In a stunning development that has rocked the world of cable news, Fox News announced on June 3, 2025, that Sandra Smith will replace Jessica Tarlov as a co-host on The Five, the network’s flagship roundtable program. The move, orchestrated with significant input from Greg Gutfeld, the show’s outspoken and influential co-host, marks a dramatic shake-up in the program’s dynamic and has sent shockwaves through the Fox News ecosystem. The announcement, delivered during a live segment, caught viewers and industry insiders off guard, sparking a frenzy of reactions on social media and raising questions about the future of The Five and its role in shaping Fox’s programming landscape. As fans grapple with the departure of Tarlov, a polarizing yet pivotal figure, and the arrival of Smith, a seasoned anchor with a different style, the implications of this change are profound, promising to redefine the show’s tone, chemistry, and direction.

The Five, airing weekdays at 5 p.m. ET, has long been Fox News’ crown jewel, consistently ranking as cable news’ most-watched program with an average of 4 million viewers per episode in 2025, according to Nielsen ratings. The show’s success stems from its unique format—a rotating panel of five hosts offering diverse perspectives on politics, culture, and current events, often with heated debates and sharp humor. The current lineup includes Gutfeld, Dana Perino, Jesse Watters, and Harold Ford Jr., with Tarlov serving as the resident liberal voice since 2022. Her departure and Smith’s arrival signal a strategic pivot, driven by Gutfeld’s growing influence at the network and a desire to refresh the show’s dynamic amid an evolving political climate.

Jessica Tarlov, a Democratic strategist and political analyst, brought a distinctive perspective to The Five, often clashing with her conservative co-hosts, particularly Gutfeld and Watters, over issues like Trump’s policies, tariffs, and diversity initiatives. Her fiery exchanges, such as her defense of the Los Angeles fire chief against Gutfeld’s DEI criticisms or her critique of Trump’s tariffs, made her a lightning rod for both praise and criticism. While some viewers admired her tenacity, others, particularly on X, expressed frustration, with one user calling her “a dumb liberal” who “brings nothing to the table.” Rumors of her exit swirled as early as February 2024, when an X post falsely claimed she’d been fired, only for Fox’s senior executive vice president, Irena Briganti, to debunk the speculation. Yet, the June 2025 announcement confirmed that Tarlov’s tenure on The Five has ended, though she will remain a Fox News contributor, appearing on other programs and offering political analysis.

Sandra Smith, a veteran Fox News anchor known for her work on America’s Newsroom and Fox News Sunday, steps into Tarlov’s role with a reputation for sharp journalism and a more measured demeanor. Smith, who joined Fox in 2007, has built a career on delivering straightforward reporting with a conservative-leaning perspective, often focusing on economic and business issues. Her selection as Tarlov’s replacement is seen as a nod to viewers seeking a less confrontational liberal voice, though her political stance aligns more closely with the network’s core audience than Tarlov’s did. “Sandra brings a fresh perspective and a wealth of experience,” said a Fox News spokesperson during the announcement. “Her ability to navigate complex issues with clarity will elevate The Five’s discussions.”

The decision to pair Smith with Gutfeld, who has emerged as a powerhouse at Fox, underscores his growing clout. Gutfeld, host of the top-rated late-night show Gutfeld! and a co-host on The Five, has redefined Fox’s brand with his sardonic humor and libertarian-leaning commentary, toppling rivals like Jimmy Fallon and Stephen Colbert in ratings. His influence was evident in the network’s decision to greenlight What Did I Miss?, a Fox Nation reality game show he hosts, and his live Gutfeld! broadcast from Trump’s inauguration. Sources within Fox suggest Gutfeld pushed for Smith’s inclusion, believing her style would complement his provocative approach while maintaining the show’s conservative edge. “Greg wanted someone who could hold their own but not derail the show’s vibe,” an insider told Variety.

