Will the 250th unite a divided America?

For the F&F co-hosts, America’s semiquincentennial is both a huge news story and a chance to explore what it means to be an American in 2026, a year marked by the same division that has dominated politics and culture in this country for years now. Can people put politics aside? Or has the 250th become political itself?

“As someone who has spent years researching and writing about our nation’s founding, presidents, and pivotal moments in history,” Brian Kilmeade told me, “I see this anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on the courage, sacrifice, and vision that built this country.”

“I hope future generations continue to embrace personal responsibility, patriotism, hard work, faith, and a deep appreciation for freedom,” he said. "Most importantly, I hope they never take for granted the fact that liberty survives only when citizens are willing to protect and participate in it.”

“The things I am trying to focus on as we celebrate 250 is just because we have original sins as a country doesn’t mean that we didn’t eventually improve," said Lawrence Jones.

"In the past, there has been an emphasis on talking about the bad of America. I want to highlight how we improve from the bad. We are a great country. We have done bad things, but it is the original document that has held us accountable as a country and we continue to improve from there.”

Connecting with Main Street

Travel and viewer interaction remain central to the show’s identity, especially as it rolls out special America 250 programming across the country.

Kilmeade described taking the show on the road as a rare chance to escape the studio and connect with viewers in their own hometowns. “Every community has its own story, traditions, and contributions to our nation’s history,” Kilmeade said. "I’m looking forward to hearing those stories firsthand, celebrating local heroes, and seeing the pride people have in their hometowns and in the country. The closer you get to the people, the better you understand America, and that’s always been one of the most rewarding parts of this job.”

Earhardt added that “the people are what truly makes America great,” calling it “an honor and privilege to wake up America” each day. “It is not lost on me that we wouldn’t have a show without our loyal viewers," she said. “They trust us to deliver the facts and new information so they are prepared for their day. It’s a big responsibility and I take it very seriously. I appreciate everyone who watches.”

25 years as the country’s most-watched cable morning show

It’s no surprise Fox & Friends draws crowds whenever they take the show on the road: the co-hosts have become part of many families’ traditions, whether it’s watching while getting the kids ready for school, or having the show on over the counter in one of the diners that have become a staple of the show’s road trips.

So far in 2026, Fox & Friends has been averaging 1.4 million total viewers, making it the only cable news morning show to break the one million mark. Among viewers 25-54, the key demographic valued by national advertisers, the show has drawn an average audience of 140,000 viewers--the only show to surpass 100,000 viewers in the key demo.

“We have been number one for 25 years because we know that none of us are bigger than the audience," said co-host Lawrence Jones. "They are the pulse. The show has seen different administrations, movements and topics. We make it a point to give authentic opinion and represent different points of view.”

‘We all love each other’: the chemistry on and off the set

Despite the show’s evolution, its success still rests on a simple formula: a conversation over coffee between friends--who sometimes agree, and often don’t, but never argue or take shots.

“When Fox & Friends began, it was remarkably simple: three people on a couch,” Doocy said. “Over the years, our terrific producers have added creative segments, field pieces, technology, and all sorts of elements that have made the show more visually dynamic and fun to watch.”

“Yet the reason people continue to tune in is the same reason they tuned in from the start: they feel like they’re listening in on an authentic conversation among friends,” Doocy said. "Three or four people from different corners of America, sitting on a couch, talking about what’s happening in the world. That was the original recipe for Fox & Friends, and nearly thirty years later, it’s still the foundation of everything we do.”

“We consider each other family,” Earhardt said. "We know each other very well and understand there are times to be serious and times to have fun.”

“I think you know we all love each other,” Jones added. "It is hard to control our laughter during the breaks – we enjoy each other. It makes it a great show and it works because we get along.”