In a move that has taken even the most seasoned media insiders by surprise, Fox News has officially named longtime anchor Sandra Smith as the newest co-host of its flagship program, The Five. The announcement comes alongside the abrupt departure of Jessica Tarlov, a liberal voice whose role on the panel has often sparked intense debate and passionate audience response.

This isn’t just a personnel change—it’s a defining moment for Fox News, and one that could reshape the tone and trajectory of one of the most-watched news programs in America.

A Quiet Bombshell Drops at Prime Time

The news was confirmed Tuesday afternoon by a short but loaded press release from Fox News headquarters in New York. There was no lengthy farewell segment for Tarlov. No send-off montage. Just a new headshot, a revised host lineup, and confirmation that Sandra Smith would begin her new role immediately.

The reaction was swift. Within hours, The Five began trending on X (formerly Twitter), with viewers on both sides of the political spectrum weighing in.

“Sandra Smith brings brains and balance,” one user tweeted.
“Tarlov gone? That liberal counterweight was essential,” another posted.

It didn’t take long for the larger conversation to begin—one that goes beyond hosts and headlines, and cuts into how cable news is evolving in 2025.

From Anchor Desk to Roundtable: Who Is Sandra Smith?

Sandra Smith isn’t new to Fox, nor to its audience. She joined the network in 2007 after stints at Bloomberg Television and financial media outlets, quickly carving out a reputation for sharp economic commentary and a cool, unflappable demeanor.

Unlike many anchors, Smith’s appeal has long spanned party lines. She doesn’t shout. She rarely leans into partisan talking points. Instead, she brings a steady voice and a methodical approach to complicated topics—from Wall Street volatility to policy infighting in Washington.

Her promotion to co-host of The Five may signal that Fox News is doubling down on credibility as much as charisma.

“Sandra’s ability to break down complex issues while keeping the discussion grounded is unmatched,” said one Fox News producer. “She’s earned her place at that table.”

Why This Move Matters: The Tarlov Factor

Jessica Tarlov had become a fixture on The Five over the past few years, known for her sharp liberal takes, fact-driven rebuttals, and frequent sparring with the likes of Greg Gutfeld and Jesse Watters.

Though she was often outnumbered politically, her presence gave the show a crucial ideological counterbalance that many viewers—left and right—came to expect.

“She didn’t just play a role. She held her own,” said political media analyst David Graham. “She was necessary friction on a panel otherwise tilted right.”

Her sudden exit raises questions. Was it a creative decision? A ratings tactic? Or simply the end of a contract? Fox hasn’t offered details, and Tarlov has yet to issue a public statement.

But her absence will be felt. And Sandra Smith’s presence will now be scrutinized through that lens: as a replacement, as a recalibration, and as a symbol of where Fox News wants to go next.

Audience Reaction: Split Down the Middle

Reactions to the change have been, unsurprisingly, divided.

Fans of Smith welcomed her with enthusiasm, praising her intelligence, poise, and long-standing presence on the network.

“She’s smart, steady, and won’t turn The Five into a shouting match,” wrote one longtime viewer on Facebook.

Others voiced concern that losing Tarlov might upset the delicate balance that made The Five unique among opinion shows.

“You can’t just swap out the liberal voice and call it fair,” one Reddit user commented. “Even if Sandra’s great, it changes the chemistry.”

The shift has sparked broader debate about how cable news should reflect political diversity—and whether the ideological balance on-screen actually matters to viewers, or if it’s all about entertainment value in the end.

Inside Fox News: A Calculated Pivot?

Some media insiders believe this shake-up reflects a larger trend inside Fox News.

As legacy networks face mounting pressure from independent platforms, podcast stars, and social-first content creators, Fox is quietly repositioning itself to remain dominant in both credibility and clickability.

Smith, with her journalistic roots and business reporting chops, represents trustworthiness. She’s less polarizing than other pundits, and her appointment may be aimed at softening the network’s tone without alienating its core audience.

“Sandra is someone who can thread the needle,” said a former Fox executive. “She appeals to moderates while still resonating with the Fox base.”

It’s a strategy that could expand the network’s reach—even as it tightens the ideological perimeter of its most-watched show.

What Happens Next on The Five?

With Smith’s arrival, producers will have to make subtle recalibrations.

Will Smith be expected to lean into the “liberal chair” role? Or will the show shift away from formal partisan dynamics and opt for more thematic balance instead of ideological debate?

That remains to be seen. But according to several sources close to production, internal discussions are underway about how to keep the format engaging without reducing Smith’s voice to a token perspective.

“She’s not there to be the ‘new liberal,’” one producer said. “She’s there because she’s respected—and she can elevate the conversation.”

How viewers respond to that elevation will likely determine whether this change proves successful.

The Broader Implications: Cable News in 2025

Sandra Smith’s new role reflects a larger transformation within cable news itself.

Audiences are savvier. The bar for trust is higher. And the appetite for nonstop confrontation is slowly giving way to a desire for clarity, depth, and maybe even civility.

Fox News isn’t abandoning its brand. But in bringing Smith to The Five, it’s signaling that a more measured tone might be part of the future.

The key challenge? Keeping the fireworks without setting the whole set on fire.

Final Thoughts: The Eyes of the Media World Are Watching

In television, chemistry is everything. It can’t be forced, scripted, or faked. And while The Five has built its reputation on controlled chaos, its long-term success depends on the delicate balance of voices at its table.

Sandra Smith brings a new dynamic—quieter, perhaps, but no less formidable.

Whether she can maintain that balance while growing the show’s influence is the question that will define her tenure.

For now, all eyes are on The Five. And the first impression is already resonating far beyond Fox’s Manhattan studio.