The announcement, made during a live taping of The Five, was a masterclass in generating buzz. Gutfeld, ever the showman, teased the change with a cryptic remark: “Big things are coming, folks—hold onto your seats!” Perino then introduced Smith, who joined the panel to applause, promising to “bring honesty and a new energy” to the table. Tarlov’s absence was addressed briefly, with Watters noting, “Jessica’s moving on to new opportunities at Fox, but we wish her well.” The swift transition left viewers stunned, with X exploding in reactions. “Sandra Smith on The Five? This is HUGE! Tarlov was too much drama,” one user posted, while another lamented, “Tarlov was the only one keeping it real. Bad move, Fox.” The polarized responses highlight the challenge Fox faces in balancing its loyal conservative base with the need for diverse viewpoints.

The shake-up comes at a pivotal moment for Fox News. The network has undergone significant changes in 2025, including Jeanine Pirro’s departure from The Five to serve as U.S. attorney in Washington, D.C., under Trump’s administration, and the appointment of 19 Fox personalities to White House roles. Pirro’s exit left a void, filled temporarily by Ford, but Tarlov’s replacement with Smith suggests a broader strategy to recalibrate The Five’s appeal. With Trump’s second term dominating headlines, Fox is doubling down on its role as a conservative powerhouse, and Smith’s addition aligns with this vision. Her economic expertise is expected to resonate with viewers concerned about inflation, tariffs, and trade policies, topics Tarlov often tackled from a liberal perspective.

However, the move isn’t without risks. Tarlov’s liberal voice, while divisive, provided a counterpoint that fueled the show’s spirited debates, attracting viewers who enjoyed the ideological sparring. Smith, though capable, may struggle to replicate that dynamic, potentially alienating viewers who valued Tarlov’s willingness to challenge Gutfeld and Watters. “Jessica was the spark that made The Five must-watch TV,” a fan wrote on X. “Sandra’s great, but she’s too polished—where’s the fire?” Industry analysts warn that softening the show’s edge could dampen its ratings, especially as competitors like Newsmax vie for conservative audiences. “Fox is betting on Smith to keep the show’s momentum, but they’re walking a tightrope,” said media critic David Zurawik. “Too much harmony, and you lose the chaos that makes The Five addictive.”

Behind the scenes, tensions are reportedly simmering. Insiders claim Tarlov was “blindsided” by the decision, learning of her replacement only hours before the announcement. While Fox has framed her exit as a shift to other roles, sources suggest she felt sidelined by Gutfeld’s sway over the show’s direction. Tarlov’s recent on-air clashes with Gutfeld, including their heated exchange over Trump’s tariffs and DEI policies, may have contributed to the decision. “Jessica held her ground, but that made some at Fox uncomfortable,” a network source told CNN. Her private reaction, reportedly shared with colleagues, was one of frustration: “I gave The Five everything—guess loyalty doesn’t pay.” The comment, leaked to media outlets, has fueled speculation of a “turf war” brewing at Fox, with other hosts wary of Gutfeld’s growing influence.

For viewers, the change raises questions about The Five’s future tone. Gutfeld’s irreverent style, paired with Watters’ provocations and Perino’s measured analysis, has been a winning formula, but Smith’s integration will test the panel’s chemistry. Early previews suggest she’ll adopt a more collaborative approach, focusing on data-driven arguments rather than Tarlov’s emotive rebuttals. “Sandra’s not here to pick fights,” a Fox insider said. “She’ll challenge ideas, not egos.” Yet, Gutfeld’s penchant for steering discussions toward satire may push Smith to adapt, potentially creating a new dynamic that blends humor with policy depth.

The broader implications for Fox News are significant. As the network navigates a post-Trump media landscape, The Five remains its flagship, setting the tone for its primetime lineup. Smith’s elevation signals a shift toward professionalism, possibly in response to criticisms of the network’s sensationalism. However, it also risks alienating viewers who thrived on Tarlov’s outsider perspective. Fox’s decision to retain Tarlov as a contributor suggests an effort to mitigate backlash, but her reduced visibility may frustrate her fanbase. Meanwhile, Gutfeld’s role as a kingmaker at Fox is cemented, with his vision for The Five shaping its next chapter.

As The Five moves forward with Smith, all eyes are on how this gamble pays off. Will she bring the stability Fox seeks, or will the absence of Tarlov’s fire dim the show’s spark? For now, the network is banking on Smith’s star power and Gutfeld’s Midas touch to keep The Five on top. But in the high-stakes world of cable news, one thing is certain: this shake-up is just the beginning of a new, unpredictable era for Fox News.