In the high-stakes world of broadcast journalism, where anchors become fixtures in viewers’ daily lives, any unexplained absence can ignite a firestorm of speculation. For Harris Faulkner, the Emmy award-winning journalist and co-host of Fox News’ popular midday program Outnumbered, her recent time away from the show has sparked rumors ranging from a dramatic departure to health issues or a shift in career priorities. Social media platforms and media blogs buzzed with questions about her whereabouts, with some fans fearing the worst for the beloved anchor who has been a cornerstone of Fox News for nearly two decades. However, those close to Faulkner and her own carefully crafted social media posts have dispelled the myths: Harris Faulkner isn’t leaving Fox News. Instead, she’s been absent from Outnumbered while embarking on what she describes as a “rebirth” journey of love with her husband, Tony Berlin, following months of intense focus on supporting their eldest daughter, Bella Berlin, as she transitioned into college life. This deeply personal chapter, blending family milestones with intentional renewal, underscores Faulkner’s commitment to balancing her high-profile career with the profound responsibilities and joys of parenthood and marriage.

To understand the significance of Faulkner’s temporary hiatus, it’s essential to explore her remarkable journey in journalism, which has made her a household name. Born on October 13, 1965, in Atlanta, Georgia, Harris Kimberley Faulkner grew up in a military family, her father a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army. This upbringing instilled a sense of discipline, resilience, and patriotism that would later define her on-air presence. After earning a degree in mass communications from the University of California, Santa Barbara, Faulkner began her career in local news markets, including Greenville, North Carolina, and Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her tenacity and talent caught the attention of Fox News, where she joined as a correspondent in 2005. Over the years, she climbed the ranks, earning a reputation for her sharp interviewing skills, ability to navigate contentious debates, and a warm yet authoritative delivery that resonates with viewers.

In 2014, Faulkner became a co-host of Outnumbered, a dynamic panel show featuring four female hosts and one male guest discussing the day’s top stories. The format, known for its spirited exchanges, showcased her ability to moderate with finesse while offering incisive commentary. In 2021, she expanded her portfolio with The Faulkner Focus, a solo-hosted program airing just before Outnumbered, where she tackles breaking news and interviews prominent figures. Her work has earned her six Daytime Emmy Awards, including for Outstanding News Discussion & Analysis, cementing her status as one of Fox News’ most respected voices. Beyond the studio, Faulkner is a New York Times bestselling author, with books like Faith Still Moves Mountains: Miraculous Stories of the Healing Power of Prayer (2022), which draws on her Christian faith and personal experiences of overcoming challenges, including health scares and the loss of loved ones.

Faulkner’s professional achievements, however, have always been intertwined with her personal life, where she balances the demands of a high-pressure career with her roles as a wife and mother. She married Tony Berlin on April 12, 2003, after meeting him in the newsroom of WCCO-TV in Minneapolis, where she was an anchor and Berlin an investigative reporter for the CBS affiliate. Berlin, who later founded Berlin Media Relations in 2005, transitioned from journalism to strategic communications, advising clients across industries. Their marriage is a beautiful tapestry of diversity: Faulkner, who is Black and Baptist Christian, and Berlin, who is white with Jewish heritage, have built a life rooted in mutual respect and shared values. Their interfaith, biracial family has navigated cultural differences with grace, creating a home where their daughters are exposed to both Christian and Jewish traditions, from Easter services to Passover Seders.

The couple’s two daughters, Bella Grace Berlin (born in 2007) and Danika Berlin (born in 2010), are the heart of their world. Bella, the eldest, has often appeared in Faulkner’s social media posts, which capture universal parenting moments. In June 2025, Faulkner shared her pride in Bella’s high school graduation, posting a video on social media with the caption, “Hallelujah!! Thank you Lord for this fabulous day. Congratulations to my daughter, my first baby Bella Grace is graduating from high school today!! A lot to do… #mommydaughtervibes.” The post resonated with thousands of followers, who flooded the comments with congratulations. Weeks later, in July, Faulkner shared photos from the ceremony, writing, “We love you Bella Grace! You will move mountains. #keepfaith.” These milestones marked the beginning of a transformative period for the family, as Bella prepared to leave home for college.

