Greg Gutfeld Tops Late-Night Ratings Once Again
While names like Colbert and Kimmel tend to dominate social media and online chatter, it’s Greg Gutfeld who continues to win where it still matters most — on television. With an average of 2.8 million nightly viewers, Fox News’ Gutfeld! is once again outpacing every other late-night competitor, doing so without relying on viral clips or TikTok trends. His combination of sharp humor, political commentary, and irreverent banter has made him a ratings juggernaut — and a reminder that millions still prefer to watch live TV over scrolling for highlights.
The Old-School Winner in a Viral Age
When people think of late-night television in 2025, they imagine monologues crafted for YouTube, celebrity games designed for TikTok, and political jokes meant to go viral within minutes. Yet, amid that digital-first landscape, Gutfeld! has carved out an entirely different kind of success.
According to Nielsen’s October data, Fox News’ Gutfeld! averaged 2.825 million viewers per night, surpassing ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! and CBS’s The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (both around 2.1 million), while NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon lagged further behind with 1.2 million.
The takeaway is clear: in the traditional TV world, Greg Gutfeld reigns supreme.
Redefining the Late-Night Format
What’s striking about Gutfeld! is how different it looks from a conventional late-night show. Airing on a network known primarily for political analysis rather than comedy, it blends satire, commentary, and panel discussions instead of celebrity interviews or musical acts — and yet, the formula works.
Following Hannity and The Ingraham Angle, Gutfeld benefits from Fox’s highly loyal prime-time audience. His show feels more like The Five than The Tonight Show, but in a fragmented media era, that niche focus is exactly what gives it staying power.
Cable Viewers vs. Online Audiences
While Colbert, Kimmel, and Meyers dominate on YouTube and social media — amassing millions of views through viral clips — their traditional TV ratings have either stalled or slipped. Gutfeld, on the other hand, continues to thrive with an older, more traditional audience that tunes in live each night rather than catching highlights online.
His digital footprint exists but isn’t the driving force behind his success. Instead, Gutfeld! stands out precisely because it caters to a loyal cable audience that prefers scheduled viewing over algorithmic feeds.
Why It Works
One of the main reasons Gutfeld! has become a ratings powerhouse is its political positioning. For decades, late-night television has been dominated by liberal-leaning hosts and commentary. Gutfeld offers something different — a right-of-center comedic voice in a space that’s long leaned the other way.
That distinction, combined with Fox’s built-in audience continuity, has created a powerful advantage. Viewers who spend their evenings with Fox News commentary naturally roll into Gutfeld’s show, producing steady numbers that rival — and surpass — the broadcast networks.
The Numbers Tell the Story
Here’s how the late-night field looked in October 2025:
- Gutfeld! (Fox News): 2.825 million viewers
- 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
That’s not a narrow lead — it’s a commanding one. And what’s more, Gutfeld! achieves those numbers without relying on celebrity guests or flashy performances. The appeal lies in the show’s consistent tone, sharp takes, and loyal base.
What It Means for Late-Night TV
Gutfeld’s rise signals a broader transformation in late-night programming — a shift from viral ambitions to audience loyalty. While the networks focus on clips, segments, and algorithms, Gutfeld! doubles down on the traditional talk-meets-commentary format and reaps the rewards.
It’s also a reminder that not all viewers consume entertainment the same way. Younger audiences may stream Colbert on lunch breaks or watch Fallon’s bits on TikTok, but millions of others still tune in at 11 p.m. for live cable TV. In that world, Gutfeld stands on top.
The Politics of Comedy
Whether or not you agree with his perspective, it’s undeniable that Greg Gutfeld has built a devoted following. In a media landscape where humor and politics increasingly overlap, Gutfeld! has turned Fox News’ late slot into a destination — not by chasing clicks, but by sticking to a clear, consistent voice.
That doesn’t mean Colbert, Kimmel, or Fallon are losing relevance. They dominate digital engagement and streaming metrics. But Gutfeld! proves that in 2025, there’s still real power — and profitability — in traditional TV viewership.
The Bottom Line
Gutfeld’s continued dominance raises a timely question: what matters more in modern entertainment — going viral or being watched?
For now, the numbers speak for themselves. In an age of algorithmic fame and fleeting trends, Greg Gutfeld is winning the late-night game the old-fashioned way — by keeping millions tuned in every night.
