Tucker Carlson rebounds after Fox News firing, launching a wildly successful YouTube channel with nearly 4 million subscribers just two years after his abrupt removal from the prime-time spotlight.
At a Glance
- Tucker Carlson was fired from Fox News in April 2023 after allegedly saying things the network didn’t approve of
- Carlson has previously been terminated from CNN and MSNBC throughout his media career
- He launched his own company post-Fox and built a YouTube channel with nearly 4 million subscribers
- His departure came shortly after Fox News’ $787.5 million settlement with Dominion Voting Systems
- Carlson now avoids mainstream news, getting information directly from his personal network
Fox News Breakup: The End of an Era
In late April 2023, Tucker Carlson received the phone call that would end his six-year run as the face of Fox News’ prime-time lineup. His show “Tucker Carlson Tonight,” which began in 2017, had dominated cable news ratings for years, becoming one of the most influential conservative voices in America. The sudden cancellation shocked many viewers who had made Carlson’s 8 p.m. Eastern Time slot appointment television. His final show aired on a Friday, with the network announcing his departure the following Monday, offering no detailed explanation for the abrupt decision.
Carlson has been direct about the circumstances surrounding his exit, leaving little room for interpretation. “I got fired from Fox for saying things they didn’t like,” he stated plainly. This marked the third major network termination in his career, having previously been let go from both CNN and MSNBC. Throughout his Fox tenure, Carlson had maintained a position of editorial independence, refusing to take direct instruction from network executives about his content. “I would always say to Fox, ‘I’m not going to take instruction,'” he explained.
The Fox News Aftermath
Carlson’s departure came at a particularly turbulent time for Fox News. The network had just reached a staggering $787.5 million settlement with Dominion Voting Systems over false election claims that had been aired on various programs. Additionally, Carlson was named in a lawsuit by former Fox producer Abby Grossberg, who alleged a toxic work environment characterized by sexist and misogynistic behavior. Jesse Watters eventually took over the coveted 8 p.m. slot, continuing the network’s tradition of provocative conservative commentary in prime time.
“I would always say to Fox, ‘I’m not going to take instruction. I mean, you hired me to get decent ratings, I’ve done that. If you don’t like what I say, you can take me off the air, but you’re not going to control my show, just fire me.’ … And that seemed like that had always been our deal.” – Tucker Carlson
Before his dramatic exit, Carlson had established himself as one of the most polarizing figures in American media. His show routinely drew criticism and advertiser boycotts due to controversial segments on topics like immigration, Black Lives Matter, and mass shootings. However, these controversies only seemed to strengthen his connection with his core audience, who viewed him as a truth-teller willing to buck politically correct narratives. By 2022, his ratings dominance had slipped somewhat, with “The Five” surpassing his show as Fox’s top-rated program.
Reinvention and YouTube Success
Rather than retreating from public life after his Fox News termination, Carlson quickly pivoted to establishing his own media company and launching a YouTube channel that has attracted nearly 4 million subscribers in just two years. This independent platform allows him complete editorial freedom, enabling him to conduct long-form interviews with a diverse array of guests without network constraints. His conversations range from crypto entrepreneurs to actors, politicians to spiritual leaders, all presented with his signature provocative style.
In a striking departure from his previous life as a cable news host, Carlson now claims to avoid mainstream news outlets entirely. He no longer reads The New York Times or The Washington Post, instead relying on his extensive personal network for information and insights. This approach aligns with his longstanding criticism of media groupthink. His current interests range from foreign policy to spiritual questions, outdoor activities, and global power dynamics. He remains particularly critical of U.S. policymakers, whom he characterizes as uninformed and reckless in their approach to international affairs.
