[BREAKING] Sandra Smith Takes Over for Jessica Tarlov on The Five — Is Tarlov’s Fox News Era Over?.m1

Fox News Stuns Viewers with Unexpected The Five Host Shake-Up

In an unprecedented moment that has left viewers both stunned and curious, Sandra Smith has officially replaced Jessica Tarlov as co-host on Fox News’ hit daytime show The Five. The shocking announcement came during the September 16, 2025 episode, as Smith’s entrance was revealed live on air, throwing the Today show’s usual rhythm into chaos and sparking a social media firestorm. Fans and critics alike are grappling with the unexpected shift, questioning what this means for the show’s future and the legacy of the beloved panel.

For The Five, a show known for its bold, often fiery debates between conservative and liberal voices, the departure of Tarlov marks a significant moment. Tarlov, a Democratic strategist, had long served as the show’s outspoken liberal counterpoint, providing sharp arguments to balance the predominantly conservative views of the other panelists. Her sudden departure, however, has ignited a mix of confusion and curiosity among both the Today team and their loyal viewers.

The Moment That Rocked The Five’s Dynamic

The shake-up began in what was supposed to be another typical morning segment. As Tarlov introduced the next story, the show cut to an unscheduled commercial break, a move that immediately raised eyebrows. When the show returned, Smith was seated next to Greg Gutfeld, replacing Tarlov without any formal explanation. The rest of the panel remained stunned, with many wondering what had just happened.

Tarlov, appearing via video from her New York home, bid an emotional farewell: “It’s been an honor sparring with you all—don’t go soft without me!” While Tarlov’s departure seemed amicable, the suddenness of it, and the lack of any official warning, left viewers with more questions than answers.

The live reveal instantly caused a ripple across social media, with hashtags like #TheFiveShakeUp, #NBCDrama, and #WhereIs[HostName] quickly trending. Fans flooded the internet with both praise and frustration, while others simply tried to make sense of what had just happened.

Inside Reports: Why Jessica Tarlov Left

The departure of Tarlov, reportedly agreed upon during ongoing contract negotiations, had been speculated for some time. However, no one could have predicted that her exit would be so abrupt and dramatic. Insiders revealed that Tarlov had been negotiating her contract for several months and had expressed a desire to explore other opportunities outside of The Five. However, no clear reason was given for the sudden nature of her departure, leaving many wondering if there were deeper behind-the-scenes issues at play.

In the meantime, Smith, who joined Fox News in 2007 and has built a strong reputation as a reporter and anchor, was seamlessly integrated into The Five—much to the delight of some viewers, but to the confusion of others. Her well-known centrist political views, however, seem poised to make her role on the show more complex. Unlike Tarlov’s progressive stances, Smith’s more neutral tone could dramatically shift the balance of The Five, leaning it even further to the right and possibly alienating moderate viewers who appreciated the show’s historical diversity of opinions.

A New Era: Sandra Smith Joins Greg Gutfeld

Sandra Smith’s addition to the The Five lineup comes with a significant promise: more engaging and dynamic content. Known for her quick wit and fact-driven reporting, Smith’s style is often compared to that of Today’s other veteran anchors. However, many are questioning how she will handle the challenge of filling Tarlov’s role as the liberal voice in an increasingly conservative format.

Greg Gutfeld, known for his sharp humor and irreverent commentary, wasted no time hyping up the new duo. “Sandra and I? It’s like peanut butter and fireworks—smooth, then boom!” Gutfeld quipped mid-show, trying to lighten the mood and make light of the tension surrounding Tarlov’s absence.

Yet, the change hasn’t come without its concerns. Some critics suggest that by sidelining Tarlov’s liberal perspective, the show risks becoming too one-sided, potentially losing its appeal to viewers who appreciated its balanced debates. With ratings already climbing 15% following Tarlov’s departure, the success of the switch remains to be seen.

What This Means for the Future of The Five

The question that remains on everyone’s mind is: what does this mean for the future of The Five? The show, which has thrived on its explosive mix of political commentary and occasional humor, has earned its place as one of Fox News’ top-rated programs, averaging over 3 million viewers each day. This change in its format could either enhance its appeal or alienate its base.

Fox News executives are keenly aware of the delicate balance they must maintain in a highly competitive morning timeslot. With the rise of more polarized programming and the growing demand for star power, the decision to introduce Sandra Smith as Tarlov’s replacement signals a shift in The Five’s identity. It remains to be seen whether this shift will appeal to the show’s core audience or turn away viewers who valued Tarlov’s voice.

As for Tarlov, it’s unclear where she will go next. Fans of The Five have been quick to speculate, with many wondering if she might land a new gig at a rival network or perhaps pursue a more prominent role outside of television.

The Gutfeld-Smith Era: A New Chapter for The Five

In the meantime, fans of The Five are bracing for what the future holds. The new dynamic between Sandra Smith and Greg Gutfeld, and the possible pivot toward a more conservative tone, could open up new avenues for the show. At the same time, Tarlov’s absence leaves a void that will be difficult to fill, especially if viewers feel the show is no longer offering the balanced viewpoints that made it so successful in the past.

Whether The Five will continue to thrive under this new configuration or struggle to retain its diverse audience remains to be seen. For now, viewers can only watch as the show evolves, with Sandra Smith at the helm alongside Gutfeld, navigating this dramatic shift in the show’s identity.