Thu Feb 20 03:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Fox News’ Greg Gutfeld: The Unlikely King of Late Night
**NEW YORK** – Greg Gutfeld, host of Fox News’ top-rated late-night show “Gutfeld!”, is defying expectations and dominating the ratings. While his rivals on other networks stick to traditional formats and largely avoid controversial topics, Gutfeld thrives on tackling hot-button issues with a sardonic, often provocative, brand of humor.
His recent monologue on Oscar-nominated actress Karla Sofía Gascón, whose past social media posts sparked outrage, exemplifies his approach. While many late-night hosts ignored the controversy, Gutfeld used Gascón’s situation to satirize Hollywood’s embrace of identity politics, arguing the industry nominated her to check a box and then swiftly condemned her for expressing unpopular opinions. His comments, including the use of Gascón’s deadname, would be considered highly offensive on other networks, yet his audience, surprisingly diverse in age and political affiliation, roars with approval.
Gutfeld’s success is attributed to several factors. His show’s panel format allows for lively debates, featuring a mix of comedians and commentators who share a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom. His refusal to shy away from controversial topics, including transgender issues, has resonated with an audience tired of what he sees as politically correct groupthink on other late-night shows. His ratings consistently outperform those of his main competitors, including “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”.
Gutfeld’s path to late-night stardom was unconventional. Fired from several magazines in the 1990s, he honed his skills at Fox News’s early morning show, “Red Eye.” He attributes his success to a willingness to take risks and not adhere to established norms. He freely critiques both Hollywood and the political establishment, including former President Trump, while remaining unapologetically himself.
While critics accuse him of using satire to normalize controversial views, Gutfeld’s rising popularity underscores a shift in the late-night landscape. His success may reflect a growing audience appetite for unfiltered commentary and a rejection of what Gutfeld sees as the overly cautious and politically driven humor of his competitors. His unique approach has not only propelled him to the top of the late-night ratings but has also redefined what it means to be a successful late-night host in the current media environment.
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