While Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel dominate digital platforms like TikTok, Greg Gutfeld has quietly been pulling in the biggest TV audience. With 2.8 million viewers tuning in nightly on Fox News, Gutfeld! is outperforming major network shows without relying on viral soundbites. His mix of political humor, roundtable discussions, and an unapologetically conservative tone has made him a staple for cable viewers. The question remains: Is viral relevance overrated when millions are watching live?
Greg Gutfeld: The Left ‘can’t agree’ with common sense
While other late-night hosts chase online fame, Gutfeld! has topped the ratings by sticking to a traditional format — and it’s working.
In 2025, late-night TV is often defined by viral moments, celebrity segments optimized for YouTube, and political jokes designed to trend online. But while many hosts chase digital engagement, Greg Gutfeld is winning the late-night ratings race by embracing an old-school approach.
According to October Nielsen data, Gutfeld! averaged 2.825 million viewers nightly, outshining long-time network shows like Jimmy Kimmel Live! and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, which both averaged 2.1 million viewers, and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, which had just 1.2 million.
The numbers tell the story: In the world of traditional TV, Greg Gutfeld is the undisputed late-night king.
An Unconventional Late-Night Show
What makes Gutfeld!‘s ratings success so remarkable is that it doesn’t resemble a typical late-night talk show. Airing on Fox News — known more for political commentary than comedy — the show blends news satire, monologues, and panel-style discussions, unlike the celebrity interviews and musical performances typical of other late-night shows.
It works, though. Airing right after Hannity and The Ingraham Angle, Gutfeld! taps into Fox News’ loyal audience, offering conservative humor and sharp commentary on current events. It’s more like The Five than The Tonight Show, and that’s exactly what gives it an edge in today’s fragmented media world.
The Cable vs. Digital Divide
While late-night hosts like Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Colbert, and Seth Meyers dominate digital platforms — racking up millions of views on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram — their TV ratings have stagnated or declined. In contrast, Gutfeld! maintains a steady, older-skewing audience that still watches live on cable TV.
Although Gutfeld has a digital presence, his success is rooted in traditional television viewership, not viral content. This makes direct comparisons tricky. While Kimmel and Colbert may “win the online conversation,” when it comes to who’s actually watching live, Gutfeld! has the numbers to back it up.
Why the Format Works
One reason Gutfeld! has become a ratings powerhouse is that it offers a conservative perspective in a late-night landscape increasingly dominated by liberal voices.
With hosts like Colbert, Kimmel, Meyers, and Stewart all critiquing conservative politics and former President Donald Trump, Gutfeld fills a gap for viewers seeking a different perspective or a break from what they see as a homogenous media narrative.
Additionally, Gutfeld benefits from the consistency of Fox News’ primetime lineup. Viewers who watch opinion programming at 8, 9, and 10 p.m. often stay tuned for his show at 11, contributing to his steady ratings.
October Ratings Breakdown
Here’s how the late-night shows stacked up in October 2025 based on nightly average viewership:
Gutfeld! (Fox News): 2.825 million
Jimmy Kimmel Live! (ABC): 2.1 million
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (CBS): 2.1 million
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (NBC): 1.2 million
This isn’t just a lead — it’s a solid one. Gutfeld’s numbers aren’t inflated by big-name celebrity interviews or musical guests, proving that his success is driven by the show’s unique mix of comedy, current events, and conservative commentary.
What This Means for the Late-Night Landscape
Gutfeld’s rise signals a shift in late-night television — not just in tone, but in strategy. While network shows prioritize short-form, viral content for digital platforms, Gutfeld! embraces the talk-show-as-news-commentary format.
This shift highlights that not all audiences consume media the same way. Younger viewers might catch a Colbert monologue on YouTube or watch Fallon’s celebrity games on TikTok, but a large, influential segment still watches traditional late-night TV by tuning in at 11 p.m. on cable. And in that realm, Gutfeld is the clear leader.
The Politics of Punchlines
Whether viewers agree with his political views or not, there’s no denying that Gutfeld has connected with his audience. In a media world where late-night comedy often aligns with political discourse, Gutfeld has made his corner of Fox News a destination for political satire — without needing to chase social media buzz.
It’s not that the other hosts are doing something wrong. Colbert, Kimmel, Fallon, and others cater to a digital-first audience, with content optimized for viral engagement. But Gutfeld! proves that traditional TV success is still possible, and there’s a space for conservative voices in late-night television.
Final Thoughts: Ratings, Relevance, and What’s Next
While Gutfeld! may not always dominate trending topics online, it certainly dominates the ratings — and that distinction matters in a television industry driven by ad revenue and viewership numbers.
As late-night TV evolves, Gutfeld’s success raises a key question: Is viral reach more important than consistent, loyal viewership? For now, one thing is clear: While others chase trends, Greg Gutfeld is winning by sticking to his tried-and-true formula.
