Politics
Ex-ESPN Star Resurfaces At Fox News For New Show
Former ESPN star Samantha Ponder is making her return to the media world with a new show at Fox News.
Ponder, who previously hosted ESPN’s “NFL Sunday Countdown,” will appear on the debut episode of Fox News Media’s new all-female roundtable podcast, “The Girls.”
The show will feature a rotating lineup of women from across Fox News Media and beyond, with the first episode set to debut Oct. 1.
Ponder will be joined by “Fox & Friends Weekend” host Rachel Campos-Duffy, Harris Faulkner and “Gutfeld!” panelist Kat Timpf.
Melissa DeRosa, the former top aide to ex-New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, will also appear after joining Fox News as a contributor.
Ponder’s appearance marks a notable return to the spotlight after she left ESPN in 2024.
FOX News Podcasts will bring together unique female voices and experiences across news, politics, sports, comedy and culture for a new original podcast, “the Girls,” New Media President Porter Berry and EVP Megan Albano announced on Monday.
“the Girls” will debut on Thursday,… pic.twitter.com/JN2R4uJL6t
— Fox News Flash (@FoxNews_Flash) September 28, 2026
She had become one of the sports network’s most recognizable NFL personalities during her time hosting “Sunday NFL Countdown.”
Fox News said future episodes of “The Girls” will feature different combinations of hosts and guests rather than relying on one permanent panel.
New episodes will be released every Thursday on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Fox News Digital.
The launch comes as Fox News continues expanding its podcast and digital programming lineup beyond traditional cable television.
RELATED: Fox News Taps Fan Favorite As Maria Bartiromo’s Interim Replacement
The company’s growing slate already includes “Hang Out with Sean Hannity,” “Ruthless,” “Will Cain Country,” “Planet Tyrus” and “The Riley Gaines Show.”
Fox News has also built several successful television programs around its female personalities, including “Outnumbered,” which features four female hosts alongside a rotating male guest.
Porter Berry, president of Fox News Digital and New Media, said the new show fits into the network’s broader push into digital programming.
“The Girls is a natural addition to our growing podcast portfolio, and we’re thrilled to continue expanding our slate of distinctive shows that complement our existing lineup while creating new opportunities for our audience to engage with our content,” says Porter Berry, the president of Fox News digital and new media.
Megan Albano, executive vice president of morning programming and program development, said the network is aiming for a more candid format.
“We’re excited to deliver a no-holds-barred format that captures the authenticity and perspectives of the many dynamic women of Fox News Media and beyond,” added Megan Albano, executive VP of morning programming & program development.
For Ponder, the new show opens another chapter after her departure from ESPN and puts her alongside several of Fox News‘ most prominent personalities.
“The Girls” premieres Oct. 1, with new episodes scheduled to drop every Thursday.
