Fox News’ Greg Gutfeld makes late night his punch line: ‘We’re the ones now who are having fun’

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In 2025, late night television takes on a fresh vibe, with Greg Gutfeld leading the charge, one witty remark at a time. Breaking the mold and infusing his distinctive sharp-tongued approach into “Gutfeld!” on Fox News, his show consistently captivates over 3 million viewers every evening, earning it the title of the most popular show in the late night slot at 10 p.m. Eastern time / 7 p.m. Pacific time. Airing an impressive 90 minutes before Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon’s shows, Gutfeld has truly carved out a unique space for himself in the world of late night television.

As a versatile talent, Greg Gutfeld not only holds a regular role as the wild card on the popular network show “The Five,” but also hosts the recently extended reality game show “What Did I Miss?” on Fox Nation. In essence, Gutfeld isn’t merely making his presence known on the network; he is significantly altering its landscape.

Initially, Gutfeld was advancing in editorial positions at magazines such as Men’s Health, Stuff, and Maxim. Prior to his New York Times bestselling books and a memorable appearance on Jimmy Fallon’s couch, he was not yet polarizing. His career-defining moment came when he secured the late-night hosting role for his Fox News show “Red Eye,” which paved the way for his subsequent triumph.

In a world filled with seriousness, Gutfeld stands out with his lighthearted approach, and this humorous style is drawing some of the highest TV ratings. By not treating certain topics as inviolable, he’s making a statement that humor can be its own form of significance. Whether people admire him, dislike him, or are puzzled by his love for unicorns, they can’t deny that Gutfeld has transformed fun into a professional endeavor. And the best is yet to come!

How do you find out you’re No. 1 in the 10 p.m. timeslot ? Is there a cake and a massive check?

The event unfolds gradually and you’ve been keeping track of it daily, which allowed you to witness our victory. Frankly, I wasn’t too shocked by this outcome; I just felt that it required some time. I had expected it might take a couple of years, but surprisingly, it happened in just a few months instead.

For enthusiasts of the classic show “Red Eye”, the new program “Gutfeld!” brings a sense of nostalgia due to its lively and interactive panel. However, what makes it even better is that the panelists now have improved seating arrangements, adding an extra touch of comfort.

Essentially, “Gutfeld!” is an extension of “Red Eye,” catering to a wider audience. Initially, “Red Eye” targeted a specific group of people active late at night. It wasn’t intentionally cult-like; it just developed that way. Our goal was to make it accessible to everyone. Now, we have ten times the viewership and are ranked No. 1. So, I want to keep the same vibe, but without confusing the viewers. I understand that my humor on “Red Eye” could be complex at times, not deliberately so, but rather surreal and peculiar. This style might not work in prime time or late night, but our new show shares the same intrigue and unpredictability as “Red Eye.” And that’s 90% of the challenge.

It appears that a recurring element of uncertainty is present due to the occasional intensity displayed by “The Five,” although this fieriness isn’t caused by the usual suspects.

In the shows “Gutfeld!” and “The Five,” I enjoy playing pranks, as I find that I genuinely appreciate someone more when I tease them. When everyone is involved in the joking, it creates an enjoyable atmosphere and viewers feel included. On “Red Eye,” we all essentially took turns roasting each other, and on my show, we all participate in mocking one another, some more than others. Needless to say, I pick on Dana [Perino] and Jesse [Watters] on “The Five,” they return the favor with me, I target Jessica [Tarlov], and she mocks us all. Essentially, we all play our parts, and this is what makes “The Five” successful, as well as “Gutfeld!” and why “Red Eye” was so adored – it felt like being part of a group. It had a twisted sense of camaraderie, similar to the TV show “Friends.

There seems to be an atmosphere where, regardless of the conversation during filming, once the camera turns off, everyone enjoys sharing a drink together.

