Billy Bush, a decade removed from his high-profile dismissal from NBC's "Today" show, is set to join Fox News Media as a contributor. The 54-year-old will provide cultural analysis across the network's programming.
Bush's first appearance is scheduled for "Jesse Watters Primetime" on Tuesday evening. "I'm excited to join Fox News Media and its loyal audience to share my perspective on the people, ideas, and moments shaping today's culture…. as well as the ones trying to undo it!" Bush stated.
His hiring has been interpreted by Variety as a potential indicator of the outlet's increased willingness to delve deeper into celebrity and popular culture.
Bush's career in entertainment news included a lengthy tenure with "Access Hollywood" before he moved to NBC's "Today" in August 2016. His time on the show's third hour was brief, however.
In October 2016, a recording emerged of a 2005 conversation between Bush and Donald Trump, in which Trump made lewd remarks about women. Bush appeared to react with laughter to Trump's comments on the hot mic audio, which was obtained by The Washington Post.
Following the incident, Bush was quickly dismissed from "Today." Then-host Matt Lauer announced Bush's departure, stating, "NBC News announced last night that Billy Bush would be leaving the Today show effective immediately, noting that he was a valued colleague and longtime member of the broader NBC family." Lauer concluded by wishing Bush "the very best."
At the time, Bush expressed gratitude for the conversations he had with his daughters and the support from family, friends, and colleagues, adding, "I look forward to what lies ahead."
After his dismissal, Bush was unemployed for three years before he began anchoring the syndicated series "Extra" from 2019 to 2025. He also launched "Hot Mics With Billy Bush," a digital show that covers sports, politics, entertainment, tech, and pop culture with a focus on candid commentary.
Bush has covered numerous significant events throughout his career, including the Golden Globe Awards, Grammy Awards, and Academy Awards. He also covered the Olympics for NBC from 2004 to 2016 and reported on the royal wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton for NBC News in 2011.
"Jesse Watters Primetime" airs at 8 p.m. ET.