In a move that is already being hailed as one of the year’s most significant cable news shake-ups, Fox News has confirmed that longtime anchor Sandra Smith will join The Five as a permanent co-host, stepping into the chair previously occupied by liberal panelist Jessica Tarlov. The announcement, delivered quietly during a Tuesday evening broadcast, has sent ripples through the network’s loyal viewership and sparked a flurry of speculation among media insiders and political analysts.

The Announcement That Stopped Viewers in Their Tracks

The moment itself was almost understated—just a brief introduction by Greg Gutfeld, who welcomed Smith as “the new permanent member of the table.” But the reaction was anything but subtle. Within minutes, social media was ablaze with questions: Where’s Jessica Tarlov? What does this mean for the show’s signature ideological balance? And what’s next for Fox News’ prime-time lineup?

Fox News followed up with a succinct statement:
“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.”

Noticeably absent was any mention of Tarlov’s departure or her future with the network—a silence that only fueled more rumors and debate.

Why This Move Matters

The Five is no ordinary roundtable. Airing every weekday at 5 p.m., it consistently ranks among the most-watched programs on cable television, shaping the evening’s conservative talking points and setting the tone for Fox’s prime-time block. The show’s format—a blend of humor, debate, and cultural commentary—relies on the interplay between its mostly conservative hosts and a rotating liberal panelist, a role Tarlov has filled with intelligence and composure.

Tarlov’s presence provided a counterweight to Greg Gutfeld’s satire and Jesse Watters’ populist jabs, ensuring that the show’s spirited debates rarely devolved into simple groupthink. Her sudden exit, and Smith’s appointment, may signal a strategic shift: less confrontation, more cohesion, and a recalibration of The Five’s tone as the network heads into a critical election cycle.

Who Is Sandra Smith?

Sandra Smith is no stranger to Fox News viewers. Since joining the network in 2007, she’s built a reputation as a polished, business-savvy journalist with a knack for breaking down complex stories. Most recently, she co-anchored America Reports and has frequently served as a guest host on various Fox News programs.

Smith’s style is calm, data-driven, and less overtly partisan than some of her colleagues. Insiders describe her as a “Fox News insider” with broad appeal and a reputation for professionalism and balance.

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

The Disappearance of Jessica Tarlov: What We Know

While Fox News has yet to comment publicly on Tarlov’s status, sources familiar with the situation suggest the move may have been mutual. Some insiders point to behind-the-scenes tension, especially as election season heats up.

“Jessica brought real substance, but sometimes her pushback made producers nervous—especially in election season,” one source said.

Others believe Tarlov was ready for new challenges. In recent interviews, she hinted at an interest in longform political analysis and writing—areas the fast-paced format of The Five couldn’t accommodate.

Whatever the reason, the lack of transparency has left some 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 and passionate. Many conservative viewers have welcomed Smith’s promotion, praising her professionalism and chemistry with the panel. Some see it as a long-overdue update to the show’s dynamic.

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

But others worry that the show is losing its edge—and its commitment to 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 Reddit user observed. “That’s not balance—it’s branding.”

Media Analysts Weigh In

Cable news observers have wasted no time dissecting the decision.

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

Others see it differently.

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

Most agree that Fox News 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 be part of a broader editorial strategy as Fox News faces growing competition from outlets 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 a permanent fixture, viewers can expect subtle changes in tone. Gutfeld remains the show’s firebrand, Watters the provocateur, and Dana Perino the voice of structure and polish. Smith’s presence may bring a steadier, more analytical approach—less likely to ignite fireworks, but more likely to reframe the conversation.

Will this make The Five 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?

Tarlov’s future remains up in the air, but few expect her to disappear from public view. With a Columbia education and a growing following, she’s well positioned to launch her own project—perhaps a podcast, a Substack column, or a policy-focused show. Some even speculate that CNN or MSNBC may be interested in bringing her on board, especially as both networks face their own prime-time shake-ups.

“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 mark the change with a grand farewell or tribute—just a quiet substitution that speaks volumes about the network’s direction. Sandra Smith’s arrival on The Five signals 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.