Sandra Smith Replaces Jessica Tarlov on Fox News’ The Five, Ushering in a New Era for the Network

In a surprise announcement that has rippled across the media landscape, Fox News revealed that Sandra Smith will join The Five as its new co-host, replacing Jessica Tarlov. The decision, made public during a live segment, marks one of the most significant personnel shake-ups in the network’s recent history and is expected to alter the chemistry and direction of the long-running program.

The move pairs Smith with Greg Gutfeld, Fox’s brash and popular political commentator, forming a duo that insiders say is designed to inject fresh energy into The Five, one of the network’s flagship programs. Though Fox News has offered no detailed explanation for the replacement, sources within the organization suggest it reflects a broader strategy to revitalize the show amid fierce competition in the cable news market.

A Sudden and Strategic Shift

Jessica Tarlov, who brought a strong liberal voice to the panel, had served as a prominent co-host on The Five for years. Her presence provided ideological balance on a show otherwise dominated by right-leaning perspectives, often sparking spirited debates that helped define the show’s appeal.

Replacing her with Sandra Smith—a seasoned journalist known for her composed demeanor and conservative-leaning analysis—signals a calculated shift. Industry insiders see it as a move to strengthen the show’s editorial cohesion while retaining high-profile talent.

“There’s no question that Gutfeld and Smith have a unique chemistry,” said one Fox News insider. “Their pairing brings a new dynamic to The Five, and it’s clear the network is making a move to keep the show fresh and engaging.”

Smith, who has spent nearly two decades with the network in various roles—including as co-anchor of America Reports—is viewed as a trusted and steady voice by Fox’s leadership. Her transition to The Five may be aimed at broadening the show’s appeal without compromising its core conservative base.

Reactions from Fans and Media Analysts

As expected, the news has prompted a range of reactions from viewers and commentators. Some fans of the show welcomed the move, praising Smith for her journalistic integrity and ability to engage in thoughtful discourse. Supporters believe she will complement Gutfeld’s irreverent style and add a new layer of depth to the panel.

“Sandra Smith is going to bring a new energy to the show,” one fan tweeted. “She’s got the intelligence and confidence to keep up with Greg’s humor, and I’m excited to see how they work together.”

But not everyone is thrilled.

Tarlov’s departure has sparked concern among some loyal viewers who valued her liberal perspective. Many worry that her absence could upset the show’s ideological balance and reduce the diversity of viewpoints that The Five has long cultivated.

“Jessica Tarlov brought a much-needed perspective to the table,” wrote one commenter on social media. “She offered a liberal voice that kept things from becoming one-sided.”

Still, the mixed reaction underscores the broader challenges facing legacy news programs trying to maintain relevance in an increasingly fragmented media environment.

Fox’s Programming Evolution

Fox News has been aggressively adapting its programming to keep pace with shifts in viewer habits and political sentiments. With digital platforms eroding traditional TV audiences, the network has increasingly relied on bold, personality-driven formats and reconfigurations of on-air talent to maintain its ratings lead.

Gutfeld, in particular, has become a ratings juggernaut for the network. His late-night show, Gutfeld!, has consistently drawn high viewership, and pairing him with Smith appears to be a strategic decision to capitalize on his popularity. Analysts say the move reflects Fox News’ broader intention to double down on its most bankable personalities while gradually refining the tone of its programming.

“Greg Gutfeld and Sandra Smith bring very different strengths to the table,” said one media analyst. “He’s combative and humorous; she’s measured and thoughtful. It’s a pairing that could attract new viewers while holding onto the core audience.”

Implications for The Five and Beyond

Since its debut in 2011, The Five has been a cornerstone of Fox News’ prime-time lineup, built around a unique format of rotating co-hosts discussing the day’s biggest political and cultural stories. The dynamic interplay of viewpoints has been key to its staying power.

The introduction of Smith signals a potential rebranding or refinement of that dynamic. While Gutfeld’s edgy commentary will continue to dominate, Smith may act as a grounding force, bringing journalistic rigor and calm analysis to the mix.

Whether the show will retain the same ideological tension without Tarlov remains to be seen. But Fox’s willingness to make bold talent changes suggests it is betting on fresh chemistry over ideological balance to drive future success.

Looking Ahead

This shake-up arrives at a time when all major cable networks are reassessing their strategies amid declining linear television viewership and growing competition from digital-first platforms. Fox News, long the ratings leader in cable news, is not immune to these pressures.

With Smith’s arrival, The Five is poised to enter a new chapter—one that could either reinforce its dominance or alienate segments of its audience. For Fox News, the stakes are high. But if early viewer reactions and network confidence are any indication, the Gutfeld-Smith pairing may prove to be a potent formula for continued success.

As the show’s new dynamic unfolds in the coming weeks, viewers and industry observers alike will be watching closely to see whether this latest gamble by Fox pays off—or sparks another round of changes.

In television news, as in politics, the only constant is change.