The summer of 2025 was a whirlwind of activity for Faulkner and Berlin, centered on Bella’s transition to college. In late August, Faulkner posted about Bella’s move-in day, sharing a photo of the family helping her settle into her dorm, captioned, “Our college freshman Bella’s big Move In Day #goodvibes.” The image captured a bittersweet moment—parents beaming with pride while grappling with the reality of their daughter’s new chapter. Bella, who plans to study early childhood education with a focus on children with special needs, reflects her parents’ compassion and drive. For months, Faulkner and Berlin had been “walking alongside” Bella, guiding her through college applications, campus tours, and the emotional complexities of leaving home. This hands-on involvement reflects Faulkner’s parenting philosophy, rooted in faith and presence. As she shared in a 2025 interview, she worries about her daughters navigating a world marked by societal tensions, particularly as young women of color with strong faith. “As a person of color, and as a person who speaks boldly about faith, it’s very adjacent when people are hated for the way that they believe, and their position in society,” she said. “I’m worried about all of it. And not just for my kids.”

Faulkner’s absence from Outnumbered began to draw attention during this period. Viewers noticed her seat filled by rotating co-hosts, prompting questions on social media: “Where is Harris Faulkner?” Some speculated about a departure from Fox News, while others wondered about health or professional changes. But the truth was far simpler and more profound. Faulkner clarified through a viral social media post that she was taking a “rebirth” journey with her husband, Tony Berlin, after months of prioritizing Bella’s college transition. This “rebirth” is a deliberate pause, a time to reconnect as a couple after the intense demands of parenting and their respective careers. For Faulkner, whose faith shapes her worldview, this journey echoes themes from her book—renewal, healing, and the power of love to anchor life’s transitions.

The concept of “rebirth” is deeply personal for Faulkner and Berlin. Married for over two decades in a small Arizona ceremony, their partnership has weathered the pressures of dual-career lifestyles while raising biracial daughters in a polarized world. Berlin, now a media consultant, has been a quiet but steadfast presence, often appearing in Faulkner’s posts during family vacations or holiday celebrations. Their interfaith household, blending Christmas and Hanukkah, models unity for their daughters. As Faulkner has noted, exposing Bella and Danika to diverse traditions fosters understanding and resilience, lessons they carry into adulthood. With Bella now in college and Danika, at 15, still at home, the couple faces the looming reality of an empty nest. This rebirth journey allows them to strengthen their bond, setting an example for their daughters about the importance of love and partnership.

Fans and colleagues have rallied around Faulkner during this time. Social media posts from viewers express support, with many sharing their own stories of parenting milestones. Colleagues at Fox News, including Outnumbered co-hosts like Emily Compagno and Kayleigh McEnany, have seamlessly filled in, with the network affirming Faulkner’s vital role. “Harris is family here at Fox,” an insider shared. “Her time away is well-deserved, and we’re excited for her return.” The outpouring of support reflects Faulkner’s impact, not just as a journalist but as a relatable figure who shares her life’s highs and lows with authenticity.

As Faulkner prepares to return to Outnumbered, her “rebirth” journey promises to bring a renewed perspective to her work. Having covered major events like the 2024 election cycle, she continues to anchor The Faulkner Focus, where her incisive analysis draws millions. Her time away also sparks broader conversations about work-life balance in the media industry, particularly for women who juggle demanding careers with motherhood. Faulkner’s story is a testament to the power of faith, love, and intentional pauses in a world that demands constant motion. As she wrote in her book, faith and love can move mountains—a philosophy evident in her choice to prioritize family during this pivotal moment.

In conclusion, Harris Faulkner’s absence from Outnumbered is not a departure but a meaningful interlude for personal and relational growth. Her “rebirth” journey with Tony Berlin, following their daughter Bella’s college transition, highlights the beauty of balancing a storied career with the demands of family. As viewers await her return to the Outnumbered desk, one thing is certain: Harris Faulkner remains a vital voice at Fox News, her life a powerful reminder that even in the spotlight, the heart of a mother, wife, and believer shines brightest.