Breaking News: “The Five” just dropped a bombshell. In a stunning shake-up, Sandra Smith is IN, Jessica Tarlov is OUT. The balance of the show has been completely upended.

 In a move that has sent seismic waves through the landscape of American cable news and political commentary, Fox News Media has announced a fundamental restructuring of its flagship afternoon program, “The Five.”

The decision, confirmed by network executives in an internal memo obtained by this publication, sees the permanent placement of veteran anchor and business correspondent Sandra Smith into the coveted co-host chair, replacing progressive commentator Jessica Tarlov.

This is not merely a personnel change; it is a strategic recalibration of one of television’s most-watched programs, a show that has become a cultural and political touchstone for millions of viewers.

The shift promises to alter the program’s dynamic, recalibrate its ideological balance, and signals a new chapter for the network as it navigates a fiercely competitive media ecosystem and an intensely polarized political climate.

This exhaustive report will delve into every facet of this monumental announcement, providing not just the facts, but the context, the characters, and the potential consequences.

We will explore the professional trajectories of Sandra Smith and Jessica Tarlov, deconstruct the unique chemistry of “The Five,” analyze the strategic thinking behind this decision, and gauge the immediate reaction from the media world and the show’s dedicated viewership.

The Announcement: Deconstructing the Bombshell

The memo stated, in part, “We are incredibly proud of the success of ‘The Five,’ the number-one program in cable news. As we look to the future, we are thrilled to announce that Sandra Smith will be joining the co-hosting panel on a permanent basis. Sandra’s sharp journalistic instincts, deep understanding of financial markets, and proven ability to navigate complex debates make her an ideal fit for the program’s dynamic. We extend our deepest gratitude to Jessica Tarlov for her valuable contributions and wit over the past two years and look forward to her continued contributions as a Fox News contributor across our programming slate.”

This carefully crafted statement accomplishes several things. It reaffirms the show’s dominance, frames Smith’s appointment as a forward-looking enhancement, and gracefully acknowledges Tarlov’s departure without closing the door on her future involvement with the network.

However, for the show’s millions of daily viewers, the message was clear: the table, a symbolic centerpiece of the program’s roundtable format, would have a new permanent occupant, and its signature cross-fire debate style was poised for evolution.

 Understanding the Phenomenon: What is “The Five”?

To comprehend the magnitude of this change, one must first understand the unique institution that is “The Five.” Launched in 2011 as a temporary replacement for the Glenn Beck program, it defied conventional television wisdom.

The format was simple, yet revolutionary: five commentators—typically a mix of conservative voices and a lone, or sometimes two, progressive voices—gather around a table to debate the day’s top stories. Unlike traditional panel shows with a single, moderating anchor, “The Five” operates more as a conversational free-for-all, albeit one with a distinct rhythm and hierarchy.

The show’s success has been nothing short of phenomenal. It consistently ranks as the most-watched program in all of cable news, often drawing over three million viewers per episode.

Its formula—a blend of hard-hitting political analysis, cultural commentary, and lighter, more personal “One More Thing” segments—has created a parasocial relationship with its audience. Viewers don’t just watch the show; they feel they know the hosts.

They have their favorites and their antagonists. This deep connection is the show’s greatest asset and the reason why any change to its lineup is treated not as mere industry gossip, but as a personal event for its fanbase.

The core dynamic has long relied on this tension—the spirited, often heated, exchanges between its conservative stalwarts, like Jesse Watters and Greg Gutfeld, and its designated “liberal voice,” a role Jessica Tarlov had embodied with tenacity and data-driven precision.

The Principals: A Tale of Two Journalists

This seismic shift is best understood through the profiles of the two women at its center.

Sandra Smith: The Veteran Anchor and Market Maven

Sandra Smith is not a new face to the Fox News audience. A mainstay at the network since 2007, she has built a reputation as one of the most credible and knowledgeable business journalists in the industry. Her background is rooted in the world of finance, having begun her career as a derivatives broker at the Chicago Board of Options Exchange. This foundation gives her an analytical, data-first approach to news that sets her apart.

Viewers know her best from her roles on “America’s Newsroom” and as a co-anchor of “After the Bell,” and more recently as a fill-in host across various programs, including “The Five.” On air, Smith’s demeanor is consistently calm, polished, and unflappable.

She possesses a rare ability to distill complex economic data into digestible information for the average viewer. Her interviewing style is persistent yet respectful, often letting the facts drive the narrative.

Her move to “The Five” represents a significant pivot. While she has frequently engaged in political debate, her primary identity has been that of a financial journalist and straight news anchor.

Integrating her into the high-octane, opinion-driven arena of “The Five” is a fascinating experiment. It suggests a potential shift towards a more fact-based, economically-centered debate, leveraging her expertise on issues like inflation, market volatility, and job numbers—topics that are consistently top-of-mind for Americans.

Jessica Tarlov: The Data-Driven Progressive Pugilist

Jessica Tarlov, a political strategist and pollster with a Ph.D. from the London School of Economics, brought a specific and vital energy to “The Five.”

 As the primary progressive voice on the panel, her role was inherently adversarial. She was the in-house critic, the representative of the left, armed not just with talking points, but with reams of polling data and historical context.

