Additional Coverage:
Fox News viewers expressed frustration on social media Monday night as Jesse Watters was noticeably absent from his prime-time show. Brian Kilmeade, known for his own Fox News Radio program, stepped in as the substitute host, but many fans were less than pleased with the change.
One viewer shared their disappointment after tuning in following Laura Ingraham’s show: “When her show ended and Brian Kilmeade kicked off the ‘Jesse Watters Prime Time’ show with- you guessed it-more AOC, Mamdani and Hunter Biden, I changed the channel.” This backlash comes amid ongoing criticism of Watters, who recently faced a storm of disapproval over a controversial joke involving military personnel.
Another social media user quickly voiced their discontent, suggesting a further channel change: “Kilmeade is auto change to @RobFinnertyUSA on Newsmax.” The sentiment was echoed by others who expressed dissatisfaction with various hosts filling in during Watters’ absence.
One user even humorously warned Watters to “watch your back,” hinting that Kilmeade might have ambitions to take over his time slot.
This episode marks not the first time Watters has missed a show in recent weeks; he previously took time off for an assignment. His recent remarks about a Pentagon proposal to provide testosterone injections to service members sparked particular controversy.
Watters suggested that boosting testosterone could cause some men to act like “wild animals,” adding that even those who don’t need the treatment might seek it out. He then cautioned women on military bases and in countries hosting U.S. troops to “be careful,” comments which critics interpreted as a disturbing joke about sexual misconduct.
Journalist Marty Golingan condemned the remarks sharply, writing on social media, “So he’s really going to laugh about possible rape in the military and overseas by servicemen. There is no bottom for this s–t stain.”
As the debate continues, viewers remain divided over Watters’ absence and the content of his recent commentary, with substitute hosts facing their own share of scrutiny.