In essence, what I’m trying to convey is that nothing you say or do should require an apology. So, if I were to make a remark that offends you, you wouldn’t ask for an apology from me. When someone insists on an apology for a statement I find it puzzling and often ask them, “How would such an apology sound? ‘I’m sorry the jokes I made caused you distress?’ Isn’t it demeaning to offer an apology in this way! It’s as if those who demand an apology don’t recognize how incredibly condescending it is that they are asking for one.

Don’t some folks come up with their own headlines? I can just picture you building upon the ‘The King of Late Night’ joke, amping it up for an even bigger impact.

I’ve been trying to recall who initially referred to me as “the king” of late-night talk shows, and it seems that credit goes to Dave Rubin. He made this prediction during the first week of the show, stating something like, “You’re going to be the king of late night. You’re going to be No. 1.” I usually steer clear from such remarks because they can easily be used against me, but he turned out to be right! In the end, I had no choice but to include it on my book cover. Frankly, I can’t quite remember how that all transpired, but featuring it on my book cover felt audacious and a bit over-the-top, like positioning myself atop a skyscraper, a la King Kong, where I was the one swatting people down.

It seems you’re quite mischievous, don’t you think? The phrase “late night” has taken on a new meaning these days. Initially, it was fairly impartial, but now it feels as though one must take a stance before tuning in to watch a comedian make their first appearance on TV!

This version retains the original meaning while using more natural and easy-to-read language, making it sound less confrontational and more inviting for readers.

Sure thing!

You could say that it became clear who might be someone who goes to bed upset versus someone who wants to go to sleep peacefully. In any case, I always aim not to send people to bed angry or upset. Even though you might feel disappointed because Biden lost, let’s focus on the fun we’ll have together and the great time ahead! But then Trump won instead. Let’s still make the most of it and enjoy ourselves, no matter who wins or loses. I refuse to let the outcome affect our good times. I just don’t get why some late-night shows would intentionally make people feel bad. It seems like a missed opportunity, especially since many people discover us when they’re looking for something more uplifting on TV.

The channel switch certainly stirred up quite a commotion, and what’s more noteworthy is that the viewers have remained tuned in. This change seems to be quite significant.

The flip of the channel created quite a stir, and even more remarkable is that the viewers are still sticking around. This shift appears to be quite substantial.

For quite some time, they avoided acknowledging my presence, considering it a personal matter. However, I believe they eventually understood that all I did was highlight what was missing in their presentations. The opportunity to fill in the gaps was essentially handed to me, as they neglected to address many aspects of the country, leaving room for someone to step in and claim it. In essence, there was money on the table waiting to be picked up, which I took advantage of, thereby demonstrating that mainstream media no longer holds a monopoly over culture. It’s not just about late-night programming; it’s about influencing all aspects of culture. By taking over, we are making it clear that we are the new cool kids at the table and that they have been taking their audience for granted while insulting others. Now, it’s our turn to enjoy ourselves.

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Watching you on Fallon appeared to be quite entertaining. Your enthusiasm was palpable as you shared your slightly inebriated tale about meeting him. I wonder if there’s a chance he might make an appearance on “Gutfeld” some day?

I must say, it was a delightful experience! It turned out just as I hoped it would – reminiscent of late-night chat shows from yesteryears, where two individuals engage in a relaxed and entertaining dialogue. I might have rambled on a bit, but the tale about that drinking escapade simply had to be shared. You see, I’ve been recounting this story for quite some time now, and Jimmy was the last person I hadn’t told it to. So yes, we both found joy in sharing it, and it was refreshing to witness two professionals, often perceived as rivals, enjoying each other’s company without any unnecessary drama. Admittedly, I haven’t extended an invitation for him to join us yet. Our show operates differently; if you come on board, you’re committed for the entire hour. Plus, since you’ll be sharing the stage with others, it’s a larger proposition compared to making an appearance on other shows. Nevertheless, if the President could do it, well…

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2025-09-03 13:33