to 11:00 P.M. or Gutfeld retiring to Florida. The sale of his Flatiron loft and Palm Beach mansion purchase fueled theories of a relocation, with one X user posting, “Greg’s got two kids and a Florida estate—is he out?”

Gutfeld’s trolling tendencies also play a role. His ambiguous ultrasound reveal and playful jabs, like teasing Perino about diapers, have sparked stunt theories, with some suspecting he’s hyping personal news for ratings. Watters and Hannity’s May 1 congratulations on his “second promotion” were misreported on X as hinting at a career shift, amplifying the “change everything” narrative. Gutfeld’s May 2 clarification aimed to set the record straight, emphasizing continuity over upheaval.

Counterarguments and Skepticism

Not everyone is convinced Gutfeld’s announcement settles the matter. Critics on X argue his demanding schedule—The Five, Gutfeld!, a 12-city live tour ending October 5, 2025, and What Did I Miss?—is unsustainable with two young children. One post read, “Greg says he’s staying, but two babies at 60? He’ll burn out.” Others point to Fox News’ history of abrupt changes, like Tucker Carlson’s 2023 exit, suggesting Gutfeld’s contract doesn’t guarantee permanence. His Florida mansion, seen as a retirement base, keeps relocation rumors alive, though his New York-based tapings and contract counter this.

Skeptics also note Gutfeld’s age and health comments, like his January 2025 Instagram post about being “sick as a dog,” as potential red flags, though he clarified it was temporary. The “wasn’t easy” remark could hint at ongoing negotiations or personal strain, but no evidence suggests he’s planning to leave.

What’s Next for Gutfeld and The Five?

Gutfeld’s commitment ensures The Five’s stability, with no format or co-host changes planned. His second child will likely prompt another paternity leave in late 2025, but Fox News is prepared, with Compagno or Joey Jones as likely The Five substitutes and Tom Shillue or Jamie Lissow for Gutfeld!. The show’s ensemble dynamic and Fox’s deep bench mitigate disruptions, unlike Gutfeld!, which struggled with guest hosts in 2024.