Fox News viewers were caught off guard this week when the network announced that Sandra Smith would step into a permanent co-host role on The Five, pairing her directly with Greg Gutfeld. The move marks one of the most significant format adjustments in the popular panel show’s recent history — and has triggered a wave of speculation about where Fox is taking its daytime programming.

A Surprise Announcement

For more than a decade, The Five has thrived on its rotating panel format: five distinct personalities weighing in on the day’s news, clashing and agreeing in equal measure. But in a live segment that felt more like breaking news than a routine introduction, Fox revealed that Gutfeld — long the show’s irreverent anchor of comedic commentary — would now share co-hosting duties full-time with Sandra Smith.

The pairing of Gutfeld’s quick wit and sharp sarcasm with Smith’s calm, fact-driven delivery immediately sent viewers to social media with questions: Why the change? Who’s being replaced? And will the show’s famously combustible chemistry survive the shake-up?

Why Sandra Smith?

Smith is hardly a newcomer to Fox News audiences. Since joining the network in 2007, she has built a reputation for clear, poised political analysis. Viewers know her from America’s Newsroom, Outnumbered, and election-night coverage, where she’s anchored everything from breaking market news to contentious political debates.

“She’s unflappable,” says a former Fox producer. “Even in the most heated moments, she stays composed. Pairing her with Gutfeld gives the show balance.”

That balance appears to be the goal. By combining Smith’s measured approach with Gutfeld’s more unpredictable, comedic style, Fox is betting on a dynamic that appeals to both core conservative viewers and a younger, entertainment-driven audience.

The Strategic Play

While the network hasn’t released an official explanation, industry analysts say the shift reflects Fox News’ larger strategy: keeping The Five fresh in a cable news landscape where audience habits are shifting.

Cable ratings have been volatile across all networks as younger viewers drift toward streaming and social-first news. A Gutfeld–Smith co-anchor setup could give The Five a distinctive two-pillar structure while keeping the rest of the panel rotation intact.

“It’s about brand stability and experimentation at the same time,” says media analyst Karen DeWitt. “They’re holding onto what works — Gutfeld’s humor, the multi-voice panel — while giving audiences something new to tune in for.”

What It Means for Gutfeld

Greg Gutfeld remains one of Fox’s biggest draws. His late-night program Gutfeld! regularly competes with — and often beats — network competitors in its time slot. Moving him into a more formalized daytime co-anchor role suggests Fox sees him as a cross-format anchor capable of drawing audiences across multiple time blocks.

For Gutfeld, the challenge will be modulating his late-night edginess to mesh with Smith’s journalistic tone — without losing the off-kilter humor that makes his fans tune in.

The Chemistry Question

Much of The Five’s appeal lies in the push-and-pull between personalities. Early reaction to Smith’s debut alongside Gutfeld has been mostly positive, with fans praising the fresh interplay:

“Greg cracks the jokes, Sandra brings the facts — I’m here for it,” one viewer wrote on X.

Others are reserving judgment:

“I’ve loved the same lineup for years. Change can be good, but I hope they don’t lose the spark,” said another longtime viewer.

Whether their dynamic can sustain the show’s fast-paced, often combative style will be the true test in the months ahead.

Part of a Bigger Revamp

Smith’s move is not an isolated event. Fox has been experimenting with talent pairings across its schedule, swapping anchors between dayparts, and integrating personalities with crossover appeal. The aim: stay dominant in ratings while expanding reach beyond its core demographic.

Gutfeld’s humor appeals to viewers who don’t normally watch cable news. Smith’s professionalism reassures more traditional news consumers. Together, they could broaden The Five’s appeal without alienating its loyal base.

Sandra Smith’s Rising Profile

This co-host role cements Smith’s position as one of Fox’s top-tier political voices. Her calm authority and ability to navigate contentious topics make her an asset in a format that thrives on differing viewpoints. Expect her to play a more prominent role in shaping the show’s tone, especially on days when political news dominates the headlines.

“She’s always been a trusted presence for viewers,” says media strategist Allen Hughes. “This gives her an even bigger platform to define conversations.”

Looking Ahead

In the short term, the biggest impact will be viewer curiosity. Expect a bump in ratings as audiences tune in to see how Smith and Gutfeld gel. Over time, the network will be watching engagement numbers closely to see if the change attracts — and keeps — new viewers.

If the pairing works, it could signal more permanent anchor duos on shows that have historically relied on rotating panels. If it doesn’t, Fox has shown it’s not afraid to tweak lineups quickly.

Bottom line: This isn’t just a personnel change — it’s a strategic gamble by Fox News. By pairing Sandra Smith’s gravitas with Greg Gutfeld’s unpredictability, The Five could either enter a new era of ratings dominance or risk upsetting a formula that’s worked for years.

Either way, it guarantees one thing: for the foreseeable future, all eyes will be on that 5 p.m. panel.