Jessica Tarlov: Behind the Scenes of Fox News’ Beloved Liberal Voice

Jessica Tarlov has carved out a unique role on Fox News’ popular political panel show “The Five,” where she confidently holds her ground as the program’s sole liberal voice.

Though viewers now know her as a poised commentator who gracefully navigates heated debates, Tarlov’s journey to television was neither planned nor straightforward.

Family Background and Early Life

Growing up in an environment immersed in creativity and the entertainment industry, Jessica was ironically resistant to the allure of show business. Her mother, Judith Roberts, was a writer, and her father, Mark Tarlov, was a well-respected movie producer.

Meanwhile, her sister Molly found success in front of the camera, starring on MTV’s hit show “Awkward.” Despite her family’s artistic lineage, Jessica insisted early on, as she revealed to the Washingtonian, “My sister is the TV person in the family.”

Instead of following her family’s footsteps into Hollywood, Jessica pursued academics, eventually earning a PhD in Government. It seemed as though television and public attention were far from her interests, but life had other plans.

A Reluctant Television Star

Tarlov initially felt apprehensive about stepping into the political spotlight. Her first appearance on “The Five” in 2017 was marked by nerves, something she candidly shared in interviews.

The experience was further intensified by harsh criticism from notable figures, including former President Donald Trump, who took to his platform Truth Social to criticize her commentary and presentation style.

Despite these initial challenges, Jessica rapidly developed confidence and composure. She told the Washingtonian, “There are conservatives who have watched me go from you-are-super-scared-to-be-on-TV to as comfortable as I am now who will defend me if they see people going after me.”

Overcoming this initial resistance proved pivotal, establishing her as a well-respected political analyst known for her thoughtful discourse.

Academic and Professional Inspirations

Jessica credits her parents as her greatest influences, citing their support and bold thinking as the foundation for her professional success. In an interview with USA Today, she described her parents as “brilliant, bold thinkers that always pushed me to experiment academically and professionally.”

Their encouragement to pursue unconventional paths fostered a comfort with uncertainty and ambition that has defined her career. Jessica explained, “Having support to take a zigzag path to get where you’re going—and to be cool with not knowing where you’re going at all—has made each phase of my career that much better.”

An Unexpected Connection to Boris Johnson

One of the lesser-known details of Tarlov’s career is her past role working with Boris Johnson, former Mayor of London and later Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

While studying at the London School of Economics in 2012, she found herself involved in Johnson’s mayoral re-election campaign. Despite ideological differences, Tarlov highlighted in an essay for The Hill that British conservatism differed significantly from its American counterpart, noting, “Conservatives over there aren’t anything like conservatives here in America.”

She observed firsthand Johnson’s unique charisma, drawing parallels between his political trajectory and Trump’s appeal to voters in the United States. Tarlov told the Washingtonian that Johnson’s popularity surged despite scandals, a phenomenon mirrored later in Trump’s presidency.

Bridging the Partisan Divide

Jessica Tarlov’s role on “The Five” often puts her in direct opposition to conservative viewpoints. Yet, she has impressively managed to bridge divides, earning respect even from ideological opponents.

Tarlov revealed to the Los Angeles Times that she has seen a shift in how conservatives interact with her online. Rather than facing personal attacks, her insights are now increasingly treated as valuable contributions to broader political discussions.

Her warmth and genuine engagement with viewers have elicited touching responses, including heartfelt gifts from conservatives.

Tarlov fondly recounts receiving hand-knitted blankets from viewers during her pregnancy, demonstrating the surprising personal connections forged across ideological lines. Reflecting on this dynamic, Tarlov said, “Those aren’t Joe Biden voters, suddenly. But that’s why this job is so fun.”

Navigating Parenthood and Personal Loss

Jessica’s journey has also involved deeply personal challenges. The death of her beloved father, Mark, from cancer in 2021 profoundly affected her, especially since it occurred during her pregnancy.

She described this period as emotionally complex, compounded by postpartum experiences. Despite grieving, Tarlov managed to maintain her professional presence seamlessly, although privately, she struggled deeply.

Speaking with Carry, a newsletter for working moms, she described the importance of compassion toward oneself, explaining, “There’s an internal struggle going on that needs your time and attention.

[…] You must be really kind to yourself.” Connecting with other mothers provided invaluable emotional support during this challenging period, allowing her to manage grief and motherhood simultaneously.

Challenges of Being a Working Mother in Television

Entering motherhood raised significant professional concerns for Jessica. Initially, she feared pregnancy and parenthood would negatively impact her career trajectory.

Pregnancy brought visible changes and physical discomfort, exacerbating her anxieties about appearing on television. Nevertheless, her experiences highlighted the supportive environment at Fox News, where colleagues like Dana Perino enthusiastically celebrated her pregnancy, even announcing it inadvertently on air.

Despite professional support, Jessica still encountered societal pressures and guilt, particularly regarding breastfeeding and work travel. She candidly admitted, “I felt guilty that breastfeeding wasn’t for me—I lasted six weeks—and I went on a business trip for a week to South Korea when my daughter was just four months old.”

Jessica’s candid reflections resonate with many working mothers navigating similar conflicts between career ambitions and parental responsibilities, underscoring her relatability beyond politics.

Culinary Quirks and Future Aspirations

Outside her political expertise, Jessica humorously admits to lacking culinary prowess. Her typical meal preparation often involves little more than a jar of peanut butter, highlighting a down-to-earth side rarely seen on TV.

Looking forward, Jessica has openly considered a potential future in public office. Inspired by the precedent set by Donald Trump’s unconventional political rise, she expressed interest in someday transitioning from television to politics, envisioning herself taking advantage of opportunities created for non-traditional political candidates.

Jessica explained, “Perhaps the one good thing President Trump has done is open the door to non-politician politicians.”

Jessica Tarlov’s rise to prominence on Fox News illustrates a compelling narrative of personal and professional growth. From her initial discomfort on television to becoming a respected liberal voice, Jessica continues to engage viewers with thoughtful insights and genuine humanity.

Whether sharing heartfelt moments of personal struggle or lively debates, Tarlov has undeniably earned her place as one of television’s standout political commentators, admired by audiences across the political spectrum.