FOX News Shocker: Sandra Smith Replaces Jessica Tarlov on The Five

In an unexpected and dramatic turn of events, Fox News dropped a bombshell that has left the media world buzzing. During a live broadcast of The Five on Wednesday, Fox News made an on-air announcement that stunned viewers: Sandra Smith, a long-time anchor at the network, will be stepping in as the newest co-host, replacing Jessica Tarlov.

The suddenness of the announcement—and the way it was delivered—set social media ablaze and immediately sparked debates about what this shift means for the network and its most-watched political talk show.

A Sudden, On-Air Reveal

The revelation came out of nowhere, with Greg Gutfeld, a longtime host of The Five, turning to the audience midway through the broadcast to drop the news. “Ladies and gentlemen, big update for The Five,” he said. “As of today, Sandra Smith is joining us full-time at this table. She’s officially part of the family.” The announcement was met with loud applause from the studio, and Sandra, visibly emotional, smiled as the cameras zoomed in on her.

Unlike typical network reshuffles, which are often carefully planned and communicated through press releases, Fox News opted for a bold and unscripted approach. The move, while exciting for some, left others questioning the reasoning behind the shakeup and what it meant for the future of The Five.

Who Is Sandra Smith?

Sandra Smith is no stranger to Fox News viewers. She has been with the network since 2007, initially co-anchoring America’s Newsroom and later hosting Outnumbered. Over the years, she has built a reputation for being a calm, collected, and reliable news anchor, known for her sharp interviewing style and balanced coverage.

Her transition from daytime news anchoring to the more dynamic, opinion-heavy format of The Five is seen as a major shift. The Five, known for its freewheeling debates and sharp exchanges, is a far cry from the more formal tone of her previous roles. Viewers are now left wondering: will Sandra lean into the fast-paced, combative format of The Five, or will she bring a more measured, journalistic approach to the table?

Jessica Tarlov’s Departure

While the focus is on Sandra’s arrival, the departure of Jessica Tarlov is a major part of this story. Tarlov, a Democratic strategist, had been the lone liberal voice on The Five for much of her tenure. Her role was crucial in maintaining the ideological balance of the panel, frequently sparring with her conservative colleagues, including Gutfeld, Jesse Watters, and Judge Jeanine Pirro.

Fox News released a brief statement thanking Tarlov for her contributions, stating that she would “pursue new opportunities.” However, industry insiders hint that Tarlov had grown increasingly frustrated with her position as the show’s lone liberal voice, often finding herself in the difficult position of defending progressive viewpoints against a largely conservative panel.

For many, her departure leaves a noticeable gap. Tarlov had earned a dedicated following, and her absence raises questions about the ideological balance of the show moving forward.

Viewer Reactions: Shockwaves Across Social Media

As expected, the announcement sparked a flurry of activity on social media. Hashtags like #SandraOnTheFive and #TarlovExit quickly began trending on X (formerly Twitter), with reactions from viewers ranging from excitement to disappointment. Some praised the decision to bring Sandra on full-time, calling her a “classy” and “professional” choice. Others, however, expressed their concern that the show would lose its diversity of viewpoints with Tarlov’s exit, warning that the panel risked becoming an “echo chamber.”

Even more neutral observers were taken aback by the way the change was handled. Many described the live on-air announcement as “so very Fox News,” showcasing the network’s unpredictable and sometimes theatrical approach to programming.

Why The Five Matters

To understand the significance of this shakeup, it’s essential to recognize the role The Five plays in Fox News’ programming. The show, which premiered in 2011, has become one of the most-watched cable news programs, consistently dominating the 5 p.m. time slot. It combines political discourse with humor, personality-driven debate, and sharp commentary, creating an engaging dynamic that has earned the show a loyal following.

The show’s success largely hinges on the chemistry between its hosts. Removing a major player like Tarlov and replacing her with Sandra Smith is a gamble. Will Sandra, known for her professionalism and poised delivery, be able to match the energy and dynamic exchanges that The Five is known for? Or will her presence bring a more balanced, calming tone to the show?

Behind the Scenes at Fox News

Industry experts suggest that this move could be part of a broader strategy to steer Fox News into calmer waters. With the rise of competing networks like Newsmax and increased pressure from digital-first outlets, Fox is working to solidify its dominance in the cable news market. Additionally, recent legal controversies have made the network more cautious about confrontations that might spiral out of control.

Sandra Smith’s measured approach could be the answer to these concerns. Her credibility as a journalist could help the network regain its footing and maintain its influence in the ever-shifting media landscape.

What’s Next for Tarlov?

As for Jessica Tarlov, her future is uncertain, but speculation is already rife. Some sources suggest she could join a competing network, such as CNN or MSNBC, where her liberal perspective could be more at home. Others believe she may pivot to academia, political consulting, or writing. One thing is clear: Tarlov has cultivated a loyal following, and her departure leaves an undeniable void that even Sandra Smith’s popularity may not immediately fill.

A Gamble That Could Pay Off—or Backfire

Ultimately, Fox’s decision to replace Tarlov with Sandra Smith is a bold gamble. Sandra’s star power could attract a new audience, but removing the liberal voice from The Five risks alienating a portion of its fan base. Only time will tell whether Sandra will be able to balance the show’s fiery energy and expand its appeal, or if the absence of ideological diversity will hurt its ratings.

For Fox News, this is a defining moment. The network has chosen to place its bets on Sandra Smith—a move that could either revitalize the show or significantly alter its legacy. The next few weeks will reveal whether this change was the right decision or whether it will backfire.

In the world of cable news, where every move is scrutinized, the drama surrounding The Five is just beginning.