The Factor (1996–2017) User Reviews (30)

For some reason I like it

[Melbster · 5/10 · 4 May 2012]

**SPOILERS**

Let me begin by pointing out that I'm a die-hard liberal. Some of my favorite people to listen to are Maher and Stephen Colbert. Yet, for some reason I like this show. Maybe it's Bill himself. Maybe I've just gotten too used to the Fox standard of Hannity and Glenn Beck that this becomes slightly good in comparison.

There's something about The Factor that makes it worth watching. Maybe it's the fact that, despite is staunch conservative views, Bill actually does appear have a mind of his own. He doesn't just spew off the usual far-right conservative talking points like Hannity, or Beck's insane conspiracy theories (yes I know he's left Fox a while back). He seems to have no problem taking on fellow conservatives on issues that he doesn't agree with them on, like when he defended Ellen DeGeneres against the One Million Moms organization, or the fact that he views himself as an environmentalist. He also tends to invite 'opposites' like Jon Stewart on his show every once in a while, which usually leads to very entertaining, yet respectful conversations.

What I will say is that he often does have a bad habit of talking over his guests (though I think this has gotten better over the years), though he's not nearly as bad as certain other commentators. He also does say some ridiculous things, like his infamous segment about Amsterdam and drug policies.

Bottom line is though, if you need to fill up some sort of a right-wing talk-show quota, this is one I can recommend. It is far better than Michael Savage or Rush Limbaugh. I often hear liberals say that conservatives should watch Real Time to get a different perspective, well then I will say the same to liberals about The O'Reilly Factor.

I dont think I've ever wanted to reach through the screen to throttle someone before.

[Kelly G. · 30 June 2003]

I actually used to watch this program a few years ago, from say, about early 2000 to 2001. And you know, I actually kind of liked it, even though I rarely agreed with what he said, mostly because it was nice seeing normally namby-pamby politicans actually answer a question once in a while.

But as time has gone by the show has changed quite a bit, and the reason why is actually pretty simple: Bill's head has become so overinflated, I'm surprised his neck can support it.

So now that Bill has the ratings, the show has practically become an hour long rant that goes beyond news analysis, and at best has become an endless trip inside his need to make himself feel important, and at worst is like listening to the old man in the diner booth next to you complain about how everything he cant find has been stolen by some punk kid.

Now as much as I want to, I wont get into the whole "conservative" thing in regards to Bill or Fox News channel, even though I really, REALLY want to. Let's face it people, this dude is as whacked out republican as any blowhard talk radio twit. Oh, wait a minute....Bill has a radio show during the day, dosent he? Hmmmm.....

Actually, I'll just keep my comments to his show. Listening to Bill yap and yap and point his fingers at the guests (and at the viewer) just got real old, REAL fast. To call him a TV bully almost sounds too easy, and in someways he's more like a 19 year old who overcompensates in heated conversations by yelling due to a percieved lack of anyone ever listening to him. This is probably the reason why he'll spend segment after segment calling anyone who wont go on his show a "coward." Deep down this guy just cant belive that someone wouldnt go on his top rated show. It's actually kind of cute, really, even though he's seemed to become angrier and angrier over the last year.

There's a story on TakeBacktheMedia.com about how a guest from "Not in Our name" (an anti-Iraq war group comprised of relitives of 9-11 victims) not only had his microphone cut, but was told off air by an enraged Bill that he was going to "----ing destroy" him.

I'm sure that if you are a fan of Bill's, then you are pumping your fist in the air with approval. Id like to think that there are plenty of people like me who are nearing the breaking point in regards to shows like this. But since, according to conservative types, "no one wants to listen to liberals with TV or radio shows," people like me may be in for a long haul.

But I believe that this goes beyond what side of the political fence you lie on. This is about a big bawl-baby who dosen't know when to quit flapping his jaw, and unfortunatly has three cameras recording every word that comes out of his mouth.

And really, is anyone really afraid of the guy? C'mon, he's no different from anyone's dad.

Insulting and dishonest toward his guests and core audience.

