In a February engulfed in controversy, Hollywood finds itself in a “Bonfire of the Vanities” moment, with Karla Sofía Gascón at its center.
The actress, the first openly transgender person nominated for an acting Oscar,
is now a divisive figure after old social media posts resurfaced, containing inflammatory remarks about George Floyd and Islam.
Despite the uproar, mainstream late-night hosts like Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel,
and Stephen Colbert have largely avoided the topic, leaving it to Greg Gutfeld to address on his Fox News show.
Gutfeld, the most-watched host in late-night television, wasted no time in lampooning the Hollywood establishment.
“Gascón’s movie got all those nominations because she ticked the box,
and now those who obediently nominated her are boxed in themselves,” he remarked, gleefully pointing out what he sees as liberal hypocrisy. His comments, particularly his deadnaming of Gascón, would likely cause a media storm if aired outside Fox News, but his audience responded with roaring laughter.
A rising star at Fox, Gutfeld has cemented himself as the network’s comedic voice, much like Bill O’Reilly once dominated political commentary. His show, “Gutfeld!,” thrives on satirizing progressive culture, and with a panel-driven format, it diverges from the traditional celebrity-centric late-night model. He enjoys positioning himself as a countercultural figure, calling out what he sees as the contradictions of Hollywood and leftist politics. “Hollywood, which pushed virtue signaling and woke-ism, now finds that it’s turning in on itself,” he quipped about the Gascón controversy.
Gutfeld’s sharp wit and contrarian takes have propelled him to the top of the ratings, even surpassing Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel, and Jimmy Fallon. His mix of political satire and cultural commentary has found an audience that feels alienated by traditional late-night comedy. In an era where many late-night hosts cater to a liberal audience, Gutfeld fills a gap for conservatives seeking humor that aligns with their views.
His appeal isn’t just ideological; it’s also stylistic. Where his competitors lean on large teams of writers, Gutfeld’s show operates with a lean staff, relying heavily on his improvisational skills. His humor is unapologetically cutting, often targeting the political correctness of his rivals. While some see him as a modern-day satirical provocateur, others argue that his brand of humor veers into mean-spirited territory.
Beyond his late-night success, Gutfeld is a key figure on “The Five,” Fox News’ popular panel show. His presence there further cements his influence, making him a unique crossover star in both political commentary and comedy. Unlike traditional news hosts, he doesn’t shy away from controversy and relishes pushing boundaries. His willingness to say what others won’t, regardless of how it’s received, is part of his appeal.
His comedic targets are varied, spanning politicians, media figures, and celebrities. Even within conservative circles, he doesn’t hold back. While he supported Donald Trump in 2024, he hasn’t hesitated to poke fun at the former president when the opportunity arises. This ability to mock both sides, while still maintaining a clear conservative perspective, has contributed to his growing audience.
Gutfeld’s critics argue that his success is more a product of Fox News’ built-in audience than genuine comedic talent. Others believe his humor is emblematic of a larger cultural shift, where audiences are seeking alternatives to mainstream entertainment. Regardless, his numbers speak for themselves. “Gutfeld!” consistently outperforms its competitors in key demographics, including younger viewers—a demographic traditionally difficult for Fox News to capture.
As late-night television evolves, Gutfeld’s rise signals a changing landscape. The era of universally beloved late-night hosts like Johnny Carson is long gone, replaced by a fragmented media environment where audiences seek content that aligns with their worldview. For conservatives who feel alienated by traditional entertainment, Gutfeld offers a voice that speaks to their frustrations while delivering sharp-edged humor.
Whether one views him as a comedic genius or a provocateur, Greg Gutfeld is undeniably reshaping the late-night scene. His success highlights the deep cultural divides in modern America, where even humor is a battleground. As long as he continues to challenge the status quo, his audience will keep tuning in, ensuring that his reign as late night’s unexpected king remains intact.
