Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Megyn Kelly

Discover the career path of Megyn Kelly, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Megyn Kelly is an American journalist, attorney, political commentator, and media personality. She currently hosts "The Megyn Kelly Show" on Sirius XM and YouTube. She rose to prominence at Fox News from 2004 to 2017, hosting programs like "America Live" and "The Kelly File." Following her time at Fox, she anchored "Megyn Kelly Today" at NBC News from 2017 to 2018. Kelly was recognized as one of TIME Magazine's 100 most influential people in 2014.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

1996: Co-wrote "The Conflicting Roles of Lawyer as Director"

In the fall of 1996, Megyn Kelly co-wrote an article titled "The Conflicting Roles of Lawyer as Director" for the American Bar Association's journal, Litigation.

2003: Hired by WJLA-TV

In 2003, Megyn Kelly was hired by the ABC affiliate WJLA-TV in Washington, D.C., as a general assignment reporter.

2004: Joined Fox News

In 2004, Megyn Kelly applied for a job at Fox News, contributed legal segments for Special Report with Brit Hume, and hosted her own legal segment, Kelly's Court, during Weekend Live.

2004: Covered 2004 Presidential Election

In 2004, Megyn Kelly, as a general assignment reporter for WJLA-TV, covered the 2004 presidential election.

February 1, 2010: Hosted America Live

On February 1, 2010, Megyn Kelly began hosting her own two-hour afternoon show, America Live, on Fox News.

December 2010: Hosted New Year's Eve Special

In December 2010, Megyn Kelly hosted a New Year's Eve special with Bill Hemmer on Fox News.

2010: Hosted America Live at Fox News

From 2010 to 2013, Megyn Kelly hosted America Live on Fox News and co-anchored America's Newsroom with Bill Hemmer.

2012: Covered 2012 United States presidential election

In 2012, Megyn Kelly received media attention for her coverage of the results of the United States presidential election, notably questioning Karl Rove's objection to Fox News' projection of Obama winning Ohio.

July 2013: Left America Live and Took Maternity Leave

In July 2013, Megyn Kelly left America Live and took maternity leave from Fox News.

2013: Hosted The Kelly File

From 2013 to 2017, Megyn Kelly hosted her own show, The Kelly File, on Fox News, which focused on breaking news and political events.

June 2015: Interviewed Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar

In June 2015, Megyn Kelly interviewed Jim Bob Duggar and Michelle Duggar of 19 Kids and Counting regarding their son Josh Duggar's alleged molestation.

August 6, 2015: Asked Trump Temperament Question

On August 6, 2015, during a Republican Party presidential debate, Megyn Kelly asked Donald Trump whether a man of his temperament ought to be elected president, leading to criticism from Trump and widespread media reaction.

2015: Moderated the first Republican Party presidential debate

In 2015, Megyn Kelly moderated the first Republican Party presidential debate while at Fox News. This debate was a significant moment in her career and garnered considerable attention.

February 2016: Signed deal for autobiography

In February 2016, Megyn Kelly signed an agreement with HarperCollins to write an autobiography scheduled for release later that year, in a deal worth more than $10 million.

March 2016: Announced Prime Time Special

In March 2016, it was announced that Megyn Kelly would host a one-hour prime time special on the Fox network, interviewing celebrities from various fields.

May 2016: Aired Prime Time Special

In May 2016, Megyn Kelly's one-hour prime time special aired on Fox, acquiring 4.8 million viewers and placing third in the ratings.

September 2016: Producing 'Embeds'

In September 2016, it was reported that Megyn Kelly would be collaborating with Michael De Luca to produce Embeds, a scripted comedy about reporters covering politics, to be aired on a streaming service.

November 15, 2016: Released autobiography "Settle for More"

On November 15, 2016, Megyn Kelly's autobiography, titled "Settle for More," was released. This book details her life and career experiences.

2016: Moderated Presidential Primary Debates

In 2016 and 2024, Megyn Kelly moderated several presidential primary debates.

2016: Considering Moving to Other News Networks

In late 2016, with her Fox contract in its final months, Megyn Kelly was rumored to be actively considering moving to other news networks.

January 6, 2017: Final Episode of The Kelly File

On January 6, 2017, Megyn Kelly's last episode of The Kelly File aired on Fox News.

