Fox News’ Gutfeld! Topples Colbert in Late-Night Ratings, and the Roast Is On

In what can only be described as a late-night ratings shockwave, Gutfeld! has officially dethroned The Late Show with Stephen Colbert as the king of late-night television. While Colbert has long been the go-to host for political satire on CBS, it seems that Greg Gutfeld’s unfiltered, no-holds-barred style has taken the crown—complete with a bit of teasing along the way. Fox News’ late-night sensation has not only outdrawn Colbert but has done so consistently for over a year. And trust us, Gutfeld’s victory lap isn’t one to go quietly into the night.

“Gutfeld!” host Greg Gutfeld also co-hosts the top-rated show “The Five.”

Gutfeld’s Ratings Dominance: A Definite ‘Mic Drop’ Moment

In 2025, Gutfeld! averaged 3.1 million viewers, easily outpacing The Late Show, which pulled in a relatively modest 1.9 million. Jimmy Kimmel Live! trailed at 1.5 million, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon at 1.1 million, and Late Night with Seth Meyers brought up the rear with 751,000. But it’s not just the total viewers where Gutfeld! reigns supreme — he’s also crushing it in the key demographics.

In the coveted 25-54 age group, Gutfeld! pulled 398,000 viewers, while Colbert lagged behind at 288,000. The ratings game isn’t even close, and Gutfeld’s got the numbers to back it up. Gutfeld! has also found a sweet spot with younger audiences, averaging 248,000 adults aged 18-49—once again leaving Colbert (188,000) and Kimmel (175,000) in the dust.

Gutfeld’s Victory Lap: No Mercy, No Apologies

But Gutfeld’s triumph isn’t just about the numbers; it’s about the sheer fun he’s having with Colbert’s fall from grace. When news broke of The Late Show’s cancellation, Gutfeld couldn’t resist a little roast. “Well, looks like Colbert’s show is going dark… and I’m just here to make sure it’s not for the last time in 2026,” he quipped in a segment, his signature smirk visible as he dropped the line. Gutfeld’s mix of irreverence and biting humor became the perfect recipe for late-night success, and now, he’s not just celebrating his own win — he’s gently trolling Colbert along the way.

After all, why just win when you can win with a mic drop? “I guess it’s all about who can talk the loudest, huh?” Gutfeld said while adjusting his tie, a playful jab at the former king of late-night TV.

CBS announced last week that it would cancel Stephen Colbert’s “The Late Show” next May at the end of its broadcast season.

The Cancelled Late Show and Colbert’s Mixed Bag of Farewells

With CBS citing financial pressures and a shifting media landscape as reasons for axing The Late Show, many speculate about the true motivations behind the cancellation. Some point to Colbert’s outspoken criticisms of CBS’s $16 million settlement with former President Donald Trump, while others suggest that Colbert’s divisive political style might not have sat well with higher-ups.

However, Colbert, ever the performer, delivered his resignation in true showman style. During his final segment, Colbert shared a defiant farewell: “Go f— yourself,” he said, speaking directly to Trump, who had taunted Colbert over the cancellation. While Colbert’s fans rallied behind him, the internet couldn’t help but notice Gutfeld’s victory lap in the wake of Colbert’s departure. It’s not often you see a ratings leader so publicly savored by his competitor.

Gutfeld’s Rise and What’s Next for Late Night?

So what does this mean for the future of late-night television? While CBS pulls the plug on The Late Show, Gutfeld has solidified his place as the new face of late-night commentary. The combination of political commentary, humor, and the occasional playful jab at the competition seems to be a formula that’s working. And let’s be real, Gutfeld’s roast of Colbert is only adding fuel to the fire.

As for Colbert’s next move, who knows? But if this victory by Gutfeld is any indication, Colbert may need a shovel to dig out of the hole Gutfeld! just left him in. “I guess they should have made more room for me in that late-night schedule,” Gutfeld added, joking that Colbert’s spot at 11:35 p.m. might have been better served with a little more edge and a little less politics.

Gutfeld Wins the Late-Night Crown

As Colbert’s The Late Show bids farewell to CBS, Gutfeld is here to stay, proving that in the late-night race, it’s not always about who’s been on TV the longest — it’s about who can deliver the most laughs with a punch of sharp, unapologetic humor. For Colbert, it’s the end of an era. For Gutfeld? It’s just the beginning.

In the world of late-night TV, the game has officially changed. And if Colbert needed a reminder, Gutfeld’s victory lap was more than enough to make it clear: the crown is up for grabs, and Gutfeld’s got it.