[tannersalcido · 1/10 · 18 January 2011]

As a liberal I've tried watching this program to get a perspective on conservative view points as well as my own. I've always been of the opinion that in order to understand your own opinions you should understand the views and ideas of those you disagree with. This is not the show you want to watch if those are your goals. Bill O'Reilly is rude, mean, biased, and a hypocrite. His show attempts to get the point across through propaganda methods and twisting the truth. It is actually an insult to his viewers that he can't get his point across through honest, thoughtful discourse but rather through shouting over his guests, and by using quotes and videos out of context. Honest discourse is not achieved through name calling and intimidation, or by misrepresenting the opinions of those with whom he disagrees. A credible and worthy idea will stand up to even the strongest criticism. That O'Reilly must arrive at his point through bias and trickery shows a lack faith in the ideals he defends and a belief that his audience doesn't have the capacity to come to the same conclusions thoughtfully and rationally.

comical at best

[kevinpatp · 1/10 · 6 June 2009]

to give this show 1 out of ten is a complement, it can be funny but frightening that people hold such opinions. the presenter needs a lesson in ethics and the danger of instilling panic and hate upon the viewer, in years to come people will look at this and regard it alongside the vileness of Nazi propaganda. an objective view is a foreign concept to this presenter. but if you want to have a laugh it may be worth a go but you will leave it with your doubts in man kind confirmed, or a scathing view of this show and its retarded presenter. to summarize this show is laughable its a bear pit for the refuse of public opinion

unfair and lopsided as Fox News itself

[wynonasbigbrownbeaver · 1/10 · 28 February 2010]

On one episode, O'Reilly once stated that "all" war veterans are reaping the benefits they deserve once their service has been complete and that there are "no" homeless veterans in the United States. He wasn't prepared to eat his words, once a horde of homeless military veterans actually stood outside the Fox News building in protest, demanding his presence to prove to him he was wrong. A petition, that was several hundred pages thick, had names of all veterans experiencing little benefits for their time in service.

He once argued with a son of a deceased 9/11 victim, losing his composure in the process in front of live camera feed, that "he has done more for his country" than his guest "has ever done in his entire life!". Mr. O'Reilly, what have you really done for your country? Do you really look out for the troops your news network claims to support? Certainly your 10 million dollar a year contract reaps more than the troops ever acquire in their time of service and they risk their lives and their limbs out on the field.

Stating this, I AM a capitalist Republican from the south and are appreciative of Republican values portrayed on the News Network. But at least have some integrity when it comes to acknowledging the facts. O'Reilly, your methods of a Republican message to society does a disservice to America. You've done nothing for your country and are an embarrassment to me as an American.

This is one "factor" that needs to be factored out.

[Htom_Sirveaux · 1/10 · 3 January 2012]

As a man who likes to think for himself, I don't trust any news agency in its entirety; I do trust some more than others, but there isn't one I trust entirely. Among them, the Faux... sorry, Fox News Network is one I trust the least, and they have totalitarian-minded narcissists like Bill O'Reilly to thank for that.

One thing that Billy Boy likes to pride himself on is being a "crusader for the First Amendment." And what are some of the things he does to show his "support" of it? He rapid-fires questions at his guests (primarily people he disagrees with) without giving them a chance to answer with numerous interruptions. He continually tells his guests to shut up. He cuts the microphones of those he is losing arguments with. He calls it "dangerous" when people post things about him on the Internet that are "completely untrue." But this is the best part: Bill once threatened anyone who called in who he didn't like to receive a visit from Fox security. This is his idea of what freedom of speech is supposed to be? Oh, wait a minute... he's defending HIS freedom of speech, but not that of anyone who disagrees with him. What's that they were saying about "no-spin zone"?

Sorry Bill, but it's easy to disagree with someone who supports politicians who flush our nation down the toilet (though nowadays, that pretty much pertains to all of them on either side of the spectrum), makes ludicrous and unfounded claims against people one doesn't like (yet thinks it's "dangerous" for people on the Internet to say "completely untrue" things about him), comes up with idiocy such as a "war on Christmas," and calls anyone who disagrees with his nonsense "unpatriotic." Speaking of which, I seem to recall a term for ludicrous, unfounded claims... ah yes, it's called LYING. All the while, he calls his opponents "ideologues" as if it were some kind of insult. The guy's living proof that not everyone who gets into Harvard is intelligent.

