It happened fast — and no one saw it coming. In a move that’s sent shockwaves across cable news, Fox News has officially announced a major shakeup to its flagship panel show The Five.

Longtime liberal commentator Jessica Tarlov is out, Sandra Smith is in, and Johnny Joey Jones — the Marine veteran and rising Fox star — will join the table as part of a rotating co-host lineup. The network confirmed the change late Monday afternoon, and by Tuesday morning, the internet had already exploded with speculation, celebration, and some serious controversy.

“This is the boldest shakeup Fox has made in years,” one industry insider told Mediaite. “It’s not just about replacing a chair — it’s about redefining the energy of The Five itself.”

The End of an Era for Jessica Tarlov

For nearly seven years, Jessica Tarlov served as The Five’s resident liberal voice — the counterpoint to the conservative-heavy panel that included Greg Gutfeld, Jesse Watters, Dana Perino, and Jeanine Pirro. Known for her sharp intellect and calm composure, Tarlov earned both praise and pushback for standing her ground amid heated political exchanges.

Her departure, confirmed by Fox News through a brief statement, came with little elaboration. “We thank Jessica for her contributions and wish her continued success,” the network said. Sources close to the situation describe the split as “amicable but strategic,” hinting that Tarlov may move to another on-air project within the Fox family or a different network altogether.

Behind the scenes, several producers reportedly felt that the chemistry on The Five had grown “predictable.” Tarlov’s analytical approach, while respected, was often outshined by the more freewheeling banter and humor that have become the show’s trademark.

“She’s incredibly smart,” one former staffer said, “but The Five isn’t just about being smart — it’s about timing, humor, and chemistry. Fox wants the conversation to feel spontaneous, not scripted.”

Enter Sandra Smith: A Familiar Face With a New Role

Replacing Tarlov is Sandra Smith, a respected anchor best known for her work on America Reports and her tenure as co-host of Outnumbered. Smith, a former business correspondent with a reputation for balance and poise, represents a strategic shift — not toward another liberal voice, but toward a more journalistic, even-handed perspective.

According to Fox executives, Smith’s inclusion will “bring a fresh tone of moderation and clarity to a show built on bold debate.” Translation: fewer shouting matches, more substance.

Viewers already familiar with Smith’s style know her as someone who doesn’t need to yell to be heard. Her calm but firm questioning has earned her trust from audiences across the political spectrum.

“She’s not there to be a partisan,” one network insider said. “She’s there to reset the tone — to make sure the conversation feels more grounded without losing its spark.”

The Wild Card: Johnny Joey Jones

And then there’s Johnny Joey Jones — Fox’s breakout contributor and former Marine Staff Sergeant, known for his grit, humor, and unapologetic patriotism. Jones lost both legs in Afghanistan but built a broadcasting career on candor and connection.

Now, he’s officially part of The Five’s rotating co-host lineup, bringing what he calls “a Marine mindset” to the roundtable.

“It’s about balance, perspective, and heart,” Jones said in a statement Tuesday morning. “And maybe a little friendly fire.”

Fans lit up social media after the announcement. “Finally, someone real and grounded joining The Five!” one viewer posted on X (formerly Twitter). Another wrote, “Johnny Joey Jones is the kind of voice America needs right now — honest, funny, and fearless.”

Colleagues echoed the excitement. Greg Gutfeld reportedly told producers he’s “thrilled” about the addition, calling Jones “the kind of guy who can make you laugh and think in the same sentence.”

Inside Fox’s Strategy

The changes at The Five aren’t happening in a vacuum. The network continues to navigate a shifting cable landscape, with growing competition from online platforms and conservative rivals like Newsmax. Fox’s leadership sees The Five as its cultural anchor — not just a talk show, but a daily snapshot of America’s divided conversation.

“Every network dreams of having a show like The Five,” said media analyst Carla Bennett. “It’s unscripted chaos that somehow works — part talk radio, part sitcom, part political cage match. But keeping that chemistry alive is hard. People get tired, storylines get repetitive. This shakeup is about keeping it unpredictable.”

Fox News executives reportedly see Sandra Smith as the “steady hand,” Gutfeld as the “wild card,” and Jones as “the emotional core.” The new mix, they believe, will appeal to both long-time conservatives and younger viewers seeking authenticity.

The Internet Reacts

Predictably, reactions online have been split right down the middle. Supporters of Tarlov expressed frustration, accusing Fox of “purging its only consistent liberal voice.” Meanwhile, conservative viewers cheered the move as a “return to form” for a show they felt had leaned too far into debate theater.

A Reddit thread titled “The Five Is Back, Baby!” gathered thousands of upvotes, while a trending X hashtag — #JusticeForJessica — captured the other side’s outrage.

Still, industry watchers say the buzz — positive or negative — is exactly what Fox wanted. “Controversy drives conversation,” Bennett noted. “And conversation drives ratings.”

What Comes Next

Fox plans to debut the new Five lineup officially next week, with promotional teasers already airing during prime-time programming. Insiders say the first few episodes will focus heavily on cultural and political flashpoints — election coverage, pop culture debates, and international crises — giving Smith and Jones immediate opportunities to find their rhythm.

“The table’s changing, but the mission isn’t,” one producer said. “It’s about giving America five people who see the same world in five completely different ways — and somehow make it entertaining.”

Whether the new mix proves to be a stroke of genius or a risky overreach remains to be seen. But one thing’s certain: Fox News has everyone talking — again.