In a stunning turn of events, Greg Gutfeld, host of Gutfeld! on Fox News, has emerged as the latest challenger to Stephen Colbert’s long-running dominance in the late-night television landscape. With a surge in ratings and cultural relevance, Gutfeld’s rise signals a shift in the late-night TV scene and the beginning of a broader pushback against the “woke” culture that has become synonymous with the genre in recent years.
Gutfeld, known for his sharp wit and unapologetic conservatism, has captured a significant portion of the late-night audience, particularly among viewers who feel alienated by the political correctness and liberal-leaning jokes of mainstream late-night hosts like Colbert. His success comes at a time when there is growing dissatisfaction with the increasingly political and “woke” tone of late-night programming, and his triumph signals a major cultural shift in the entertainment world.
The Ratings Battle: Gutfeld vs. Colbert
In a surprising twist, Greg Gutfeld’s Gutfeld! has pulled ahead of Stephen Colbert’s The Late Show in key viewership demographics, marking a major victory for the Fox News host. Gutfeld’s ratings surge has been attributed to his ability to tap into a more conservative, politically engaged audience that is craving an alternative to the left-leaning narratives that dominate late-night television.
While Colbert has long been the face of late-night comedy on CBS, his style has increasingly leaned toward political commentary, often skewering conservative figures and advocating for progressive causes. This has garnered a loyal following but also alienated viewers who find Colbert’s jokes to be divisive or overly partisan.
Gutfeld, in contrast, has found a niche with his mix of humor, satire, and critique of political correctness. His brand of comedy often targets the left’s “woke” culture, making him a champion for those who feel disenfranchised by the mainstream media’s liberal bias.
The Rise of “Anti-Woke” Comedy
Gutfeld’s rise is emblematic of a broader shift in public sentiment—a desire for entertainment that pushes back against the increasingly dominant “woke” culture. In recent years, late-night TV has become increasingly politicized, with hosts like Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel frequently using their platforms to promote liberal political views and criticize conservative figures. This shift has caused some viewers to feel disconnected from what was once a space for lighthearted comedy and satire.
Greg Gutfeld’s success is seen by many as a direct response to this trend. His show blends comedy with political commentary, often challenging the prevailing “woke” ideologies that have come to dominate not just late-night TV, but also Hollywood and broader pop culture. Gutfeld’s comedic style emphasizes irreverence and humor that is not afraid to tackle controversial subjects, making him a hero for viewers who feel that traditional late-night TV has become too one-sided.
As Gutfeld continues to rise in the ratings, his brand of anti-woke comedy has gained a loyal following. His victory is seen by many as a sign that the cultural pendulum may be swinging away from the progressive dominance that has defined late-night television in recent years.
The Impact of “Woke” Culture on Late-Night TV
For years, late-night TV has been the go-to destination for political commentary wrapped in humor. However, the shift toward a more overtly progressive agenda, particularly in the wake of movements like #MeToo and Black Lives Matter, has changed the tone of the genre. While many viewers applaud late-night hosts like Colbert for taking bold stances on social justice issues, others feel that the jokes have become less about entertainment and more about political activism.
Critics argue that the rise of “woke” culture in late-night TV has created an atmosphere where jokes are more about virtue signaling than about making people laugh. The focus has shifted away from universal humor and toward divisive political commentary, leaving many viewers feeling like they are being lectured rather than entertained.
Greg Gutfeld, in contrast, has made a point of appealing to viewers who are disillusioned by this trend. His show, which features a mix of satirical commentary and irreve
