Steve Doocy Joins a New Chapter After Decades with Fox & Friends

After 6,828 days of 3:30 a.m. alarms, Steve Doocy, co-host of Fox & Friends, has decided it’s time for a change of pace.

For nearly 30 years, Doocy has been a fixture on Fox News’ flagship morning show. Now, he’s stepping away from the “curvy couch” for a fresh role that promises more activity and the bonus of sleeping in. Announcing this transition on Thursday, he reassured viewers that he’s not retiring or leaving the show entirely but merely shifting gears.

Doocy will now become the face of Fox & Friends’ famous remote segments, such as the popular diner visits, recently hosting one from Chicken N Pickle—a pickleball venue near Kansas City. Meanwhile, the show’s NYC studio will still feature hosts Brian Kilmeade, Ainsley Earhardt, and Lawrence Jones, with Doocy contributing from various locations across the country.

Mediaite had the opportunity to chat with Doocy, who fondly recalls his past broadcast days at a local Kansas station, KMBC. “I’ll be doing live hits from places like Florida, but I’ll still be on the move. You won’t always know where I am,” Doocy shared, excited about being “the coast-to-coast host” instead of studio-bound.

Reflecting on his career shift, Doocy explained, “After doing this for 30 years, you start thinking about exits—what that might look like and how to manage it,” revealing that he’s been contemplating this move for a few years.

Doocy disclosed discussions with Fox News CEO Suzanne Scott, conceptualizing what he referred to as “the Johnny Carson deal.” Doocy shared that their year-and-a-half dialogues concluded with an agreement: working three days a week, exactly as he hoped.

“I’ve been with the show from its inception, and I love it, but I’m ready for a new routine,” Doocy said, emphasizing that he’s not stepping away but instead opting for a change of scenery, which allows him personal time while remaining involved.

After almost 30 years of hosting the three-hour morning show, Doocy felt it was the right moment to make a switch. “For 6,828 mornings at 3:30, I have endured the city’s hustle — $14 to cross the George Washington Bridge, only to return home by 9 a.m.,” he reflected. “I love the show, but the hours are rough.”

Acknowledging the sacrifices, Doocy expressed gratitude but readiness for personal life changes. “I’ve mastered this routine, love the ratings, and appreciate the show. Now, it’s time to transition.”

Fox & Friends has maintained robust ratings, dominating cable news mornings since 2001 and now surpassing many local network shows in the largest U.S. markets. Throughout this tenure, Doocy has become a respected morning TV figure, beloved at Fox and valued across various networks.

As Doocy nears 70, having joined Fox & Friends in 1998, he stands as the longest-running morning show host, second only to Al Roker on Today. Over the years, Doocy witnessed Fox News evolve alongside political landscapes, managing to maintain an independent stance on the show, which occasionally saw debates with co-hosts and even reactions from political figures like President Trump.

On his relationship with Trump, Doocy recounted a memorable call during a live show, illustrating their ongoing cordial connection. Trump even recorded a congratulatory message for Doocy, thanking him for his dedication and service to the network.

While Doocy’s shift from the studio may upset some fans, it aligns well with the show’s dynamics and his own life’s priorities, especially with recent grandparenthood through Fox News figures Peter Doocy and Hillary Vaughn. “Many of our segments might circle around my family in DC and Dallas,” Doocy mused, “and who knows, maybe a grandchild could make a cameo!”

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