In the fast-paced world of cable news, where personalities become household names and morning shows shape the day’s narrative, Fox & Friends has long been a cornerstone of American television. The weekend edition, in particular, has captivated audiences with its blend of hard-hitting political commentary, lifestyle segments, and celebrity interviews. Yet, beneath the polished surface of this ratings juggernaut lies a mystery that has puzzled viewers and insiders alike: Why are so many hosts leaving the show? Rachel Campos-Duffy, a prominent co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend, recently dropped a cryptic bombshell that has set tongues wagging. “I didn’t really understand until I started working here,” she said, hinting at untold pressures and dynamics that may be driving talent away from the iconic program. What secrets lurk behind the scenes, and what does Campos-Duffy’s revelation mean for the future of Fox News?

Rachel Campos-Duffy is no stranger to the spotlight. A veteran television personality who first gained fame on MTV’s The Real World: San Francisco in 1994, she transitioned into a respected conservative commentator and joined Fox News as a contributor in 2016. By May 2021, she was named a permanent co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend, stepping into the role vacated by Jedediah Bila. Alongside co-hosts Pete Hegseth and, later, Charlie Hurt, Campos-Duffy has helped maintain the show’s dominance as the top-rated cable news morning program, drawing millions of viewers each weekend. Her unique perspective as a mother of nine, a Hispanic American, and a vocal supporter of conservative values has resonated with audiences, making her a beloved figure on the network.

But Campos-Duffy’s recent comment about the departure of multiple Fox & Friends hosts has sparked intense speculation. The show has seen a revolving door of talent in recent years, with high-profile exits like Jedediah Bila in 2021 and shifts in roles for others, such as Will Cain, who left the weekend edition in January 2025 to host a new weekday program. While some departures have been framed as amicable or career-driven, Campos-Duffy’s statement suggests there’s more to the story. “I didn’t really understand until I started working here,” she remarked, her words carrying a weight that implies insider knowledge of challenges unique to the high-stakes environment of Fox News.

So, what could be driving this exodus? One possibility is the grueling demands of the morning show format. Fox & Friends Weekend airs from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. ET, requiring hosts to arrive at the studio in the pre-dawn hours, often after late-night preparations or travel. The relentless schedule leaves little room for personal life, a reality that may hit harder for hosts juggling family responsibilities or other professional commitments. Campos-Duffy, a mother of nine, has spoken openly about the challenges of balancing her career with motherhood, yet she has thrived in the role. Others, however, may find the pace unsustainable, especially when combined with the pressure to deliver ratings in a fiercely competitive media landscape.

Another factor could be the intense scrutiny that comes with being a public face of Fox News. The network, known for its conservative leanings, often finds itself at the center of political and cultural controversies. Hosts are expected to navigate polarizing topics with finesse, appealing to a loyal audience while fending off criticism from detractors. Campos-Duffy herself has not shied away from controversy, making headlines for comments on issues like the Afghanistan withdrawal in 2021 and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Her outspoken style has earned both praise and backlash, highlighting the tightrope that Fox News hosts must walk. For some, the constant pressure to align with the network’s editorial stance or handle public criticism may become overwhelming.

Behind-the-scenes dynamics could also play a role. The camaraderie displayed on air—often described as a “family” by hosts like Campos-Duffy, Hegseth, and Hurt—may mask tensions that arise in a high-pressure workplace. The departure of Jedediah Bila, for instance, came amid reports of differing political views, as Bila was known for her libertarian perspective, which sometimes clashed with the network’s more traditional conservative tone. Campos-Duffy’s comment suggests she may have witnessed or experienced dynamics that only become clear once inside the Fox News ecosystem. Could there be creative differences, editorial constraints, or internal politics at play? Her cryptic remark leaves room for speculation, but it’s clear that the environment is more complex than viewers might assume.

The broader media landscape may also contribute to the turnover. Cable news is evolving, with networks like Fox News expanding into digital platforms, podcasts, and streaming services like Fox Nation. Campos-Duffy herself hosts Fox Noticias, a Spanish-language program launched in October 2024, and co-hosts a podcast with her husband, Sean Duffy, a former congressman and Fox Business host. These opportunities reflect Fox News’ push to diversify its offerings, but they also create new demands on talent. Hosts may be lured away by competing networks, new ventures, or the chance to pursue less demanding roles. Will Cain’s move to a weekday afternoon show, for example, was framed as a strategic career shift, but it also left Fox & Friends Weekend to adjust to a new dynamic with Charlie Hurt stepping in.

For Campos-Duffy, the role of co-host has been a natural fit, but her comment hints at an awareness of the challenges that others may not have anticipated. Her background as a reality TV star, political commentator, and advocate for Hispanic communities through the LIBRE Initiative has equipped her with resilience and adaptability. Yet, even she acknowledges that the reality of working at Fox News is eye-opening. “I didn’t really understand until I started working here,” she said, suggesting that the pressures—whether logistical, editorial, or personal—are unique to the network’s high-octane environment.

The impact of these departures extends beyond the hosts themselves. For viewers, the constant shuffling of familiar faces can disrupt the sense of continuity that makes Fox & Friends a morning ritual. The show’s success relies on the chemistry between its hosts, who must engage audiences with a mix of news, banter, and relatability. Campos-Duffy, with her warm demeanor and sharp insights, has helped maintain that appeal, but each new host brings a shift in dynamic. Charlie Hurt’s addition, for instance, has been praised for bringing a fresh perspective, but it also underscores the challenge of keeping the show’s formula intact amid change.

As Fox News navigates this era of transition, Campos-Duffy’s revelation serves as a reminder that even the most glamorous jobs come with hidden pressures. The network remains a powerhouse, with Fox & Friends Weekendconsistently topping ratings charts, but the revolving door of hosts raises questions about sustainability. Will the show continue to adapt and thrive, or will the underlying issues hinted at by Campos-Duffy eventually take a toll? For now, she remains a steady presence, guiding viewers through the morning with her signature blend of conviction and charm. But her words linger, inviting us to wonder: What’s really happening behind the scenes at Fox News, and who will be the next to walk away?