Tucker Carlson rebuilds his career after being fired from Fox News, gaining nearly 4 million YouTube subscribers while refusing to be silenced. Carlson had previously been fired from CNN and MSNBC before his Fox News career. Jesse Watters replaced Carlson in the prime-time 8 p.m. Eastern Time slot. After leaving Fox, Carlson launched his own company and YouTube channel, amassing nearly 4 million subscribers.
The Unexpected Departure
Two years after his unexpected exit from Fox News, Tucker Carlson has opened up about the abrupt end to his prime-time show. In April 2023, Fox News announced that Carlson and the network had “agreed to part ways,” though Carlson tells a different story. The conservative commentator, whose show had consistently ranked among the highest-rated programs in cable news, received a phone call informing him his show was canceled. Jesse Watters eventually replaced him in the coveted 8 p.m. Eastern Time slot, marking the end of Carlson’s 14-year relationship with the network where he had become one of its most recognizable faces.
Carlson’s departure came just days after Fox News settled a defamation lawsuit with Dominion Voting Systems for $787.5 million over false election claims that had been aired on the network. While Fox never publicly stated the reason for Carlson’s removal, the timing raised questions about whether the settlement played a role in the decision. At the time of his departure, Carlson was also named in a separate lawsuit filed by TV producer Abby Grossberg, alleging sexist and abusive behavior at the network.
NEW: It has been two years since Fox News canceled Tucker Carlson's show.
“I got fired from Fox for saying things they didn't like."
Watch the full conversation ➡️https://t.co/WL8wnp7QBr@DailySignal @TuckerCarlson pic.twitter.com/EUdU7u9Ns0
— Virginia Allen (@Virginia_Allen5) April 15, 2025
A Pattern of Network Departure
Fox News wasn’t Carlson’s first dismissal from a major news organization. Before joining Fox as a contributor in 2009, he had hosted programs on both CNN and MSNBC and was eventually fired from both networks. His show “Tucker Carlson Tonight” began in 2017 and quickly became a ratings powerhouse, though it was eventually surpassed by “The Five” in 2022. Throughout his time at Fox, Carlson generated controversy with his commentary on topics ranging from immigration to racial justice movements, leading to several advertiser boycotts.
This pattern of network firings has established Carlson as someone unwilling to compromise his opinions for network executives. His controversial statements often attracted criticism but also built a loyal audience that would follow him beyond traditional cable news. His willingness to speak against both establishment Republicans and Democrats positioned him as a voice for Americans who felt alienated from mainstream political discourse.
Two Years After Fox Breakup, Tucker Carlson Shares Why His Show Was Canceled https://t.co/NM0hzCQvj4
— Off The Press (@OffThePress1) April 15, 2025
Independence and Reinvention
Following his exit from traditional media, Carlson wasted little time establishing his new platform. He launched his own company and created a YouTube channel that has flourished outside the corporate media ecosystem. Within two years, his channel has attracted nearly 4 million subscribers, validating his decision to pursue an independent path. The platform features in-depth conversations with diverse and often controversial figures, including cryptocurrency entrepreneur Sam Bankman-Fried and actor Jonathan Roumie.
Carlson’s approach to information gathering has also evolved significantly. He now deliberately avoids mainstream news outlets like The New York Times and The Washington Post, preferring to source information directly from his extensive network of contacts. This methodology reflects his growing distrust of institutional media and his preference for unfiltered perspectives. His content focuses on areas of particular interest to him, including foreign policy, spiritual questions, outdoor activities, and global power dynamics.