Fox News Unveils New Roundtable Show: ‘The Girls’

Former ESPN personality Samantha Ponder is returning to the media spotlight as part of a new Fox News Media program. Ponder, best known for hosting ESPN’s “Sunday NFL Countdown,” is scheduled to appear on the premiere episode of Fox News Media’s new podcast, “The Girls.”

The all-female roundtable show is set to debut Oct. 1 and will feature a changing lineup of Fox News personalities, contributors and outside guests. For the first episode, Ponder will appear alongside Rachel Campos-Duffy, Harris Faulkner and “Gutfeld!” panelist Kat Timpf.

Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo aide Melissa DeRosa is also expected to participate after recently joining Fox News as a contributor. The appearance marks one of Ponder’s more notable media roles since her departure from ESPN in 2024.

During her years at ESPN, Ponder became a familiar face to football audiences and eventually took over as host of the network’s Sunday morning NFL pregame program.

Her move into Fox News programming represents a shift away from traditional sports broadcasting and into a broader conversational format.

📸 See the Photos that Have Liberals Furious with Sydney Sweeney ➔

Fox News said “The Girls” will not depend on a fixed cast each week.

Instead, future episodes are expected to feature different combinations of hosts and guests discussing news, culture and other current topics.

New episodes are scheduled to be released every Thursday across YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Fox News Digital.

The show arrives as Fox News Media continues investing heavily in digital programming and podcasts outside of its traditional cable television operation.

Its expanding podcast lineup already includes programs such as “Hang Out with Sean Hannity,” “Ruthless,” “Will Cain Country,” “Planet Tyrus” and “The Riley Gaines Show.”

Fox News has also found success with television formats built around rotating discussions, including “Outnumbered,” which traditionally features four female panelists alongside a male guest.

Porter Berry, president of Fox News Digital and New Media, said the new podcast is intended to complement the company’s growing collection of digital programs.

“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,” Berry said.

Megan Albano, executive vice president of morning programming and program development, said the network wants the program to provide a candid environment for its participants.

“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,” Albano said.

For Ponder, the launch provides a new platform following a long career centered largely on sports broadcasting and puts her alongside several prominent Fox News personalities.

“The Girls” is scheduled to premiere Oct. 1, with additional episodes planned for release each Thursday.