January 2017: Joined NBC News

In January 2017, Megyn Kelly left Fox News and joined NBC News to host Megyn Kelly Today.

January 2017: Announced Move to NBC News

In January 2017, it was announced that Megyn Kelly would leave Fox News for a "triple role" at NBC News, including roles as a daytime talk show host, a Sunday-night newsmagazine host, and a correspondent.

June 2, 2017: Interviewed Vladimir Putin

On June 2, 2017, Megyn Kelly interviewed Russian president Vladimir Putin at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

June 4, 2017: NBC's Sunday Night with Megyn Kelly Premiere

On June 4, 2017, Megyn Kelly's one-on-one interview with Vladimir Putin aired as the premiere episode of NBC's Sunday Night with Megyn Kelly.

July 2017: Non-compete Clause with Fox Expires

In January 2017 it was reported that Megyn Kelly remained under a non-compete clause with Fox until July 2017.

September 2017: Megyn Kelly Today Premiered

In September 2017, Megyn Kelly's daytime talk show, Megyn Kelly Today, premiered on NBC.

2017: Reported Stories for Dateline NBC

In 2017, Megyn Kelly joined Dateline NBC and reported stories for the show.

2017: Left Fox News

In 2017, Megyn Kelly left Fox News after working there since 2004.

October 26, 2018: NBC Canceled Megyn Kelly Today

On October 26, 2018, NBC canceled Megyn Kelly Today following the blackface controversy.

2018: Intended Return of 'Sunday Night with Megyn Kelly' Cancelled

After an initial run of eight episodes in the summer of 2017, NBC planned to bring back Megyn Kelly's newsmagazine show Sunday Night with Megyn Kelly for summer 2018, but this return never materialized.

2018: Joined NBC News

In 2018, Megyn Kelly worked at NBC News where she anchored Megyn Kelly Today.

January 11, 2019: Employment Terminated by NBC

On January 11, 2019, Megyn Kelly's employment with NBC was terminated, and she was paid the $30 million due for the remainder of her contract.

January 2019: Left NBC News

In January 2019, Megyn Kelly left NBC and transitioned to independent media with her podcast and online platforms.

September 10, 2020: Launched Devil May Care Media

On September 10, 2020, Megyn Kelly announced the launch of Devil May Care Media, her media production company, along with a podcast, The Megyn Kelly Show.

September 28, 2020: The Megyn Kelly Show Premiered

On September 28, 2020, the first episode of The Megyn Kelly Show podcast premiered.

July 6, 2021: The Megyn Kelly Show Moved to Sirius XM

On July 6, 2021, it was announced that The Megyn Kelly Show podcast would move to Sirius XM on September 7, 2021.

September 7, 2021: The Megyn Kelly Show Broadcast on Sirius XM

On September 7, 2021, The Megyn Kelly Show began broadcasting weekdays on Sirius XM's Triumph channel.

July 2023: YouTube Channel Viewership Surpassed Major News Outlets

In July 2023, The Megyn Kelly Show’s YouTube channel attracted 116.8 million views, surpassing the viewership of major news outlets during the same period, including NBC News and CBS News.

November 30, 2023: Revealed role in Daily Wire animated comedy

On November 30, 2023, Megyn Kelly revealed on her show that she was set to star in Mr. Birchum, a new Daily Wire adult animated comedy series which debuted in early 2024.

December 6, 2023: Co-hosted Republican primary debate on NewsNation

On December 6, 2023, Megyn Kelly co-hosted the fourth Republican primary debate on NewsNation with Elizabeth Vargas and Eliana Johnson. This marked her return to moderating a presidential debate since 2015.

2024: Moderated Presidential Primary Debates

In 2016 and 2024, Megyn Kelly moderated several presidential primary debates.

2024: Mr. Birchum debut

In early 2024, Megyn Kelly starred in Mr. Birchum, a new Daily Wire adult animated comedy series which debuted.

January 2025: YouTube Channel Subscribers

As of January 2025, Kelly’s YouTube channel alone has over 3.2 million subscribers, and it has become one of the top ten podcasts in the U.S.

February 17, 2025: Announced launch of second podcast

On February 17, 2025, Megyn Kelly announced the launch of a second podcast, AM Update with Megyn Kelly, set to premiere on February 19. The podcast will summarize major headlines.