On June 17, 2025, Fox News announced Sandra Smith as the new permanent co-host of The Five, replacing Jessica Tarlov in a move insiders call a “strategic gamble” to reshape cable news, per web:0. The unexpected reshuffle, reported by News Today 21, has ousted Tarlov, the show’s liberal voice, sending shockwaves through the network and igniting a frenzy on X. Fans are buzzing, but the question remains: who got the boot, and why?

Smith, 44, previously co-anchor of America Reports, brings her sharp journalistic edge to The Five, which averages 4.077 million viewers, per web:22. “Honored to join the table,” she posted on X, per web:0, hinting at bold discussions ahead. Tarlov, informed last week, will transition to a new role, possibly a weekend show, per web:3. Sources told Mediaite the move, driven by Fox’s desire to recalibrate for the 2026 midterms, risks alienating viewers, with @FoxFan22 tweeting, “Sandra’s great, but why ditch Jessica?”

The decision, described as “months in the making,” per web:0, reflects Fox’s aim to balance conservative appeal with broader reach, leveraging Smith’s finance background, per web:1. Critics within the network, per web:4, fear her less confrontational style may clash with The Five’s fiery dynamic, as seen with hosts Greg Gutfeld and Jesse Watters. X users, like @NewsJunkie88, posted, “This could flop big time,” while @TVLover22 cheered, “Sandra’s gonna shine!”

Tarlov’s exit, after serving as the lone progressive since 2021, follows other Fox shake-ups, like Rachel Campos-Duffy’s Fox & Friends role, per web:14. Her new role remains vague, with speculation of a solo contributor slot, per web:0. The move, part of Fox’s $2 billion media push, per web:19, aims to redefine cable news, but internal dissent suggests a risky bet, per The Hollywood Reporter.

As Smith prepares to debut, the reshuffle has sparked debate: is this a bold reinvention or a misstep? With #TheFive trending and Tarlov’s fans vocal, Fox’s gamble could either cement its dominance or fracture its audience.