Jeanine Pirro, the fiery former prosecutor and longtime Fox News personality, is setting the television world abuzz with her unexpected return to the network. After stepping away from her role as a co-host on The Five in May 2025 to serve as the interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia under President Donald Trump, Pirro is making a high-profile guest appearance on Gutfeld! next week. This move has ignited a firestorm of speculation among fans and industry insiders alike, with many wondering if the outspoken legal analyst is poised to reclaim her seat on The Five, Fox News’ top-rated roundtable talk show. Her cryptic hints about a potential return have only fueled the excitement, leaving viewers eager to see what’s next for the beloved TV star.

Pirro’s Departure and Legacy at Fox News

To understand the significance of this development, it’s worth revisiting Pirro’s journey at Fox News. For over a decade, Pirro was a staple of the network, known for her no-nonsense commentary and unapologetic support for conservative causes. She first joined Fox News in 2006 as a legal analyst, later hosting Justice with Judge Jeanine, a weekend program that became a ratings powerhouse from 2011 to 2022. Her Saturday night show tackled major legal and political stories, earning her a loyal fanbase who admired her tough-on-crime stance and charismatic delivery.

In 2022, Pirro transitioned to a full-time co-host role on The Five, joining regulars Greg Gutfeld, Dana Perino, and Jesse Watters, with rotating liberal co-hosts like Jessica Tarlov and Harold Ford Jr. Her addition to the panel brought a new dynamic, blending her legal expertise with sharp political commentary. During her tenure, The Five solidified its position as cable news’ most-watched program, averaging 4.6 million viewers in the first quarter of 2025. Pirro’s passionate debates and memorable one-liners made her a standout, though her strong opinions sometimes sparked heated exchanges with her co-hosts.

Her abrupt departure in May 2025 came as a shock to many. Appointed by President Trump to serve as interim U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., Pirro left Fox News immediately to take on the prestigious role, replacing Ed Martin, whose nomination had faced Senate resistance. The move was seen as a bold pivot, trading her lucrative TV career for a high-stakes legal position. Fox News issued a statement praising her contributions, noting her “wonderful addition to The Five” and her 14-year tenure as a “beloved host.” Yet, her exit left a void on the show, with rotating guest hosts filling her seat and fans clamoring for her return.

The Gutfeld! Guest Appearance: A Strategic Comeback?

Pirro’s upcoming guest spot on Gutfeld!, Fox News’ late-night satirical talk show hosted by Greg Gutfeld, is more than just a one-off appearance—it’s a calculated move that has set social media alight. Gutfeld! has become a ratings juggernaut, often outperforming traditional late-night competitors like Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert with its irreverent humor and conservative-leaning commentary. Pirro, who was a frequent guest on Gutfeld’s earlier show, Red Eye, is no stranger to his brand of witty banter. Her return to the Gutfeld! stage promises to be a must-watch event, with teasers suggesting she’ll address her time in Washington and drop hints about her future plans.

What’s driving the buzz, however, is Pirro’s cryptic suggestion that she might be eyeing a return to The Five. While details remain scarce, sources close to the network indicate that her guest appearance could serve as a test balloon, gauging viewer reactions and network interest in bringing her back. The timing is notable: The Five has continued to dominate cable news ratings, but the rotating co-host model has left some fans nostalgic for Pirro’s commanding presence. Her chemistry with Gutfeld, Perino, and Watters was a key ingredient in the show’s success, and her return could reinvigorate the panel’s dynamic.

Why Fans Are Losing It Over the Possibility

Pirro’s potential comeback has struck a chord with her devoted fanbase, who have flooded platforms like X with excitement. Posts on X describe her as “irreplaceable” on The Five, with users praising her ability to “cut through the noise” and deliver hard-hitting commentary. Her legal background, including her historic tenure as Westchester County’s first female district attorney and county judge, lends her a unique perspective that resonates with viewers. Fans also admire her resilience, pointing to her ability to navigate personal and professional controversies—from a 2006 political scandal involving her then-husband to defamation lawsuits tied to her 2020 election commentary—while remaining a polarizing yet captivating figure.

The speculation about her return also taps into broader trends in cable news. The Five has thrived by balancing ideological diversity with spirited debate, and Pirro’s conservative firebrand persona complements the show’s format. Her absence has highlighted the challenge of finding a permanent replacement who can match her energy and gravitas. Meanwhile, her guest spot on Gutfeld! offers a chance to reconnect with viewers and remind them of her star power, potentially paving the way for a full-time role.

What Could a Return to The Five Mean?

If Pirro does return to The Five, it would mark a significant moment for Fox News and its viewers. Her presence could reenergize the show, which has maintained strong ratings but faced criticism for lacking the spark of its earlier years. A return would also signal Pirro’s enduring influence in conservative media, reinforcing her status as a trusted voice for Trump’s base. Her time as U.S. Attorney, though brief, adds a new layer to her credibility, allowing her to speak with authority on legal and political issues.

However, her return isn’t without complications. Pirro’s appointment to the U.S. Attorney role came with scrutiny, including questions about her involvement in defamation lawsuits against Fox News by voting technology companies like Smartmatic and Dominion Voting Systems. Her outspoken support for Trump’s 2020 election fraud claims, which led to internal tensions at Fox, could resurface as a point of contention. Additionally, her reintegration into The Five would require navigating the show’s current lineup, which has adapted to new voices in her absence.

The Bigger Picture: Pirro’s Place in Media and Politics

Pirro’s trajectory reflects a broader phenomenon: the blurring lines between media, politics, and public service. Her move from Fox News to the Trump administration and now back to television underscores the revolving door between conservative media and Republican leadership. Other Fox personalities, like Pete Hegseth and Sean Duffy, have followed similar paths, taking on high-profile roles in Trump’s administration. Pirro’s ability to straddle these worlds—legal expert, TV star, and political appointee—makes her a unique figure in today’s polarized landscape.

Her guest appearance on Gutfeld! also highlights the evolving nature of cable news, where personalities like Pirro and Gutfeld thrive by blending entertainment with ideology. The Five and Gutfeld! succeed because they offer viewers a mix of humor, debate, and unfiltered opinions, and Pirro’s return would amplify this formula. Whether she’s sparring with Jessica Tarlov or trading quips with Gutfeld, Pirro’s larger-than-life persona is tailor-made for the format.

What to Expect Next Week

As anticipation builds for Pirro’s Gutfeld! appearance, viewers can expect a lively hour filled with her trademark intensity. She’s likely to reflect on her time in Washington, offering insights into her role as U.S. Attorney and the challenges of navigating a high-stakes legal position. Her hints about The Five will be closely watched, with fans parsing every word for clues about her plans. Gutfeld, known for his playful yet incisive interviewing style, is sure to draw out Pirro’s wit and candor, making for a memorable episode.

For now, the question of whether Pirro will return to The Five remains unanswered, but the buzz surrounding her comeback is undeniable. Her guest spot on Gutfeld! is a strategic move to reassert her presence in the Fox News ecosystem, and the network will be watching viewer reactions closely. Whether she’s back for a single night or the start of a new chapter, Pirro’s return is a reminder of her enduring appeal and influence.

Why This Matters

Jeanine Pirro’s story is more than just a television comeback—it’s a testament to her resilience and adaptability in a rapidly changing media landscape. From her trailblazing legal career to her polarizing TV persona, Pirro has defied expectations at every turn. Her potential return to The Five would not only thrill fans but also reshape the dynamics of one of cable news’ most successful shows. As she steps back into the spotlight, all eyes will be on her next move, and the conversation around her comeback is only just beginning.