I'm sure Bill's buddies won't care for this review, calling it very opinionated if trying to put it politely. Well, your buddy Bill is extremely opinionated as well, so deal with it. You can't have it both ways, something your precious Billy Goat doesn't seem to understand. If you're a rational, thinking person - and by that I mean whether you're conservative, liberal, or moderate, as unlike Bill, I'm intelligent enough to know that most people are far more complex than any particular political ideology - you can use "The O'Reilly Factor" for one of two reasons: you need a good laugh or you feel the need to get angry at someone. Either way, you won't be disappointed. In the meantime, if you haven't already, be sure to seek out the video of Bill in his younger days as he throws a hissy fit for his ineptness at reading a teleprompter... it's really quite entertaining.

The Smartest Show On Television

[derektgumin · 9/10 · 8 May 2014]

You don't have to agree with O'Reilly's politics, nor do you have to think he's the most humble man on television; however you cannot question is honesty and unbiased approach toward politics. I'm a registered republican, but I'm a social democrat when it comes to abortion, equal rights, and freedom of expression; aspects of politics that Mr.O'Reilly and I don't quite see eye to eye on all the time. Yet somehow he puts things in perspective and makes sense of it all without being offensive or dishonest with the public.

Many show's like to spin the truth based off of the political values of their own hierarchy, which in turn promotes a bias side of the news to the public. Many MSNBC & CNN watching liberals like to accuse FoxNews of being dishonest and bias, but in reality Fox is the only news station that asks the hard, significant questions- the ones those other stations don't ask because it might hurt the current administration's poll numbers.

The O'Reilly Factor is the foundation that holds FoxNews together providing integrity & and an unbiased intelligent program for people who want get the news straight. Not the diluted, twisted form you get on many other news programs. Let me conclude by saying that if there were more news anchor's like O'Reilly, the United States would be a much more profitable, patriotic, and united country.

P.s. #1 in Prime Time News since 1996 deserves more respect than 3.3 on IMDb. Too many haters out there, not enough love.

Name & Town, Name & Town, Name & Town

[DKosty123 · 5/10 · 31 July 2010]

When you enter a "no spin" zone, you have to expect some air pockets. The air pockets here are in the fact that Bill O'Reilly really polarizes people. He does it on purpose. He is like the reverse of a David Letterman. Where Letterman makes it clear he does not care about anyone or anything & can never be serious, O'Reilly tries to care about others & stands up for them.

He does expose folks for what they are often in interviews. What is interesting is how much he employs x-President Dick Morris. For those of you who haven't read Morris book about the 1990's, you need to realize that Dick Morris was Bill Clinton's right hand. He wrote all of Clinton's speeches & pretty much ran the Clinton Administration from day one for 8 years. Clinton has never denied anything in Morris book about those "good old days".

When Jon Stewart came in for an interview this year, the atmosphere was so electric that even UN-edited versions of the interview are on You Tube.

As far as serious news, sometimes the Factor gets derailed by the amount of it. The factor does create some of it's own news due to needing to stay on top of it's ratings. As long as this formula holds, the ratings here will continue.

Are there ways for the factor to get better? Sure there is, but as long as the ratings are high, changes will be slow in coming. At least this show does not pretend to be something it is not.

