It happened fast — and no one saw it coming.
In a move that sent shockwaves through both conservative and mainstream media circles, Fox News announced a dramatic shakeup to its flagship roundtable show, The Five. Effective immediately, Jessica Tarlov, the show’s longtime liberal voice, is stepping away from the panel. Taking her seat will be Sandra Smith, the respected anchor of America Reports, while Johnny Joey Jones, the beloved Marine veteran and Fox contributor, is set to join as a rotating co-host.
The announcement landed like a thunderclap across social media, sparking debate, excitement, and more than a few theories about what’s really happening behind the scenes at Fox.
A Shakeup Years in the Making
Since its debut in 2011, The Five has been one of Fox News’ most successful programs — a unique blend of political debate, humor, and human moments that often feel more like a family dinner than a news broadcast. Each day at 5 p.m., the show brings together five personalities — typically four conservatives and one liberal — to hash out the day’s biggest stories.
Jessica Tarlov, known for her polished demeanor and sharp progressive takes, had been the show’s liberal counterweight for years. While fans often sparred with her opinions, even her fiercest critics acknowledged her professionalism and composure under pressure.
But according to multiple insiders, Fox executives had been looking to refresh the panel for months. “The Five is lightning in a bottle,” one insider reportedly said. “But even lightning needs a new strike sometimes. This lineup shift is about energy, balance, and broadening appeal.”
Enter Sandra Smith — a journalist with Wall Street grit and Midwestern warmth, known for her steady, factual reporting style. A Chicago native and former track athlete, Smith joined Fox in 2007 and co-anchored America Reports with John Roberts. Her transition to The Five signals a strategic pivot: Fox wants more journalistic credibility and less ideological combat.
“She’s smart, grounded, and unflappable,” said one Fox producer. “Sandra brings a tone that balances the table without derailing it. She doesn’t shout. She listens — and then lands her point.”
Enter Johnny Joey Jones — The Wildcard
If Smith represents steadiness, Johnny Joey Jones represents the spark.
A retired Marine bomb technician who lost both legs in Afghanistan, Jones has become one of Fox’s most relatable and respected contributors. His commentaries mix patriotic conviction with a no-nonsense realism that resonates deeply with viewers — especially veterans, blue-collar Americans, and everyday folks tired of “political theater.”
Known affectionately by fans as “Triple J,” Jones has filled in across multiple Fox programs, from Fox & Friends to Outnumbered. His chemistry with The Five’s core lineup — Greg Gutfeld, Jesse Watters, Dana Perino, and Judge Jeanine Pirro — has already been tested and proven during guest appearances.
Now, with a permanent rotation spot, Jones promises to inject the show with what he calls “a little grit and a lot of gratitude.”
“It’s about balance, perspective, and heart,” Jones told Fox producers after the announcement. “And maybe a little friendly fire.”
That last phrase — “friendly fire” — has already become a social media hashtag, symbolizing his fearless, good-natured approach to debate.
Why Now? Timing Is Everything
Fox News has faced a challenging media landscape in recent months. Competing outlets have shifted aggressively toward streaming platforms, and audience loyalty — even at Fox’s level — can be fickle.
Executives reportedly wanted The Five to stay fresh and unpredictable. According to sources, several factors influenced the timing:
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Viewer Dynamics: Ratings showed that segments featuring Jones consistently drew positive engagement, especially among younger male viewers and veterans.
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Tone Reset: With growing fatigue over political shouting matches, Smith’s even-keeled style could help the show reclaim a sense of thoughtful debate.
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Strategic Image: Fox aims to solidify its identity as the home for “common-sense conservatism” — and both Smith and Jones embody that ethos in very different but complementary ways.
In short: the change isn’t about who’s “out.” It’s about what’s next.
Behind the Scenes: How It Went Down
The announcement reportedly came as a surprise to much of the Fox staff — but not to those in the inner circle. Over the past few weeks, observant viewers noticed subtle hints: Tarlov’s reduced appearances, Smith’s occasional guest hosting, and Jones’ increasingly frequent chair swaps at the table.
Jessica Tarlov’s exit, according to network insiders, was amicable. She’s expected to move into a new role as a senior political analyst, appearing across Fox platforms but no longer tied to a daily debate format.
Tarlov herself released a brief statement thanking viewers and her colleagues:
“The Five has been one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences of my career. I’m proud of the conversations we’ve had — even the tough ones — and I wish the team all the best moving forward.”
Sandra Smith, meanwhile, kept it humble:
“It’s an honor to join a show that’s become part of so many Americans’ daily lives. I’ve always believed in conversation over confrontation — and that’s what makes The Five so unique.”
Johnny Joey Jones, true to form, took to X (formerly Twitter) with humor:
“Guess I better iron a few more shirts. See y’all at 5.”
Within minutes, fans flooded his feed with patriotic emojis and messages like “Finally!” and “Best move Fox has made in years.”
The Chemistry Question: Can It Work?
Every version of The Five lives or dies by one thing: chemistry.
From the playful banter between Gutfeld and Perino to the spirited sparring between Watters and Tarlov, the show thrives on personality dynamics. The new mix promises something entirely different — perhaps even a new era for the show.
Sandra Smith brings calm authority.
Johnny Joey Jones brings lived experience.
Greg Gutfeld brings the satire and edge.
Dana Perino brings grace and logic.
Judge Jeanine brings fire and passion.
Jesse Watters brings humor and provocation.
Together, this lineup could redefine The Five’s rhythm — less about “liberal vs. conservative” shouting matches, more about how Americans actually talk about the news at their dinner tables.
Industry analysts believe the show could capture a wider audience by bridging traditional journalism with the authenticity of lived experience. “It’s a risk,” one commentator noted, “but a smart one. Viewers don’t just want talking points anymore — they want heart, humility, and humor.”
The Reaction Online: Applause, Tears, and Memes
Fox fans erupted online within seconds of the news. Hashtags like #WelcomeSandra, #TripleJOnTheFive, and #FoxShakeup trended within hours.
One viral tweet summed up the mood:
“Jessica was class, but Joey brings real life to the table. And Sandra? She’s the adult in the room. This is going to be GOOD.”
Even critics acknowledged the intrigue. Media analysts from rival networks called the move “a bold reset” and “a recognition that viewers crave authenticity.”
And of course, The Five’s own fans turned the moment into a meme festival. One popular image showed Johnny Joey Jones in combat gear photoshopped into The Five set with the caption: “When politics gets messy, send in the Marine.”
What Comes Next
The first broadcast featuring the new lineup is expected to air next Monday at 5 p.m. ET, and anticipation is sky-high.
Fox News has promised “a few surprises” for the debut — including a special opening segment reportedly filmed on location at Marine Corps Base Quantico, honoring Jones’ service and symbolizing the show’s “new energy.”
Industry watchers believe this transition marks a larger shift in cable news: away from formulaic panel fights and toward personality-driven storytelling.
And perhaps that’s what The Five needed all along — a reminder that, at its best, news isn’t just about conflict. It’s about connection.
As Johnny Joey Jones put it best:
“We’re not here to win arguments. We’re here to earn respect. And maybe share a laugh or two along the way.”
Whether you tune in for the humor, the heart, or the fireworks, one thing’s for sure — 5 p.m. just got a whole lot more interesting.
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