Fox News host's mom calls into show to scold him, warns against 'conspiracy rabbit holes'

(TND) — Fox News host Jesse Watters got some on-air advice from his mother during his debut Monday in Tucker Carlson's former time slot.

Watters introduced his mother as a Democrat before she offered him advice that included avoiding “conspiracy rabbit holes,” easing up on the "Biden bashing," and talking his “Bedminster friend” former President Donald Trump into giving up his White House bid and returning to reality TV.

"Congratulations, honeybun, we are so proud of you and your accomplishments," Anne Watters told her son during a call-in appearance on “Jesse Watters Primetime.” "And you’ve worked so hard. Now let's aim to have you keep your job. And to that end, I do have some suggestions."

The motherly advice comes on the heels of former host Carlson's dismissal and the network’s settlement for nearly $800 million in a defamation lawsuit with Dominion Voting Systems after Fox News hosts perpetuated claims that the 2020 election was stolen from Trump.

Watters replaced the top-rated Carlson in a shakeup of Fox News’ nightly lineup.

But Watters isn’t new to Fox News audiences, having hosted his own show and served as co-host of "The Five.”

Anne Watters also isn’t a stranger to Fox News audiences, having previously taken part in on-air calls with her son.

"Quite obviously my opposition to Jesse's politics and delivery can be fierce. Indeed, he has always been a challenge," Anne Watters told The Philadelphia Inquirer in 2018. "But this next statement should be self-evident: I love him constantly and unconditionally."

Her motherly love, and advice, were on display Monday.

"Use your voice responsibly, to promote conversation that maintains a narrative thread," she said.

"I want you to seek solutions, versus fanning the flames," she added.

Watters smiled, chuckled, playfully hurried his mom off the phone, and told her he loved her, too.

He did not say he was going to heed her advice.