Fox News just dropped a prime-time earthquake: Sandra Smith is officially the new co-host of The Five, replacing Jessica Tarlov in a sudden move that’s already reshaping cable news…. 👇👇 👇

Fox News Shakes Up Prime-Time: Sandra Smith Replaces Jessica Tarlov as Co-Host of The Five

In a surprise move that’s sending shockwaves through the cable news world, Fox News has announced that longtime anchor Sandra Smith will officially join The Five as its new permanent co-host. Smith replaces Jessica Tarlov in a decision that was both sudden and, for many, unexpected.

The announcement came late Wednesday evening, just hours before Smith made her debut appearance in the new role. Fox News released a brief but pointed statement confirming the change, citing a “strategic decision to evolve the format of The Five and build on its dominant ratings performance.”

A New Era for The Five

Smith, who has been with Fox News since 2007 and is best known for co-anchoring America Reports, brings with her a reputation for journalistic poise, business acumen, and on-air chemistry with several of The Five’s current panelists. Her addition marks a significant shift in the show’s tone, especially as the network continues to battle for supremacy in the fiercely competitive 5 p.m. ET time slot.

“This is an exciting opportunity to join one of the most-watched shows in cable news,” Smith said in a statement. “I’ve long admired the dynamic conversations on The Five, and I look forward to bringing my voice to the table.”

What Happened to Jessica Tarlov?

Jessica Tarlov’s sudden departure from the panel left many viewers puzzled. Known for being the show’s liberal voice, Tarlov often sparred with her conservative counterparts and brought a sharp, policy-driven perspective to the roundtable. While Fox did not go into detail about her exit, insiders suggest the decision was made at the executive level and came as a surprise even to some staffers.

Tarlov will reportedly remain with the network in a different role, though it’s unclear whether that will be in a regular on-air capacity or behind the scenes.

Viewer Reactions and Industry Impact

The move has sparked strong reactions across social media. Some viewers applauded the decision, citing Smith’s professionalism and broad appeal. Others expressed disappointment, particularly fans of Tarlov who appreciated her willingness to challenge the show’s conservative consensus.

Media analysts are already dissecting the implications of this shake-up. “Fox is playing a longer game here,” said media strategist Laura Bennett. “Sandra Smith is a steady, moderate presence who can navigate tough topics without alienating core viewers. That’s valuable, especially in a presidential election cycle.”

What’s Next?

With Sandra Smith now officially in place, all eyes will be on the ratings. The Five has consistently been one of Fox News’ top performers, and the network will be closely watching to see how viewers respond to the new dynamic.

Smith joins a panel that includes Greg Gutfeld, Jesse Watters, Dana Perino, and rotating guest co-hosts. Her presence could shift the ideological balance slightly, but whether that leads to a more measured tone or sharper debate remains to be seen.