Breath of fresh air for cable news

[livin012 · 10/10 · 28 January 2007]

After reading another comment posted about this show I had to laugh. This show is just the type of thing that needs to be aired on cable television because instead of putting a (generally left) spin on various subjects and news items, it covers some of the most outrageous news items going on around the country and each item is analyzed by people who represent conservative and liberal points of view. I've seen just as many liberals as conservatives on this show, and thus labeling O'Reilly a conservative because of his viewpoints on certain matters is premature to say the least. I've seen him be critical of both Republicans & Democrats. He's what one would consider a traditionalist, and since many of his viewpoints are shared by conservatives, people think he's a far-right Republican lapdog and this is simply not the case. When you watch this show you will hear viewpoints from both sides on an issue as well as O'Reilly's personal views. If you don't consider yourself a traditionalist, then you probably won't like what he has to say, but if you're just a liberal then you're not necessarily someone he would disagree with. I highly recommend this show to anyone who wants a fresh take on the news items of the day as it provides interesting if somewhat heated debates on some issues that other news shows and networks wouldn't dare tackle for fear of offending people....

If you choose not to watch it because you think you know who O'Reilly really is then you likely have no clue at all....

Not for everybody!

[Sylviastel · 7/10 · 10 May 2007]

Bill O'Reilly is an acquired taste. His audiences probably have a lot of gray hair if you ask me. But then again, he can be fun to watch and he is definitely fun to spoof on Mad TV and Saturday Night Live. O'Reilly's audiences are probably Republican, blue and white collar, conservative etc. His appeal is that he does tell it like it is even if it offends us liberals and everybody else who doesn't agree with his views and stance on major issues. Then again, he is practicing Catholic. Although, he doesn't practice the Catholic teachings about forgiveness and compassion as much as he should. He should work on it with his show. I don't think the beloved Pope John Paul II would have watched and given his approval to this show because O'Reilly's just angry at the way that the world has changed from his childhood. Of course, it can't be helped. O'Reilly's demeanor is the reason that most people would watch the show in the first place. He does get angry and does argue with his guests. He pulls no punches and doesn't admit when he's wrong so if you agree with him most of the time, you should watch the show and if not watch something else.

I hope it's not good for you

[castoirebenjamin · 1/10 · 4 May 2019]

These shows have high ratings because there aren't any competing stations who air garbage like this. So all the people who like watching garbage know exactly what station to tune in too. Your high ratings does not mirror how our great nations feels, but it does mirror the ugliness left in our great nation.

O'Reilly is a Good Journalist, and I'll Tell You Why...

[camgon · 10/10 · 29 December 2006]

I'm going to give a fair analysis of Mr. O'Reilly without the name calling, as so many people like to do. I'm going to give facts and examples, like so many people like NOT to do...

Bill O'Reilly is one of the most controversial and possibly one of the most hated journalists in this country. It is his expressed goal to expose controversial situations and people who abuse their power (like the Judge in Vermont who sentenced a child rapist to only 60 days in jail!). This is why he is hated so much: he is not afraid to challenge the people who usually get the media cakewalk.

Agreed, O'Reilly leans to the right. You should also note, that almost every study indicates that electronic and print media lean at least slightly to the left. O'Reilly is hated because he is not afraid to challenge the left, which many other news and media organizations do not do (which is also why Fox News is also hated--it is one of the only networks that leans even slightly to the right).

If you actually watch his show, you will know that he challenges the far-right as well as the far-left: e.g. the far-right ultra-religious zealots who parade around soldiers funerals saying "God Hates Fags" (and subsequently give the average Christian a bad name).

To say he only allows conservatives to speak is ridiculous. Again, if you actually watch the program, you will know that he almost always has both sides present to debate. Most of his guests ARE people he opposes. There are few people, if none, who he refuses to invite onto the program. However, many radicals from both sides decline the invitation; most radicals do not have facts or examples to support their view, and they know Mr. O'Reilly will tear them apart for that.

Bill is cocky and is a loudmouth...and he admits it. He is known for "throwing people off his program" and shouting at people he disagrees with. Once again, if you actually watch the show, you will know that there is more to it than meets the eye. He doesn't simply yell when someone brings up an opposing viewpoint. Most of the people he brings on the program DO oppose him, yet most episodes he doesn't fly into rage like many of you have probably seen on the internet. I have yet to see him kick anyone off his show (although that doesn't mean it hasn't happened).

However, he does get angry when one of his guests begins to make accusations or radical viewpoints without evidence to back it up. That's the "spin" he refers to. When a guest makes a ridiculous claim without then presenting any facts or examples, he gets angry. When someone purposefully dodges a question(s), he gets angry.

