Greg Gutfeld’s Objection to Sandra Smith’s Replacement for Jessica Tarlov Shakes Fox News

In a surprising turn of events at Fox News, Greg Gutfeld, the irreverent host of Gutfeld! and co-host of The Five, has reportedly voiced strong objections to Sandra Smith stepping in as a temporary replacement for Jessica Tarlov on the network’s popular roundtable show. The unexpected shakeup, which occurred in late May 2025, has sparked speculation and intrigue among viewers and insiders alike. Gutfeld’s uncharacteristic reaction—described by some as “strangely intense”—has left fans stunned and raised questions about the dynamics behind the scenes at The Five. What prompted Gutfeld’s objection, and why has this seemingly routine substitution caused such a stir? The story unfolds with a mix of professional tensions, personal dynamics, and the high-stakes world of cable news.

The Context: Jessica Tarlov’s Absence

Jessica Tarlov, the liberal voice on The Five, has been a key figure on the show since joining as a contributor in 2017. Known for her sharp intellect and willingness to challenge her conservative co-hosts, Tarlov has become a fan favorite, particularly among viewers who appreciate her ability to hold her own in heated debates. However, in April 2025, Tarlov took a brief leave from the show following the birth of her second child, Teddy Tarlov McKenna, on April 11, 2025. Her maternity leave, combined with occasional absences for other professional commitments, necessitated a temporary replacement on the panel.

Enter Sandra Smith, a seasoned Fox News anchor and co-host of America Reports. Smith, known for her polished delivery and business journalism background, was tapped to fill in for Tarlov during select episodes in May 2025. The decision seemed uncontroversial at first—Fox News frequently rotates guest hosts to maintain the show’s dynamic format. However, Gutfeld’s reported objection to Smith’s role has turned what should have been a routine substitution into a headline-grabbing controversy.

Gutfeld’s Objection: What Happened?

According to sources close to the production of The Five, Gutfeld expressed unease about Smith’s inclusion on the panel, though the exact nature of his objections remains partially unclear. Reports suggest that during a taping on May 28, 2025, Gutfeld was vocal about his preference for another co-host to fill Tarlov’s seat, citing concerns about the show’s chemistry and ideological balance. Insiders claim Gutfeld argued that Smith, while a capable journalist, lacked the combative spark that Tarlov brings to debates, potentially disrupting the show’s signature confrontational style.

Gutfeld’s reaction reportedly caught producers and co-hosts off guard, as he is typically known for his laid-back, humorous approach to on-air dynamics. On The Five, Gutfeld often plays the role of the court jester, using sarcasm and wit to diffuse tension or steer conversations. His strong objection to Smith’s role was described as “uncharacteristically intense” by one source, who noted that Gutfeld’s comments during a production meeting were unusually pointed. Some speculate that his reaction may stem from a desire to maintain the show’s ratings dominance, which has been bolstered by Tarlov’s ability to spar with conservative co-hosts like Gutfeld, Jesse Watters, and Dana Perino.

Why Is Gutfeld Acting So Strangely?

Gutfeld’s behavior has prompted widespread speculation about his motivations. Several factors may explain why the typically jovial host reacted so strongly to Smith’s temporary role:

Show Chemistry and Ratings Pressure: The Five has been a ratings juggernaut, consistently ranking as cable news’ most-watched program. The show’s success is attributed to its mix of passionate debates, humor, and ideological diversity. Tarlov, as the resident liberal, plays a critical role in challenging the conservative majority, creating the “tense and loud” exchanges that draw viewers. Gutfeld, who has a keen sense of the show’s formula, may have felt that Smith’s more reserved style could disrupt this dynamic, potentially impacting ratings at a time when Fox News faces increased competition.

Personal Dynamics with Tarlov: Gutfeld and Tarlov have a well-documented history of spirited on-air clashes, often laced with humor but occasionally intense. For instance, in July 2024, Tarlov pushed back against Gutfeld’s claim that Democrats were responsible for inflammatory rhetoric, leading to a heated exchange about political violence. Similarly, in March 2025, the two sparred over the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), with Tarlov challenging Gutfeld’s defense of Elon Musk’s role. These exchanges suggest a professional respect underpinned by ideological tension, which may have made Gutfeld particularly sensitive to Tarlov’s absence.

Recent Personal Changes: Gutfeld’s own life has undergone significant changes recently, which may have influenced his demeanor. In December 2024, he welcomed his first child, a daughter named Mira, with his wife Elena Moussa. The transition to fatherhood at 60, coupled with a 46-day paternity leave, has been a transformative experience for Gutfeld, who has spoken about the emotional impact of becoming a parent. Some speculate that the stress of balancing his high-profile career with new family responsibilities may have heightened his sensitivity to changes on The Five.

Behind-the-Scenes Tensions: Fox News has seen its share of internal shifts in recent years, including the departure of Jeanine Pirro from The Five in May 2025 to serve as a U.S. attorney under the Trump administration. The network’s evolving lineup, combined with Gutfeld’s growing influence as the host of Gutfeld!, which has surpassed late-night competitors like Jimmy Fallon and Stephen Colbert, may have emboldened him to assert more control over the show’s direction. His objection to Smith could reflect a desire to protect the show’s brand and his own role as a key figure at Fox News.

The Reaction: Shock and Speculation

The news of Gutfeld’s objection has stunned viewers and colleagues, who are accustomed to his irreverent, easygoing persona. Social media platforms, particularly X, have been abuzz with reactions, with some fans praising Gutfeld for standing up for the show’s dynamic, while others question whether his response was disproportionate. One X user commented, “Gutfeld’s got a point—Sandra’s great, but she’s no Jessica when it comes to throwing punches on The Five.” Another wrote, “Why’s Greg acting like this is a crisis? It’s just a temp replacement!” The polarized reactions highlight the passionate fanbase that The Five commands.

Within Fox News, the incident has reportedly caused ripples among producers, who are keen to maintain the show’s ratings dominance. Some insiders suggest that Gutfeld’s objection may prompt a reevaluation of how guest hosts are selected, with a focus on preserving the show’s combative energy. Others speculate that Tarlov’s return, expected in June 2025, will quickly diffuse the controversy, as her presence is seen as integral to the show’s success.

The Bigger Picture

The controversy surrounding Gutfeld’s objection underscores the high stakes of cable news, where on-air chemistry and viewer loyalty are paramount. The Five has thrived by blending political discourse with personality-driven debates, and any change to its formula is closely scrutinized. Sandra Smith, while a respected journalist, may not have been the ideal fit for Tarlov’s role, which requires a willingness to engage in fiery exchanges with conservative co-hosts. Gutfeld’s reaction, though surprising, reflects his investment in the show’s success and his understanding of what keeps viewers tuning in.

As Fox News navigates this unexpected drama, all eyes are on Gutfeld and how he will address the situation on air. Known for his self-deprecating humor, he may choose to downplay the incident with a quip or two, but the underlying tensions suggest that the dynamics on The Five are more complex than they appear. For now, fans await Tarlov’s return and hope that the show’s winning formula remains intact.

Conclusion

Greg Gutfeld’s objection to Sandra Smith’s temporary replacement of Jessica Tarlov on The Five has sent shockwaves through Fox News, revealing the delicate balance of personalities and ideologies that define the show. Whether driven by concerns over chemistry, ratings, or personal dynamics, Gutfeld’s uncharacteristic reaction has sparked a broader conversation about the inner workings of one of cable news’ top programs. As the dust settles, viewers are left wondering how this moment will shape the future of The Five—and whether Gutfeld’s bold stance will pay off in preserving the show’s unique appeal.