Tucker Carlson’s Rumored Return to Fox News Sparks Shock and Speculation

On July 10, 2025, a bombshell report sent ripples through the media landscape: Tucker Carlson, the polarizing former Fox News anchor, is rumored to be in talks for a dramatic return to the network, nearly two years after his abrupt exit in April 2023. The news, first hinted at by sources close to Fox News and amplified across platforms like X, has left viewers stunned, with many struggling to process the possibility of Carlson reclaiming his primetime slot. Known for his provocative commentary and massive following, Carlson’s departure followed a $787.5 million settlement with Dominion Voting Systems, raising questions about his future in cable news. Now, whispers of his comeback are shaking up television history, with fans and critics alike buzzing over what this could mean for Fox News and the broader media landscape.

Carlson, who hosted Tucker Carlson Tonight from 2016 to 2023, was a dominant force in cable news, drawing millions with his fiery takes on issues like immigration, cultural shifts, and political elites. His exit came amid legal turmoil for Fox News, including the Dominion lawsuit over false election fraud claims and allegations of a toxic workplace environment. After leaving, Carlson launched Tucker on X, a Twitter-based show that debuted in June 2023 with a 10-minute monologue on topics like the Kakhovka dam disaster and UFOs, diverging from the “red meat” culture wars that defined his Fox tenure. The show, while popular among his base, failed to replicate the viewership of his cable heyday, prompting speculation that Carlson craved the larger platform Fox News offers. Posts on X reflect the fervor, with users like @MediaBuzzX exclaiming, “Tucker back on Fox? This is HUGE!” while others question the network’s motives, citing its recent push to refresh its audience with younger hosts like Lawrence Jones.

The rumored return comes at a pivotal moment for Fox News, which has faced declining ratings since Carlson’s departure. His 8 p.m. slot, now filled by rotating hosts, has struggled to retain the 3.5 million nightly viewers he commanded. Sources suggest Fox executives, under pressure to regain market share from rivals like Newsmax, see Carlson’s polarizing appeal as a way to reenergize their base. However, the move is risky: Carlson’s return could alienate advertisers, who fled in droves during his controversies, with a 2019 Media Matters report noting a 60% drop in ads per show after boycott campaigns. His rhetoric, often criticized for amplifying divisive narratives, also drew scrutiny, including a 2021 ADL call for his firing over “replacement theory” comments. Yet, his loyal audience, evident in X posts like “Tucker’s the only one who tells it like it is,” suggests a ready-made viewership eager for his comeback.

Behind the scenes, negotiations are reportedly complicated by Carlson’s ongoing legal battles and his non-compete clause, which restricted his ability to join another network until late 2024. His X show, while free from corporate constraints, has been criticized for lacking the production polish of Fox News, with its debut described as “more puzzling than provocative” due to its focus on niche topics. Carlson’s team, aware of his influence, is said to be pushing for creative control and a primetime slot, potentially displacing current hosts. The network’s recent pivot to Lawrence Jones, a younger voice aimed at diversifying its audience, could be at odds with Carlson’s return, raising questions about Fox’s long-term strategy.

The public’s reaction is deeply divided. On X, supporters hail Carlson as a truth-teller, with one user, @PatriotVoice22, writing, “Tucker back on Fox would CRUSH the woke media!” Critics, however, see his potential return as a step backward, with @ProgressiveEye tweeting, “Fox bringing back Carlson is doubling down on division.” The timing, amidst a polarized 2025 media climate, amplifies the stakes. Carlson’s ability to draw viewers—evident in his 2023 Twitter viewership of over 100 million for some episodes—makes him a valuable asset, but his controversies risk further advertiser backlash and public boycotts.

For Carlson, the return would mark a triumphant comeback, reestablishing him as a cable news titan. His departure from Fox was marred by leaked texts revealing private disdain for Trump, yet his public persona retained a fierce loyalty among conservatives. A return could also signal a shift in Fox’s programming, potentially leaning harder into populist narratives to counter rivals. As negotiations unfold, the media world watches closely, with Carlson’s next move poised to redefine his legacy and Fox News’s trajectory. Whether this comeback materializes or remains a rumor, the mere possibility has already shaken up TV history, proving Carlson’s enduring power to provoke, polarize, and captivate.