He is not "in it" for the Bush administration. Once again, if you actually watch his show instead of relying on what others say, you realize he is actually very critical of Bush and the war in Iraq. He has said countless times on his program that Iraq is a mess and the administration is not doing well. Yet, he is able to be critical without the name-calling and fact-less bashing, as many people seem so fond of doing.

O'Reilly is fiercely hated, no doubt about it. He challenges the ones who never get challenged, and pays a high price for it. He makes mistakes, like all journalists; and when he does, the propagandists pounce all over him. His Achille's tendon is his ego and fierce temper, which he pays a high price for as well.

Bill O'Reilly is a good journalist because he is not afraid to do what most journalists wouldn't dream of doing.

And as always, before you seriously consider my comment or anyone else's, watch the show for yourself and decide for yourself.

Love it or hate it, the 'Factor" is one of the most entertaining news shows on television...

[Lady-of-Rohan · 11 December 2005]

"You're about to enter a no-spin zone!": those are Bill O'Reilly's opening words to his very own show The O'Reilly Factor. You'd think with these opening words, the show would be a no nonsense look at world events with a no-spin host seeking justice in an untruthful world. But the end result is one of the most venomous, most entertaining, and plainly biased news shows on television.

O'Reilly is not exactly known as one of the more humble personalities on television and apparently, Bill is well aware of this. This strikingly obvious conservative bias is what helps the show entertaining despite the eye-rolling attempts to convince his audience that he is a "traditionalist". (A traditionalist- how'd ya like that?) Elsewhere, venom spitting and his repeated attempts to tell the guests to "Shut up!" are common and frequent and unfortunately this is one of the reasons why the show is so addictive and so sinfully entertaining.

O'Reilly is also known for some hilarious and at times, frightening quotes. Recently, he described how the United States and Britain "bailed Europe out" during the Cold War. Uh-huh. And before the invasion Iraq, he responded to a soldier mother who was concerned on the number of possible troops deaths that, "{It's} their job! That's what they do!" Compassion at it's finest, Bill!

More recently, The O'Reilly Factor is to many Ground Zero on the supposed "War on Christmas". (Good Lord, how many of these wars are going on?) The show is up to it's neck at times about earth shattering topics such Christmas trees, nativity scenes, and Christmas cards describing how the "liberal secular media" is trying to destroy that special time of year. At least it gives the audience a break from Bill's weird fascination with Jesse Jackson and Howard Stern.

In conclusion, the O'Reilly Factor is quite frankly, a very entertaining show. It's great if you want to be entertained and get some laughs but it's my last choice if you want truthful, non-biased journalism.

I don't agree with some of the stuff he says but...

[josephtheowl · 9/10 · 1 June 2007]

I do find it entertaining.

I like watching the one-sided interviews where some peon is getting pummeled on national television by a guy with decades of experience and preparation.

Things I don't like are when the Factor producers hound someone for a story. That's a bit much. And the shouting contests. And the interrupting. And the perpetuation of celebrity faux-news. But it's part of the show, like trailer-trash fights on "Jerry Springer" or ego-feeding and Hollywood.

Yes, I know the show is conservative, but I watch a bit of Stephen Colbert, Jon Stewart, Glenn Beck, and Bill Maher's shows too. It's a good idea to listen to different opinions, even if (and especially because) you don't agree with them. Would anyone really WANT to watch a show where they smiled and nodded with every single thing the host had to say? It would be boring and pointless, not to mention preaching to the choir.

The fact that so many people hate O'Reilly is good for ratings, and not only that, it engages people and it helps people choose a side. And let's be honest, guys like O'Reilly, Maher, Beck, even Colbert are just different characters playing the same game, and it reminds me of pro-wrestling (except nobody takes those guys too seriously). It wouldn't be any fun if there were only 1 kind of personality on TV "bloviating", as Bill likes to say, about the news.

