Greg Gutfeld welcomed Sandra Smith, The Five’s new co-host replacing Jessica Tarlov, with a quirky gift that lit up the studio, but it was his bold, jaw-dropping quip on the premiere that sent fans into a frenzy. What did he say to spark a viral storm, and will this duo redefine Fox News’ top show?

Fox News’ The Five launched a fiery new chapter with Sandra Smith stepping into Jessica Tarlov’s shoes, and Greg Gutfeld ensured the debut was unforgettable with a surprise gift and a comment that set social media ablaze. The August 2025 premiere, marking a major shake-up for the network’s top-rated program, saw Gutfeld’s trademark wit take center stage, igniting buzz about the show’s future. As Smith joins the panel amid a wave of changes, the question looms: Can her chemistry with Gutfeld match the show’s legendary spark, or will Tarlov’s absence leave fans longing for the past?

A Gift That Packed a Punch

The season opener was electric from the start, with Gutfeld presenting Smith with a custom leather-bound notebook embossed with “Sandra’s Playbook,” a nod to her role as the panel’s new anchor. The gift, handed over with a mischievous grin, drew gasps and applause from the live audience. But it was Gutfeld’s bombshell remark that stole the headlines: “Sandra, this notebook’s for your brilliant ideas, but don’t think you’re taming this circus—I’m still the ringmaster!” The quip, laced with his signature cheek, hinted at a wild new dynamic, sending X into overdrive with hashtags like #GutfeldUnleashed trending within hours. Fans debated whether it was a playful jab or a bold challenge for Smith to shine.

The gesture and comment were more than showmanship—they signaled a shift in The Five’s tone. Smith, a Fox News veteran known for her sharp delivery on America’s Newsroom, brings a polished yet assertive style, contrasting Tarlov’s fiery liberal voice. Gutfeld’s words suggested he’s ready to push the boundaries, testing Smith’s ability to match his unpredictable energy. With 4.6 million viewers tuning in for the premiere, the stakes are sky-high for this new era.

A Revamped The Five Takes Shape

Tarlov’s exit, reportedly fueled by on-air clashes with Gutfeld, followed Jeanine Pirro’s departure for a Trump administration role in May 2025, necessitating a major overhaul. Smith’s arrival, alongside rotating co-hosts like Emily Compagno and Harold Ford Jr., aims to refresh the panel while preserving its dominance as cable’s most-watched show. Gutfeld, a cornerstone since 2011, has driven The Five’s success with his blend of humor and biting commentary. His gift to Smith symbolized her integration, but his quip hinted at a desire to keep the show’s chaotic edge.

Smith proved her mettle in the debut, sparring with Gutfeld, Dana Perino, and Jesse Watters while offering fresh economic insights from her business reporting background. The viral moment came when Gutfeld doubled down, joking, “Sandra’s here to keep us grounded, but I’m keeping the fireworks!” The line, amplified by 500,000 likes on X, fueled speculation about how the new lineup will balance sharp debate with Gutfeld’s irreverence. Will Smith’s calm authority complement or clash with his unpredictability?

A High-Stakes Gamble

The revamp has polarized fans. Some celebrate Smith’s poise, with one X user calling her “a perfect foil for Gutfeld’s chaos,” while others miss Tarlov’s liberal spark, lamenting, “No one challenges Greg like Jessica did.” Gutfeld’s gift and bold remark have heightened excitement, but they also put pressure on Smith to carve her niche among the show’s outsized personalities. Like Arne Slot’s bold moves at Liverpool, The Five’s shake-up is a calculated risk, trading familiarity for a fresh dynamic.

As The Five charts this new path, questions swirl: Can Smith and Gutfeld’s chemistry rival the show’s golden era? Will Gutfeld’s provocative style propel ratings or spark backlash? With the premiere’s viral buzz, the stage is set for a thrilling chapter, but only time will tell if this gamble pays off. What’s your take on the new The Five?