the o'reilly factor (originally titled the o'reilly report and also known as the factor) was --> an american cable television news and talk show. "the o'reilly factor" first aired in the united states on fox news channel on october 7, 1996, the same day the network launched. it was hosted by political commentator bill o'reilly, who discussed current events and controversial political issues with guests. the final episode aired on april 21, 2017, after o'reilly was fired from the network.