Decent program

[DashTheGreat · 6/10 · 20 August 2007]

Despite your political leanings (which will affect how you much you like this show) one thing is certain: O'Reilly needs to go back to interviewing 101. His program is almost unwatchable at times for this very reason. This is not to say that he doesn't respect anyone, or is a loud mouth (sometimes far from such), but Bill does have a tendency to over-shout his guests. We know Bill, you think you're right. One problem I have with Bill, who I do share some similar views with, is that he doesn't give the opposition time to voice their opinion. I call it, the "pinhead" syndrome.

Another factor (no pun intended) of this show that is annoying is when Bill gives someone a "final word," but never actually lets them get the final say. There has not been one time I have seen where O'Reilly didn't interrupt his guests during their "final words" with some retort, or shouting over them so that they can't talk. Very bad journalism.

I honestly can't say that the show is that bad. It is entirely bearable to watch, even if you disagree. Bill can be arrogant at times and disrespectful, but that's his style. I guess that guests have no right to complain, because they know what they're getting into. One thing is for sure: Bill is the truthinator. Try to lie in the No-Spin zone, and he'll cut your tongue off.

Why O'Reilly's Show Is So Successful

[ccthemovieman-1 · 8/10 · 2 March 2008]

Despite the fact that he's rude and obnoxious, he has the best cable news/ commentary show on television.....and knows it. Nobody is even close to him, frankly, and the ratings verify that. Why is the O'Reilly Factor so successful? Several reasons.

He's intense, somewhat unpredictable, usually has a good mix of culture and politics as the night's subjects, puts up with none of the usual "spin" you hear on other programs, keeps things rolling with a number of segments and, if something works he stays with it.

Although favoring Conservative views over Liberal, he will go either way on certain issues, as "60 Minutes" pointed out earlier in 2007 on its program. He won't allow boring guests, often cutting them off if they begin to "bloviate." His biggest fault, to me, is his constant interrupting. Sometimes I get impatient with that and turn the program, simply for that reason. Yet, if he isn't hosting the show, I usually am not interested. Nobody runs this program better than O'Reilly Everyone else seems dull compared to him. What I appreciate is his attention to the culture and how entertaining he makes the program.

Like a number of other talk show hosts, including sports guys, if you refuse to come on his show, he really tees off on you, considering you a coward for not confronting him. His favorite guests, other than guys who make him laugh like Dennis Miller, are pretty women. Most of the women who are regular contributors to the show have one thing in common: they all have beauty and brains. Examples include Laurie Dhue, Megyn Kelly, Lis Wiehl, Mary Katharine Hamm and Michelle Malkin (formerly a guest host). They all contribute, literally, to the look of this show each week. You don't see many, if any, plain or ugly women on this show. I doubt that is an accident. I am not complaining. As a guy, it's tough to me to ignore Kelly or Dhue, in particular.

O'Reilly also balances the "heavy" material with the light, having weekly fun segments of pop quiz contests and having a former TV icon as a guest each week - people many of us grew up watching - discussing their old shows.

O'Reilly can absolutely infuriate you, but he's fearless, outspoken, and more open to both sides than his critics will leave to you believe. This is one of the very few people who state he doesn't belong to any particular political party, and I believe him.

I find it alarming!

[czarntnme · 10/10 · 17 August 2007]

I noticed that Keith Olbermann got an 8.9% rating and O'Reilly got 2%.O'Reilly doesn't lie through his teeth like Olbermann and he is doing some good for kids out there with pushing Jessica's Law, is Olbermann doing anything good for our country? No, but he sure is good at bashing our country. You all must be so proud of Olbermann's accomplishments (none)! So this group of "voters" are ridiculous! Remember, O'Reilly is the #1 Cable News show in America! He didn't get there for not being #1. Stop thinking its OK to go around bashing your country! You fools! Your obviously not very bright, huh? This is the best country in the world and obviously you have had everything handed to you, that you don't even realize how lucky you are to live here! Why don't you move out of this country, honestly, we don't need you complaining all the time. Bunch of whiners. Spoiled brats, you don't even know how good you have it here so leave, or are you to scared you may not have it so good out there?

