In an era where nostalgia reigns supreme on social media, Fox News viewers have been transported back in time this week by a resurfaced clip from 2008 that showcases a fresh-faced Ainsley Earhardt on “Fox & Friends.” The throwback moment, which has gone viral with millions of views across platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, captures Earhardt in her early days at the network, radiating youthful energy and that signature Southern charm that has since made her a morning show staple. Shared strategically as Fox News teases a “major shake-up” to its weekend programming, the clip has sparked waves of sentimentality among fans, who are reminiscing about Earhardt’s remarkable rise from a local reporter to one of cable news’ most beloved anchors. But the buzz isn’t just about the past—it’s intertwined with excitement over the future, as the network officially announces Griff Jenkins as the new third co-host of “Fox & Friends Weekend,” joining Rachel Campos-Duffy and Charlie Hurt in what promises to be a dynamic trio.
The clip in question hails from a Father’s Day broadcast on June 15, 2008, when Earhardt was still finding her footing at Fox News after joining the network just a year earlier. In the footage, a 31-year-old Earhardt beams at the camera, her blonde bob perfectly coiffed and her enthusiasm palpable as she delivers segments on family-friendly activities and light-hearted news bites. “Good morning! You’re watching Fox & Friends. Happy Father’s Day. I’m so glad to be here,” she says with a warm smile, her voice carrying the unmistakable lilt of her South Carolina roots. Viewers have flooded comment sections with reactions like “She hasn’t aged a day!” and “Ainsley was always a star—look at that glow!” One X user posted, “This retro Ainsley clip is everything! From newbie to queen of mornings. #FoxAndFriendsThrowback,” garnering thousands of likes and retweets.
The timing of the clip’s resurgence couldn’t be more perfect, aligning with Fox News’ announcement of sweeping changes to its weekend lineup. On September 10, 2025, the network revealed a revamped schedule that includes new shows and host reassignments, aimed at bolstering its dominance in the competitive cable news landscape. At the heart of the shake-up is the elevation of Griff Jenkins, a seasoned Fox News correspondent known for his on-the-ground reporting from hotspots like the U.S.-Mexico border and major political events, to the coveted third co-host spot on “Fox & Friends Weekend.” Jenkins, 54, will join conservative commentator Rachel Campos-Duffy and Washington Times opinion editor Charlie Hurt on the curvy couch every Saturday and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. ET, filling the void left by Pete Hegseth, who departed the show after his nomination as U.S. Secretary of Defense by President Donald Trump.
“Fox & Friends Weekend” has long been a ratings powerhouse, blending hard-hitting news analysis with feel-good segments on faith, family, and American values—themes that resonate deeply with the network’s core audience. The show’s format, which encourages lively banter among hosts, has made it a weekend ritual for millions. With Jenkins’ addition, insiders predict an infusion of frontline journalism flair, complementing Campos-Duffy’s sharp political insights and Hurt’s witty commentary. “This is a dream team,” one Fox executive told Variety in an exclusive interview. “Griff brings the grit of real reporting, Rachel the passion of conservatism, and Charlie the intellectual edge. Viewers are in for a treat.”
Ainsley Earhardt’s journey to stardom is a quintessential American success story, one that fans are revisiting amid the clip’s viral spread. Born on September 20, 1976, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Earhardt grew up in a devout Christian family, attending Sharon Elementary School and later graduating from Spring Valley High School in Columbia. Her early life was marked by a strong work ethic instilled by her parents—her father a retired Army officer and her mother a homemaker. “I was raised to believe in God, family, and hard work,” Earhardt has often said in interviews, crediting her upbringing for her resilient spirit.
After earning a degree in broadcast journalism from the University of South Carolina in 1999, Earhardt cut her teeth in local news. She started at WLTX-News 19 in Columbia, where she quickly rose to become the morning and noon anchor. Her big break came in 2005 when she moved to San Antonio, Texas, to join KENS-TV as a co-anchor. There, she earned accolades for her coverage of Hurricane Rita and the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, showcasing a blend of empathy and professionalism that caught the eye of national scouts. “Ainsley had that ‘it’ factor from day one,” recalls a former colleague from KENS. “She connected with viewers on a personal level, making complex stories feel relatable.”
In 2007, Roger Ailes, the then-CEO of Fox News, hired Earhardt after spotting her talent during a talent search. She admitted in her 2017 memoir, “The Light Within Me,” that she “didn’t know the first thing about politics” when she arrived in New York City. Starting as a correspondent, Earhardt contributed to shows like “Hannity,” where she hosted her own segment, “Ainsley Across America,” traveling the country to highlight everyday heroes and heartwarming stories. Her breakout role came in 2016 when she was promoted to co-host of the weekday “Fox & Friends” alongside Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade, replacing Elisabeth Hasselbeck. The move catapulted her into the spotlight, where her faith-based perspectives and optimistic demeanor endeared her to conservative audiences.
