Veteran radio host Craig Carton is reportedly returning to WFAN in early 2026 to host the station’s lucrative afternoon-drive slot.
After a stint on television and podcasting, Craig Carton is poised to return to WFAN next month for what would be his third tenure at the station.
Media reports indicate he will take over the afternoon-drive show, a key daypart in New York sports radio.
The Craig Carton Show, 11am-12pm ET 📺 @CraigCartonShow, @TyJohnsonNews, @craigcartonlivehttps://t.co/OQV1U9Mdkz
— SportsGrid (@SportsGrid) December 2, 2025
Carton previously helmed morning-drive radio with a partner and later hosted afternoon drive alongside another co-host.
His return is being framed as a deliberate move by WFAN to inject renewed energy, recapture lost ratings, and reassert its dominance in a crowded New York media landscape.
Station lineup braces for cascade of moves
Carton’s return triggers a significant reshuffling. The current afternoon hosts, Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber, are expected to move into a midday slot from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Meanwhile, overnight host Chris McMonigle is reportedly the leading candidate to co-host with Carton.
Big shakeup coming to @WFAN660 (@AndrewMarchand):
Craig Carton (@craigcartonlive) is returning to take over the afternoon drive starting next year. Overnight host @CMacWFAN is considered the leading candidate to be Carton’s co-host.@EvanandTikiWFAN will shift from afternoons…
— uSTADIUM (@uSTADIUM) December 2, 2025
The existing midday show, hosted by Brandon Tierney and Sal Licata, is expected to be discontinued under the new structure.
For WFAN, this retooling represents a big bet on nostalgia, star power, and Carton’s ability to draw an audience, even after off-air controversies and a previous shift to television.
What this comeback could mean for Carton and WFAN
For Carton, this marks a return to the medium where he built his career and reputation, one that carried him through ups and downs and a high-profile comeback following legal troubles.
A successful return could solidify his legacy as one of sports radio’s survivors, a figure who re-built his brand and remains relevant.
SHEDEUR SANDERS HAS PROVEN HE’S NOT YET AN NFL QUARTERBACK
“Are we finally ready to admit maybe the Browns & Stefanski knew what they were doing… you cannot tell me after 10 quarters of football he is a quality NFL QB, because he’s NOT!” – @craigcartonlive #NFL #Browns pic.twitter.com/ZMiaf55E2r
— The Craig Carton Show (@CraigCartonShow) December 1, 2025
For WFAN, the decision represents both opportunity and risk: if Carton recaptures listeners, the station could rejuvenate ratings and advertising momentum.
But re-integrating a larger-than-life personality demands balance; the station will need to manage expectations, chemistry with co-hosts, and potential backlash from those who opposed his past controversies.
Beyond that, the real test will be whether Carton can deliver fresh, dynamic content, not just nostalgia.
In a media environment saturated by streaming, podcasts, social media, and fragmentation, success will require more than a familiar voice.