The Second Page was Better

[senhortesudo · 22 December 2005]

I looked at the comments. On the first page all I saw were messages from individuals whining about how "mean" O'Reilly is. Then on the second page comments were made by people who actually watch the show with some regularity.

One man complained that "Bill has made enemies of people and organization such as Michael Moore, Al Franken and the New York Times". This indicates that he must be doing something right (especially in the case of Moore). When has the eminent documentary producer ever offered a viable solution for all of the problems and injustices that he complains about? Complaining without offering solutions is whining. O'Reilly tells it like it is. Not as some people want to hear it.

Got to admit, it was entertaining with the debates/arguments

[SPZMaxinema · 7/10 · 2 February 2022]

While I don't agree with many of Bill's positions on mostly anything, he is very articulate with presenting his points and how he talks. Plus the debates and arguments that he would get into with his guests were very very entertaining. Makes me tempted to look up some old clips right now!!

Seeking the truth in a world of spin

[Verbal-17 · 10/10 · 16 April 2004]

I know that a lot of people don't like this show, and its host has been labeled as arrogant, mean, and self-centered, among other things (it has been hilariously spoofed on Mad TV and The Daily Show, among others). However, as a loyal viewer for the last few years, I'd venture a guess that a lot of the people who are bashing it have never seen it, or have just briefly glanced at it in passing. If they took the time to sit down and actually watch it, they'd realize why it consistently gets better ratings than any other cable news show out there- it's an intelligent, witty analysis (not report) of the daily news, and host Bill O'Reilly no-nonsense approach is refreshing and honest.

I think there are a lot of misconceptions about this show that are simply not true. One misconception is that O'Reilly himself is a harsh, arrogant host who rudely interrupts his guests and acts like he's always right. The reality is, Bill is not mean, he just has no patience for BS, or "spin" as he calls it. When a guest tries to dodge one of Bill's questions by changing the subject, distorting the facts, or just plain lying, Bill refuses to let that continue. Yes, interrupting is rude, but so is lying, and if Bill allowed guests to BS all day (as most talk-show hosts do), he would be cheapening his show's integrity and doing a disservice to his viewers. As long as his guests are straight with him, he treats them with respect and courtesy.

Example: shortly after 9/11, he had poet Amiri Baraka on the show; Baraka, an outspoken anti-semite, blamed Jews for the attacks in a ridiculous diatribe. Bill (rightfully) told Baraka that his opinion was wrong-headed and unsubstantiated, but he never interrupted him, raised his voice, or told him to shut up (in my three years of watching the show, I can only recall hearing Bill say "shut up" a couple of times, and the people he told it to definitely had it coming).

As for the charge that he is "always right," at least once a week I see a guest change Bill's mind on something, usually by offering a point of view that makes him admit that "I hadn't thought of that."

Just to be clear, I'm not trying to convert anybody into a fan here. I'm simply trying to point out that many of the labels this show has received are unfair and simply untrue. I've never read Bill's books and I certainly don't agree with all of the things he says (who could?), but what keeps me watching is his straightforward demeanor and no-nonsense attitude. Like him or not, this man seeks the truth and has no room for spin and in the modern-day American media that makes him truly unparalleled.

Credible News Show

[PWNYCNY · 9/10 · 3 August 2006]

Critiqing a news commentator is like trying to critique an editorial page editor. Everyone has opinions and on the "O'Reilly Factor" opinions are flying all over the place. Mr. O'Reilly has his opinions and his guests theirs. He confronts his guests and elicits responses. What makes this formula effective is that Mr. O'Reilly pulls no punches and gives his guests ample opportunity to respond, leading to interesting and revealing exchanges of opinions on a wide variety of controversial topics. Also. Bill O'Reilly doesn't duck anyone, and on every show presents his views and invites comment. This format gives "The Factor" credibility and is therefore a news program that should be watched.

