It was the kind of announcement that no one in the studio expected.
During a live segment, Fox News dropped a bombshell: Sandra Smith would be stepping in as a new co-host on The Five, replacing Jessica Tarlov and joining Greg Gutfeld at the roundtable.
Within minutes, social media exploded. Some fans cheered, praising Fox for “finally shaking things up,” while others were stunned that Tarlov — a long-standing figure on the show — was suddenly out of the lineup.
The decision wasn’t just about one host leaving and another stepping in. It symbolized something much bigger — a shift in Fox News strategy as the network navigates a media environment where ratings, streaming competition, and political divides change by the hour.
Sandra Smith, already a respected figure within Fox, now steps into one of the network’s most-watched hours, standing side-by-side with Greg Gutfeld, the sharp-tongued satirist who dominates headlines with his unfiltered commentary.
Insiders quickly began speculating: could this unlikely duo create a new formula for success — or would their contrasting styles clash on live television?
Smith brings professionalism, calm authority, and sharp analysis, while Gutfeld thrives on provocation, humor, and biting satire. Together, they represent two very different faces of Fox News.
“This is exactly the kind of risk Fox has to take right now,” said one industry insider. “Sandra’s credibility combined with Gutfeld’s energy could be the balance the show needs — or it could backfire spectacularly.”
The timing is no coincidence. Fox has been quietly reworking its programming strategy, aiming to keep loyal conservative viewers while appealing to a younger and more diverse audience.
In a world where news clips go viral within seconds, the chemistry between hosts can make or break a show. For Fox, putting Smith and Gutfeld together is more than casting — it’s a gamble on the future of The Five.
Fans of Smith point to her experience on America’s Newsroom, Outnumbered, and her frequent guest appearances on The Five. They argue that she’s already proven she can hold her ground in fiery debates.
Her critics, however, wonder if her measured style will mesh with Gutfeld’s irreverence. “It’s oil and water,” one longtime viewer posted online. “She’s too serious for his comedy.”
But others see the opposite: a perfect balance. “Sandra Smith and Greg Gutfeld are going to be unstoppable together,” another fan tweeted, praising the pairing as “exactly the energy shift Fox needed.”
The bigger picture is that Fox News is under pressure. With new competitors on streaming platforms and traditional cable viewership in flux, every programming change is closely watched.
The Five has long been Fox’s crown jewel in daytime, regularly ranking as the most-watched cable news program. That’s exactly why this shake-up matters.
If Sandra Smith can hold her own and elevate the dynamic with Gutfeld, Fox may have just secured its dominance for another decade.
But if the chemistry falters, critics say, the network risks alienating longtime fans while failing to capture the new audience it desperately needs.
Smith herself has not said much publicly since the announcement, but insiders claim she’s excited about the opportunity and sees it as the next major step in her career.
For Jessica Tarlov, her departure raises questions. Will she reappear in another Fox role? Or could this signal the beginning of a broader reshuffling across the network’s programming lineup?
For now, one thing is certain: Fox News isn’t standing still. By pairing Sandra Smith with Greg Gutfeld, they’re betting big on a new era of The Five.
Whether this gamble pays off, only the ratings — and the viewers — will decide.
