New York, NY – June 10, 2025, 04:50 AM ET – In a stunning development at Fox News, The Five has undergone a sudden change with Sandra Smith stepping in to replace Jessica Tarlov, sparking rumors that the shift may be tied to interference from co-host Greg Gutfeld. The network confirmed the replacement late on June 09, leaving viewers and insiders buzzing about the reasons behind Tarlov’s exit and the dynamics behind the decision.
Tarlov, the show’s resident liberal voice since 2017, was absent from the June 09 broadcast, with Smith, a 44-year-old Fox & Friends co-anchor known for her market reporting, taking her seat alongside Gutfeld, Jesse Watters, Dana Perino, and Jeanine Pirro. A network spokesperson stated, “We’re adjusting our lineup to bring fresh perspectives to The Five, and Sandra’s experience strengthens the team.” However, the abrupt nature of the change—following Tarlov’s recent on-air clashes with Gutfeld over topics like Trump’s tariffs and Biden’s health—has fueled speculation of internal tension.
Sources suggest Gutfeld, 60, whose late-night show Gutfeld! leads in the demo with 2.5 million viewers, may have influenced the move. The two have had heated exchanges, including a May 2025 debate where Gutfeld mocked Tarlov’s crypto comments, prompting her to apologize on a podcast (Hindustan Times, May 26, 2025). Posts found on X hint at Gutfeld pushing for a shift, with some claiming he found Tarlov’s liberal stance “disruptive,” though no official evidence supports this. Tarlov, 40, has not commented, and her social media remains silent, adding to the mystery.
Smith’s debut was marked by a polished performance, discussing the 2024 election fallout, but fans on social media are divided. Some welcome her addition, with comments like “Sandra brings balance—great move!” while others lament Tarlov’s departure, noting, “Jessica’s voice was needed—Gutfeld’s ego won.” Tarlov’s absence coincides with her maternity leave for her second child in April 2025, but the permanent replacement suggests a strategic pivot, possibly to align with Fox’s conservative lean amid Trump’s second term.
Fox News has not elaborated on Gutfeld’s role, if any, but the timing—post-Tarlov’s viral May 07 tariff debate with Gutfeld (Mediaite)—raises eyebrows. As The Five remains cable’s top show, the shake-up has turned a routine lineup change into a headline-grabbing saga, with America watching to see if Gutfeld’s influence truly reshaped the table.