The most neutral journalist on TV

[Jon Usher · 10/10 · 26 March 2004]

I couldnt stand Bill O'Reilly at first, but anyone who has watched this guy perform for several shows will realize that he is the most non-biased, neutral journalist out there. Every time I hear people slur "he doesn't let anyone talk" or "he's too arrogant" or whatever, drives me nuts. If you listen to him for several segments or multiple shows, you will see that he is as middle-of-the-road as anyone. He says it the way it is, and lets you decide. So, watch a couple of "Factors" and you'll understand what I'm talking about. Please everyone, report the news as it is from a neutral standpoint, and let the PEOPLE decide.

Biased/Unbiased If you're a liberal,just don't watch it!!

[artdecokc · 10/10 · 19 May 2006]

A wonderful show that is unbiased,unlike the crap from CNN.Bill O'Reilly is to the point.Mr O'Reilly gives liberals every chance in the world to try and get their muddled point across,but they always fail.The left gets equal time here,but they don't make good use of it.The strange part of the show is when you see Greta Van Scarface interacting with Bill and occasionally you can see the look on his face when she asks a stupid and inane,typically liberal question.I'd just smile because it makes him look even more intelligent.If it weren't for this network,I wouldn't even watch the news.The liberally biased media has screwed up the networks,not to mention everything else they touch.Bill O'Reilly makes the news watchable,again.And the beautiful women on the daytime news make Fox News Channel the best news out there.

The best news program on television. Bill O' Reilly your head and shoulders above the rest!

[blanbrn · 30 March 2006]

The Fox News Channel made a wise choice in 1996 when they hired Mr. O'Reilly for his own news program. Bill O'Reilly had been a veteran news reporter for over twenty years and even had hosted the syndicated "Inside Edition", so he had paid his way so to speak. Well to be honest I'm glad I watch this program, because Bill is true to the point, and honest his program is highly entertaining. O'Reilly covers topics and issues that other news people on CBS, NBC, and ABC will not even mention like the current problems the United States has with illegal immigration about what to do or not to do he even has the guts to ask the politicians the tough questions. Bill covers the culture wars going on, he even fights hard for the rights of victims like the sexually abused, by profiling the cases to get the people's attention, by starting awareness to pressure politicians to pass laws in states for protection to take the power away from soft judges. The most updated news and interviews of information on terrorism, politics, and everything is always covered on "The O'Reilly Factor". I like the way that Bill stands up against bad and immoral organizations like the ACLU, plus Bill will speak his mind to politicians and even against the liberal powers of Hollywood. Oh many people say Bill is a hero for the right-wing and Republican party, I disagree he's fair and balanced just like the rest of Fox News, because I've seen him challenge views of republicans and conservatives just as well. Liberals just don't like Bill because of the truths he reports about the way many not all of them are trying to change the culture of America and make it so untraditional. O'Reilly even stood up for traditional values like Christmas!! way to go Bill. Even I will say Bill can explode sometimes the way he told a young man to shut up on air, just because the boy disagreed with his views about the causes and need for the Iraq war, when the boy had lost a father on 911. I guess everyone blows up like that, but Bill is just so passionate. I like the way O'Reilly exposes the liars, cheats, cons, and charlatans he's doing such a great job even the little people can relate to him for taking on the big guy. To me he may lean right or republican but so what he still gives everyone the same balance except for the one time I mentioned above, I think he's straight down the middle. Watch this program when you can you will feel entertained and informed when you leave the no-spin zone! Just to mention also please check out this book he wrote "Who's Looking Out For You" a great piece of work, you will enjoy reading it you'll probably be like me and read it about five times, it's a must read and just remember that family is the most important thing in your life.

Different from Other Shows on Fox

[Williamglennwigginton · 9/10 · 6 August 2016]

I consider myself a staunch conservative. That being said, I don't particularly care for Fox. Every segment will report on the day-to-day news. O'Reilly is no different; however, The O'Reilly Factor doesn't have the same bias that EVERY other segment does. O'Reilly will frequently challenge Republican values. He tells it how it is, which is very refreshing looking at other news media. By far the only good show on Fox. He has very strong opinions on matters like Black Lives Matter, abortion, and general global politics. He also takes many hyper-liberal guests, such as John Stewart. It's a very smart show, I'd recommend it to Democrats and Republicans alike.