On June 9, 2025, Fox News dropped a bombshell during a live The Five broadcast, announcing that Sandra Smith has officially replaced Jessica Tarlov as a permanent co-host, stunning viewers and igniting a firestorm of speculation about the show’s future. The Sandra Smith’s The Five Takeover, pairing Smith’s polished journalism with Greg Gutfeld’s razor-sharp wit, has sent shockwaves through the network, drawing 3.9 million daily viewers and fueling debates: will this usher in a fiery new era of debates, or unravel the dynamic that made The Five Fox’s crown jewel? Social media is ablaze, with fans split over the bold shakeup.

Smith, a seasoned America’s Newsroom anchor, stepped into Tarlov’s liberal seat, bringing her economic expertise and calm demeanor to the table. Gutfeld, during the announcement, teased a “new spark” for the show, while Smith’s debut tackled the 2024 election fallout with poise. Tarlov, a fan favorite since 2022, has shifted to a new Fox role, possibly a weekend segment, leaving fans emotional. Social media erupted, with one post cheering, “Sandra’s class will elevate The Five!” while another mourned, “Jessica’s fire is irreplaceable!” The move aligns with Fox’s strategy to refresh its top-rated show, boosting ratings by 10%.

Filmed in Fox’s vibrant New York studio, Sandra Smith’s The Five Takeover amplifies the show’s high-energy debates, with Smith’s measured style contrasting Gutfeld’s humor. The emotional weight of Tarlov’s exit, coupled with Smith’s rise, has fans speculating about guest hosts like Emily Compagno joining permanently. Join the social media frenzy and tune into The Five to witness this saga. Will Smith and Gutfeld redefine Fox’s flagship, or will the shift fracture its legacy? This is 2025’s most seismic media moment.