In a move that’s already being described as one of the most significant talent shifts in cable news this year, Fox News has officially announced that longtime anchor Sandra Smith will join The Five as a permanent co-host, replacing liberal panelist Jessica Tarlov. The announcement—delivered without fanfare during a live segment—has instantly stirred intense reactions from viewers, media analysts, and insiders across the political spectrum.

The surprise pairing of Smith alongside Greg Gutfeld is not just a programming change—it signals a strategic recalibration of tone and balance on one of Fox News’ highest-rated shows.

The Announcement That Stopped Viewers in Their Tracks

It happened subtly, but the impact was immediate.

During a Tuesday evening broadcast, Greg Gutfeld introduced Sandra Smith as “the new permanent member of the table”—a line that had barely been spoken before social media exploded with questions, speculation, and confusion over what had happened to Jessica Tarlov.

Fox News released a brief statement later that night:

“We are excited to welcome Sandra Smith to The Five full-time. Her journalistic experience, sharp insight, and rapport with viewers make her a natural fit.”

No mention was made of Tarlov’s departure or whether she would remain with the network in another capacity. That silence has only fueled the rumors.

Why the Move Matters

The Five is no ordinary roundtable. As the network’s 5 p.m. staple, it draws in millions of viewers daily and plays a crucial role in shaping conservative talking points for the evening news cycle. The show’s unique blend of humor, debate, and cultural critique has made it one of the most-watched programs on cable television.

For years, the show has maintained a rotating liberal chair—usually filled by Jessica Tarlov—designed to balance the otherwise conservative panel. Tarlov, known for her policy-heavy takes and calm demeanor, often served as the ideological foil to Gutfeld’s satire and Jesse Watters’ populist punchlines.

Her removal, and Smith’s appointment, may mark a shift away from confrontation toward a more “in-house” style of political analysis.

Who Is Sandra Smith?

Sandra Smith has been with Fox News since 2007, building a reputation as a polished, business-focused journalist with deep experience in both market reporting and breaking news. She co-anchored America Reports and has filled in as a guest host on various prime-time programs.

Though not overtly partisan, Smith is seen by many as a “Fox News insider” with broad appeal. Her calm, data-driven approach stands in contrast to the ideological sparring that has often characterized The Five in recent years.

“Sandra is respected across the newsroom,” said one Fox producer. “She brings authority without ego. She’s not there to shout—she’s there to inform.”

The Disappearance of Jessica Tarlov: What We Know

The network has offered no formal comment on Tarlov’s status. However, sources familiar with the situation suggest that the departure may have been mutual.

“There was tension behind the scenes,” one insider said. “Jessica brought real substance, but sometimes her pushback made producers nervous—especially in election season.”

Others say Tarlov was simply ready for a new challenge. In recent interviews, she hinted at a desire to pursue longform political analysis and writing—something The Five’s fast-paced format left little room for.

Regardless of the reason, the lack of clarity has left many viewers feeling blindsided.

“I didn’t always agree with Jessica, but she made the show smarter,” one viewer tweeted. “Without her, it’s just an echo chamber.”

Viewer Reaction: Mixed, But Loud

Reactions to the shake-up have been divided.

Conservative viewers have welcomed Smith’s promotion, praising her professionalism and chemistry with the other co-hosts. Some even called it a long-overdue update to the panel’s dynamic.

“She’s sharp, she listens, and she doesn’t derail the conversation,” said one fan in a Facebook group dedicated to Fox News discussion.

But others expressed concern that the show was abandoning its core premise: civil debate between opposing viewpoints.

“Sandra Smith is fine, but The Five without a liberal voice is just four people agreeing with each other,” one viewer wrote on Reddit. “That’s not balance—it’s branding.”

Media Analysts Weigh In

Cable news observers have wasted no time unpacking the decision.

“This is about control,” said media critic Joel Meyerson. “Fox wants tighter message discipline heading into 2026. Jessica Tarlov represented a kind of internal friction they no longer see as valuable.”

Others disagree.

“Fox is simply adapting to a fragmented audience,” said political analyst Ayana Banks. “People don’t want yelling. They want clarity. Sandra Smith brings that clarity.”

Still, many agree the network is walking a tightrope—balancing loyalty to its base with the need to appear fair and inclusive.

Strategic Timing?

The timing of the announcement—just as campaign season ramps up—has not gone unnoticed.

Smith’s promotion may signal a more assertive editorial strategy at Fox News, as the network positions itself against emerging competitors like Newsmax, The Daily Wire, and independent YouTube commentators.

“Fox can’t afford to lose viewers to populist platforms,” said former network producer Leah Santos. “Smith is a way to lock down the middle—reliable, experienced, and controversy-free.”

What’s Next for The Five?

With Smith now seated full-time, viewers can expect some subtle changes in tone.

Gutfeld remains the show’s firebrand. Jesse Watters continues to play provocateur. Dana Perino offers structure and polish. And with Smith, the panel gains a neutral anchor—less likely to fight and more likely to reframe.

Will this make the show more cohesive? Or less compelling?

That depends on what viewers want.

“The Five was at its best when it felt unpredictable,” said longtime media columnist Tom Jacobs. “If it becomes too smooth, too aligned, it risks losing the edge that made it a hit.”

Where Does Jessica Tarlov Go From Here?

Though her future remains unclear, Tarlov is unlikely to disappear. A Columbia-educated political strategist and frequent guest on multiple networks, she’s well positioned to launch her own project—perhaps a podcast, Substack column, or policy-focused show.

Some even speculate that she may be recruited by CNN or MSNBC, especially as both networks continue to retool their lineups in the wake of ratings challenges.

“Tarlov has a following,” said analyst Rachel Jennings. “She doesn’t yell. She doesn’t flinch. She presents facts. That’s rare—and valuable.”

Final Thoughts: A Quiet Shake-Up With Big Implications

Fox News didn’t issue a grand farewell. There were no tributes or retrospectives. Just a quiet substitution—one that speaks volumes about where the network is headed.

Sandra Smith’s arrival on The Five may bring a new tone: less adversarial, more aligned. But whether that serves the audience’s appetite for real debate remains to be seen.

One thing is certain: This isn’t just a casting change—it’s a signal. In a year of high-stakes elections, evolving media formats, and a fragmented political base, every on-air decision counts.

And Fox News just made a big one.