Sandra Smith Replaces Jeanine Pirro on The Five, Shaking Up Fox News Dynamic
In a stunning shake-up at Fox News, Sandra Smith has been named the new co-host of The Five, replacing Jeanine Pirro, who left the network to serve as interim U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., as announced by President Donald Trump on May 8, 2025. The transition, revealed during a live segment on June 1, 2025, has sent shockwaves through the network, with fans and analysts buzzing about what this means for the top-rated show’s dynamic. Greg Gutfeld, a central figure on The Five, now teams up with Smith, whose measured style contrasts with Pirro’s fiery rhetoric, promising a fresh vibe for the program.
Pirro, a Fox News mainstay since 2006, was a polarizing presence on The Five since joining in 2022, known for her staunch pro-Trump commentary and bold delivery. Her departure to a high-profile Justice Department role, following the withdrawal of Ed Martin’s nomination, was lauded by Trump but left a void in the show’s lineup. Fox News confirmed Pirro’s exit, stating, “Jeanine Pirro has been a wonderful addition to The Five over the last three years and a longtime beloved host across FOX News Media” (Fox News, May 9, 2025). A rotation of personalities filled her seat temporarily, but Sandra Smith’s permanent appointment marks a significant shift.
Smith, a seasoned Fox News anchor known for co-hosting America’s Newsroom, brings a more reserved, journalistic approach to The Five. Her May 19, 2025, X post announced her “double duty” on America’s Newsroom and The Five, hinting at her expanded role. Unlike Pirro’s combative style, Smith’s calm demeanor and focus on economic and policy analysis could temper the show’s often-heated exchanges. During the June 1 broadcast, Gutfeld welcomed Smith with his signature humor, joking, “Sandra’s here to keep us in line, but I’m still not doing my homework.” The quip set a light tone, but the underlying shift in dynamic is profound.
The Five, averaging 4.6 million viewers in Q1 2025, thrives on its diverse panel—Gutfeld, Dana Perino, Harold Ford Jr., Jessica Tarlov, and now Smith. Gutfeld’s irreverent humor and Tarlov’s liberal counterpoints often clash with Pirro’s intensity, creating a volatile mix. Smith’s inclusion may tilt the show toward a more analytical tone, potentially softening its edge. X users are divided, with some praising Smith’s “professionalism” as a “breath of fresh air,” while others lament Pirro’s absence, calling her “irreplaceable fire.” One post read, “Sandra’s great, but Jeanine brought the heat—hope Gutfeld keeps the chaos alive.”
The change comes amid broader Fox News transitions, with Pirro joining a wave of network personalities tapped for Trump’s administration, including Kash Patel and Pete Hegseth. Critics, like Sen. Adam Schiff, have questioned Pirro’s qualifications, citing her lack of recent prosecutorial experience (CBS News, May 12, 2025). Meanwhile, Smith’s elevation signals Fox’s intent to maintain The Five’s dominance while navigating a new era. Her chemistry with Gutfeld, whose What Did I Miss? show premiered on Fox Nation in May 2025, will be key to sustaining the program’s appeal.
As The Five adapts, Smith’s steady presence could redefine its dynamic, balancing Gutfeld’s unpredictability with a grounded perspective. Whether this shift boosts ratings or alienates Pirro’s loyal fans remains to be seen, but the move has undeniably rocked Fox News, setting the stage for a bold new chapter.