Tarlov’s style was defined by its combative precision. She rarely shied away from a fight, often clashing directly with the show’s more dominant conservative personalities. Her supporters praised her for her fearlessness and her ability to hold her own in an environment that was often politically hostile.

She became a symbol for many liberal viewers, proving that a strong, articulate Democratic voice could command respect on the network. Her presence was a key component of the show’s “fair and balanced” branding, even as the network itself leaned conservative.

Her departure from the daily panel, therefore, is not just a personnel change; it is a removal of a specific, potent, and recognizable ideological counterweight. While the network insists she will remain a contributor, her absence from the daily roundtable creates a vacuum that will be closely watched.

The Strategic Calculus: Why Now, and Why This Change?

The decision to make this switch was undoubtedly the result of months of strategic planning. In the high-stakes world of cable news, where ratings are the ultimate currency, no move concerning the number-one show is made lightly. Several factors likely contributed to this calculus.

Evolving the Show’s Dynamic: After several years with a relatively stable lineup, producers may have felt the show’s formula was becoming predictable.

Introducing Sandra Smith, with her journalistic rather than polemical background, injects a new type of energy. Her debates may be less about partisan warfare and more about policy substance, potentially attracting viewers fatigued by constant political bickering.

 Leveraging Economic Expertise: With the U.S. economy facing significant headwinds—inflation, potential recession, market instability—having a dedicated economic expert at the table daily is a powerful asset. Smith can lead conversations on these critical issues with an authority that few other hosts on cable news can match.

This positions “The Five” as a destination not just for political opinion, but for economic clarity.

A Broader Brand Alignment: Sandra Smith embodies the tone of the Fox News daytime programming—more straight-laced, news-focused, and less opinion-driven. Her promotion could be seen as an effort to blend the high-energy, opinion-based success of prime-time with the journalistic credibility of the news division, creating a more cohesive and authoritative brand identity.

 Internal Career Development: This move also serves as a major career advancement for Smith, a loyal and highly-valued network employee. Securing a permanent chair on the network’s top show is a significant vote of confidence and helps Fox News nurture and retain top-tier talent.

V. The Immediate Fallout and Reaction

As expected, the announcement triggered an immediate and fervent response across social media platforms and in media circles.

On platforms like Twitter (X), the reaction was sharply divided. Supporters of Jessica Tarlov expressed disappointment and frustration, with many labeling the move a silencing of a respected liberal voice and a capitulation to viewers who were hostile to her presence. Hashtags like #BringBackJessica began trending among segments of the audience.

Conversely, many conservative viewers celebrated the change, praising Sandra Smith’s professionalism and expressing relief at Tarlov’s departure, whom they often criticized. Meanwhile, Smith’s supporters applauded her well-deserved promotion, highlighting her intelligence and class.

Media analysts were quick to weigh in. Brian Stelter, former CNN media correspondent and a frequent Fox News critic, noted on his podcast, “This is more than a simple swap. It’s a recalibration of the most important show on Fox News.

They are changing the ingredient list, and that will inevitably change the flavor of the entire meal.” Conversely, analysts from more conservative-leaning outlets framed it as a smart business decision, strengthening the show with a proven asset.

VI. The Road Ahead: Predictions and Implications

The long-term implications of this shift are multifaceted and will unfold over the coming months.

The New On-Air Chemistry: How will the dynamic between Jesse Watters, Greg Gutfeld, Dana Perino, Jeanine Pirro, and Sandra Smith evolve?

Smith’s calm demeanor will create a different contrast with Gutfeld’s acerbic wit and Watters’s populist fervor. Will the debates become more substantive, or will Smith be forced to adopt a more combative style? The chemistry is the show’s magic ingredient, and it has now been fundamentally altered.

The “Liberal Voice” Vacancy: While Sandra Smith is a registered Democrat, her role has not been that of a partisan advocate.

This leaves a question: who will now serve as the primary counter-argument to the conservative consensus on the panel? Will the show rely more on guest contributors, or will it allow Smith to occasionally occupy that space, albeit from a more policy-oriented perspective? The balance of the show, its very raison d’être, hangs in the balance.

Audience Retention: Will the show’s massive audience follow it into this new era? While some disgruntled viewers may tune out, the curiosity factor surrounding the new dynamic could initially boost ratings. The ultimate test will be whether the new “The Five” can retain its unique appeal while offering a fresh, compelling product.

Impact on the Cable News Wars: This move will be closely watched by competitors at CNN and MSNBC. A successful transition could further cement Fox News’s dominance. A rocky one could provide an opening for rivals to lure away disaffected viewers.

 A New Chapter Begins

The replacement of Jessica Tarlov with Sandra Smith on “The Five” is far more than a line-item in a TV guide. It is a strategic, high-stakes gamble by Fox News on the future direction of its most valuable property. It represents a bet on economic news, on journalistic polish, and on the evolving appetites of the American news consumer.

The decision underscores the perpetual motion of television—the need to evolve, refresh, and adapt. It highlights the delicate balance between maintaining a winning formula and the risk of stagnation.

As the lights come up on the next episode of “The Five,” a new conversation will begin. The table is set, the players are in place, and the entire media world will be watching to see if this shocking shake-up proves to be a masterstroke or a miscalculation. One thing is certain: the landscape of cable news just shifted, and the aftershocks will be felt for a very long time.