Greg Gutfeld stunned viewers with a heartfelt gift for Sandra Smith, the new co-host replacing Jessica Tarlov on The Five, but it was his jaw-dropping remark during the first episode that sent shockwaves across the airwaves. What did he say, and how will this dynamic duo reshape the show’s fiery legacy?

Fox News’ The Five kicked off a bold new era with a seismic shake-up, as Sandra Smith stepped into the spotlight to replace Jessica Tarlov, and Greg Gutfeld marked the occasion with a surprising gift that set the stage for an unforgettable debut. On the first episode of the revamped lineup, aired in August 2025, Gutfeld’s witty charm and a provocative comment stole the show, sparking a frenzy among fans and critics alike. With the network’s top-rated program undergoing a dramatic transformation, the question looms: Can Smith and Gutfeld’s chemistry take The Five to new heights, or will Tarlov’s absence leave a void too big to fill?

A Gift and a Game-Changing Remark

As the cameras rolled for the season premiere, Gutfeld, the irreverent co-host known for his sharp humor, welcomed Smith with a personalized gift: a custom-engraved coffee mug emblazoned with “Sandra’s Spotlight” and a nod to her role as the show’s new anchor. The gesture, meant to symbolize her integration into the tight-knit panel, drew cheers from the studio audience. But it was Gutfeld’s cheeky remark that lit up social media: “Sandra, you’re here to keep us in check, but don’t expect me to go easy—you’re not just replacing Jessica, you’re rewriting the rulebook!” The quip, delivered with his signature smirk, hinted at a bolder, more unpredictable dynamic, sending X into a tailspin with reactions ranging from “Gutfeld’s unstoppable!” to “Is this shade at Tarlov?”

The gift and comment weren’t just theatrics—they signaled a shift in the show’s tone. Smith, a seasoned Fox News anchor from America’s Newsroom, brings a measured yet incisive style, contrasting Tarlov’s liberal firebrand approach. Gutfeld’s words suggested a playful challenge for Smith to match his intensity, setting the stage for a fresh chemistry that could redefine the show’s fiery debates. Fans are already buzzing, but what sparked this change, and why now?

A New Era for The Five

Tarlov’s departure, following reported tensions with Gutfeld, marked the end of her tenure as the show’s liberal voice. Her exit, coupled with Jeanine Pirro’s move to a Trump administration role in May 2025, prompted a major overhaul. Smith’s arrival, alongside rotating co-hosts like Harold Ford Jr., aims to refresh the panel while maintaining its status as cable’s most-watched program, averaging 4.6 million viewers in Q1 2025. Gutfeld, a mainstay since the show’s 2011 launch, has been instrumental in its success, blending humor with sharp political commentary. His gift to Smith was a nod to her role in steering the show’s new direction, but his remark hinted at a desire to push boundaries further.

Smith’s debut showcased her ability to hold her own, engaging in spirited exchanges with Gutfeld, Dana Perino, and Jesse Watters while bringing a fresh perspective. Her background in business reporting added a layer of economic insight, contrasting Tarlov’s polling expertise. The episode’s viral moment came when Gutfeld doubled down, joking, “Sandra’s here to keep us honest, but I’m keeping the chaos!” The line, trending with #GutfeldRules, amplified speculation about how the new lineup will balance wit, debate, and unpredictability.

A Risky Bet or a Winning Formula?

The shake-up has divided fans. Some praise Smith’s polished delivery, with one X user calling her “a perfect fit for Gutfeld’s energy,” while others miss Tarlov’s fiery liberal takes, lamenting, “No one spars with Greg like Jessica did.” Gutfeld’s gift and bold remark have fueled excitement, but they also raise stakes for Smith to carve her own space amid the show’s larger-than-life personalities. With Liverpool’s Arne Slot dominating headlines for his own bold moves, The Five’s transformation feels like a parallel gamble—trading familiarity for a fresh spark.

As the show charts this new course, questions linger: Can Smith and Gutfeld’s dynamic match the intensity of the old guard? Will Gutfeld’s provocative style push the show to new heights or alienate viewers? The viral buzz from the premiere suggests The Five is ready to dominate once more, but only time will tell if this gamble pays off. What do you think of the new era?