Over the years, Earhardt has authored several best-selling books, including “Through Your Eyes: My Child’s Gift to Me” and “I’m So Glad You Were Born,” which weave personal anecdotes with inspirational messages. She’s also navigated personal challenges publicly, including her 2018 divorce from businessman Will Proctor, with whom she shares a daughter, Hayden, born in 2015. Earhardt’s transparency about her faith journey—often sharing Bible verses and prayers on air—has solidified her as a role model for many viewers. “Ainsley’s evolution is inspiring,” says media analyst Dr. Emily Vargas of NYU’s Steinhardt School. “From that 2008 clip to now, she’s grown into a confident voice, blending journalism with heartfelt commentary.”
The resurfaced clip, posted by Fox News’ official social media accounts as part of the lineup tease, has amassed over 5 million views in just days. In it, Earhardt interviews a guest about Father’s Day grilling tips, her laughter infectious and her style reflecting the era’s trends—think structured blazers and subtle highlights. Fans have drawn comparisons to her current look, noting subtle changes like a more defined jawline, which some attribute to natural aging or minor cosmetic tweaks, though Earhardt has never confirmed any procedures. “She looks so young and vibrant—reminds me why I started watching Fox,” commented one viewer on Instagram. Another added, “Ainsley in 2008 vs. now: Still gorgeous, but wiser and even more poised. #Timeless.”
This wave of nostalgia coincides with broader shifts at Fox News, which has been adapting to a post-Trump election landscape while maintaining its conservative ethos. The weekend revamp includes other changes: Johnny Joey Jones and Tomi Lahren have been named hosts of “The Big Weekend Show,” a panel-style program focusing on hot-button issues. Additionally, “MediaBuzz” with Howard Kurtz has been replaced by a new Sunday show featuring White House correspondents Peter Doocy and Jacqui Heinrich, promising in-depth political analysis. These moves come as Fox News faces competition from rising digital platforms and a fragmented media environment, but executives are betting on familiar faces like Jenkins to keep viewers tuned in.
Griff Jenkins, the newly minted co-host, brings a wealth of experience to the table. Born on December 15, 1970, in Los Angeles, California, Jenkins graduated from the University of Mississippi with a degree in English and began his career in radio before transitioning to television. He joined Fox News in 2003 as a producer and quickly advanced to on-air roles, becoming a Washington-based correspondent in 2007. Known for his immersive reporting, Jenkins has covered everything from natural disasters like Hurricanes Katrina and Harvey to political flashpoints, including the 2020 election protests and border security crises.
Jenkins’ path hasn’t been without mishaps—fans fondly recall a 2018 incident where he dislocated his shoulder diving into a shallow pool during a live segment, or a recent tumble off a skateboard while guest-hosting. These moments have endeared him to audiences as approachable and human. “Griff is the real deal,” says Rachel Campos-Duffy, who welcomed him in an on-air announcement. “His reporting from the front lines will bring authenticity to our weekends.” Campos-Duffy, a former MTV “Real World” star turned conservative pundit and mother of nine, joined the show in 2021, while Hurt, with his sharp op-eds, added in 2024.
Fan reactions to the announcement have been overwhelmingly positive, with X timelines buzzing with excitement. “Finally, Griff on the couch full-time! He’s earned it,” tweeted one user, while another said, “Love the new trio—Rachel’s fire, Charlie’s smarts, Griff’s grit. Weekend mornings just got better!” Comments sections under the retro Earhardt clip have morphed into forums celebrating the network’s evolution, with viewers sharing memories of tuning in during pivotal moments like the 2008 financial crisis or the Obama era.
As Fox News navigates this transition, the blend of nostalgia and novelty underscores its staying power. Earhardt, now 49, continues to anchor weekdays with poise, her career a testament to perseverance. “I’ve grown so much since that 2008 clip,” she reflected in a recent Instagram post. “Grateful for the journey and excited for what’s next at Fox.” With Jenkins’ debut set for October 4, 2025, viewers are poised for a refreshed weekend ritual that honors the past while charging into the future.
In a media world often criticized for divisiveness, moments like this remind us of the human element—hosts who evolve, fans who connect, and stories that endure. As one commenter put it, “From Ainsley’s early days to Griff’s new chapter, Fox & Friends keeps us coming back. Here’s to more mornings together.”
