Overview and Summary
Hannity and Colmes was a debate-style cable news program that paired Sean Hannity with liberal commentator Alan Colmes from 1996 to 2009. The show’s format centered on political disagreement and dialogue rather than consensus, and its name explicitly linked the two cohosts. In 2009, the program was restructured into Hannity alone, and Alan Colmes moved to other hosting and commentary roles before his death in 2017. This article explains what happened to Colmes, why the show changed, and how his career evolved afterward in a factual, evergreen context.
Structure and Format of Hannity and Colmes
Co-Host Debates, Not a Partnership
The show was conceived by Fox News as a debate program in which Hannity and Colmes would represent distinct perspectives on issues of the day. It was never framed as a collaborative duo in the sense of shared conclusions, but as a clash of viewpoints intended to model political discourse for cable news audiences.
On-Air Balance and Representation
While the show leaned conservative in overall booking and editorial culture at Fox News, Colmes was brought on specifically to provide a consistent liberal counterpoint. Producers selected guests and topics to ensure a visible contrast in perspectives, even when the broader network’s prime-time lineup shifted further right in later years.
Transition to Single-Host Format
In 2009, Fox News announced that Hannity and Colmes would end its run as a co-hosted program and would be replaced by a solo Sean Hannity show. Colmes retained a role at Fox News, including occasional commentary and fill-in hosting, but the daily, head-to-head debate format of Hannity and Colmes did not continue.
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| July 1996 | Premiere of Hannity and Colmes | Established a long-running debate template on cable news |
| 2003–2008 | Peak viewership and cultural prominence | Became a defining prime-time debate program |
| January 2009 | Format change to Hannity (single host) | Marked the end of daily co-hosted debates |
| 2009–2017 | Colmes’ post-show roles and public presence | Shift to commentary, guest hosting, memoir, and advocacy |
| February 2017 | Alan Colmes dies at age 67 | End of his on-air presence and legacy |
Alan Colmes’ Career After Hannity and Colmes
Fox News and Fill-In Hosting
After the transition, Colmes remained with Fox News as a contributor and appeared as a fill-in host for various programs. He participated in panel discussions, provided commentary, and engaged in political analysis, though not in the same daily prime-time debate capacity that defined Hannity and Colmes.
Radio and Public Appearances
Colmes also hosted a radio show and made public speaking appearances, reflecting on his experiences and offering political insights. These activities allowed him to maintain a public profile outside the specific structure of the Hannity and Colmes format.
Memoir and Advocacy
In 2010, Colmes published a memoir that discussed his career, his work on the show, and his political journey. He remained active in civic and charitable endeavors, particularly focusing on issues such as veterans’ advocacy and faith-based community work.
Why the Show Changed and What It Meant for Colmes
Ratings, Strategy, and Brand Direction
Like many cable news programs, Hannity and Colmes was subject to shifting strategy at Fox News. Leadership changes, lineup adjustments, and evolving audience preferences influenced decisions about format. The move to a single-host show aligned with a broader trend toward more opinion-driven, host-centric programming at the network.
Colmes’ Role and Legacy on the Program
Although the show’s high-profile pairing was central to its identity, Colmes’ function was to press arguments and hold positions, not to agree with his cohost. After the show ended, his public persona continued to reflect that role, even as he stepped away from the daily intensity of prime-time debate television.
Common Misunderstandings, Clarified
- Myth: Colmes was simply fired and disappeared. Clarification: He transitioned to other hosting, commentary, and advocacy roles at Fox News and beyond, remaining visible in media for years.
- Myth: Hannity and Colmes was cancelled due to low ratings alone. Clarification: While ratings were one factor, the change reflected broader programming strategy rather than a single performance metric.
- Myth: Colmes and Hannity were never friends off camera. Clarification: Professional respect and personal rapport can coexist with sharp on-air disagreement; Colmes and Hannity maintained mutual acknowledgment of each other’s professionalism.
Comparison to Other Cable News Pair Formats
| Program | Debate Format | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| Hannity and Colmes | Head-to-head liberal and conservative perspectives | Ended 2009; legacy as pioneering debate show |
| The McLaughlin Group | Multiple panelists with rotating debaters | Reduced frequency; intermittent revivals |
| Crossfire (revival) | Liberal versus conservative debaters | Brief return; later discontinued |
Key Takeaways
- Hannity and Colmes ended as a co-hosted program in 2009 and was replaced by a solo Sean Hannity show.
- Alan Colmes continued working at Fox News in reduced on-air roles, including fill-in hosting and commentary.
- The show’s format was a deliberate debate structure rather than a partnership with shared conclusions.
- Colmes remained publicly active through radio, speaking engagements, memoir writing, and advocacy until his death in 2017.
- Programming changes reflected network strategy more than any single host-driven cancellation.
Context and Sources
Information in this article is drawn from network announcements, network program histories, memoir details, and reputable media accounts of the show’s evolution. Specific dates and factual milestones are referenced to support transparency about what happened to Alan Colmes after the original program ended.
Bottom Line
Alan Colmes did not vanish after Hannity and Colmes ended; he continued working in media and public life in new capacities. The show’s conclusion reflected network programming decisions rather than a personal exit, and Colmes remained a recognizable voice in political commentary until his death.
FAQ
Reader questions
Did Alan Colmes get fired from Hannity and Colmes?
No. The show was restructured into a single-host format, and Colmes transitioned to other roles at Fox News rather than being terminated.
What did Alan Colmes do after Hannity and Colmes ended?
He worked as a Fox News contributor and fill-in host, hosted a radio show, engaged in public speaking, and wrote a memoir.
Why did Hannity and Colmes change formats in 2009?
The change was part of a broader shift in Fox News prime-time strategy toward solo-host commentary shows, though the precise mix of factors included ratings, scheduling, and brand positioning.
Were Colmes and Hannity friends outside of work?
They maintained professional respect and a cordial personal rapport, even while sharply disagreeing on air.
Is there a current revival or return of Hannity and Colmes?
No. The co-hosted debate program has not returned, and both hosts moved on to other projects, with Colmes passing away in 2017.