Tucker Carlson gave no indication that this would be the last edition of “Tucker Carlson Tonight” to broadcast on Fox News as he signed off Friday night.
Carlson was consuming pizza delivered by Tyler Morell, who had recently assisted Pennsylvania police in capturing an escaping suspect.
After a few nibbles, the Fox News host bid his routine farewell to millions of viewers.
“That’s it for us for the week. We’ll be back,” he said.
“We’ll be back on Monday,” Carlson said moments later. “In the meantime, have the best weekend with the ones that you love, and we’ll see you then.”
Here was the end of what turned out to be Tucker Carlson's final Fox News show last Friday. Certainly no indication that he didn't expect to be on the air tonight. In fact Tucker's final words are, "we'll be back on Monday." pic.twitter.com/F9R5MpWHDK
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 24, 2023
However, Fox News announced on Monday that Carlson would not be returning.
“Fox News Media and Tucker Carlson have agreed to part ways. We thank him for his service to the network as a host and prior to that as a contributor,” the network said in a statement emailed to The Western Journal.
“Mr. Carlson’s last program was Friday April 21st. Fox News Tonight will air live at 8 PM/ET starting this evening as an interim show helmed by rotating Fox News personalities until a new host is named,” the statement said.
According to The Hill, on Friday, after speaking at a Heritage Foundation event, Carlson revealed he previously worked as a copy editor for the conservative organization’s quarterly review.
“If things go south for Fox News, there’s always a job for you here,” Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts said.
“You’ve saved me before,” Carlson said.
The news of his departure from the network set Twitter abuzz.
My Take: @TuckerCarlson is a great journalist and an amazing person. I will miss him. I wish him all the best in whatever he chooses to do. The future is bright for him. pic.twitter.com/RdV1mfcTkW
— Simon Ateba (@simonateba) April 24, 2023
This replacement for Tucker will not rate as well as he did: "Fox News Tonight will air live at 8 PM/ET starting this evening as an interim show helmed by rotating FOX News personalities until a new host is named."
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) April 24, 2023
Wherever Tucker Carlson goes, America will follow!
Thank you for being one of the greatest and most powerful voices in the conservative movement.
Can’t wait to see what’s next!
— Lauren Boebert (@laurenboebert) April 24, 2023
Tucker Carlson is an abomination, a driver of conspiracy and the worst our nation has to offer. Good riddance. https://t.co/YA7E9uznZT
— The Lincoln Project (@ProjectLincoln) April 24, 2023
.@TuckerCarlson has been engaging in the best journalism on TV uncovering and exposing the truth.
This is a huge loss to @FoxNews. https://t.co/X4xGpTc1qc
— Senator Ron Johnson (@SenRonJohnson) April 24, 2023
The Hill noted in an article about Carlson’s departure that it occurred after Fox News settled a lawsuit with Dominion Voting Systems for $787,500,000. Dominion alleged that the network’s claims of manipulated voting machines in the 2020 election defamed it.