The Fall of Colbert and the Rise of Gutfeld: A Revolution in Late-Night Television

For years, late-night television was a kingdom ruled by familiar faces. The throne belonged to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert—a beacon of wit, satire, and cultural commentary. It was a nightly ritual for millions, a place where politics and punchlines danced till the stroke of midnight. Colbert’s razor-sharp tongue dissected the world’s absurdities with precision, making The Late Show an indomitable force in American late-night TV.

However, like all great empires, even Colbert’s reign was destined to end. In a move that shocked the media world, CBS announced it was pulling the plug on The Late Show. The king had fallen. The dark horse, once dismissed as a mere underdog, had ascended to the throne. Enter Gutfeld!, Fox News’ brash and unconventional late-night show hosted by Greg Gutfeld—a show that has quietly amassed an army of loyal viewers, dethroning Colbert in a dramatic, unforeseen turn of events. What happened behind the curtain? How did a show once seen as a side project become the new ruler of late-night television? And what does this seismic shift mean for the future of American television?

Colbert’s Reign: A Political Force

Stephen Colbert’s rise to late-night royalty was nothing short of legendary. Known for his razor-sharp wit and fearless political commentary, Colbert transformed The Late Show into a cultural force. His monologues weren’t just funny—they were incisive weapons that dissected the day’s news with surgical precision. During the Trump years, his ratings soared. Colbert’s humor became a form of catharsis for those frustrated with the political climate, a rallying cry for the resistance. Viewers tuned in not only for laughs but for a sense of validation, for the comfort of knowing someone understood the madness of the moment.

For a time, Colbert’s show was more than just entertainment—it was a cultural touchstone. His fearless approach to politics and the way he combined humor with serious issues resonated deeply with millions. But as the political winds shifted, the urgency that once defined his show began to fade. The laughter grew quieter. The once-vibrant atmosphere started to feel more muted, and The Late Show’s edge, once so vital, seemed to dull.

The Rise of Gutfeld!: A New Challenger Emerges

Amid this shift, Gutfeld!—Fox News’ late-night show hosted by Greg Gutfeld—began to rise. When the show was first announced, many in the industry dismissed it. After all, Fox News was known for its hard news and conservative opinions, not comedy. Gutfeld himself was better known for his panel discussions than for stand-up routines. But Gutfeld! was different. It was irreverent, unpredictable, and unafraid to mock both sides of the political aisle. The show’s humor was sharp, sometimes biting, but always fresh. It spoke to an audience that felt ignored by the mainstream, a group hungry for something new.

Gutfeld! began quietly amassing an audience, slowly chipping away at the dominance of Colbert and other late-night giants. It was the tortoise to Colbert’s hare—steady, persistent, and underestimated. Over time, the show found its rhythm, offering irreverence and populist humor that connected with viewers who felt alienated by the more intellectual, sometimes elitist tone of traditional late-night programming. In the second quarter of this year, something truly remarkable happened: Gutfeld! surpassed The Late Show in ratings, claiming the top spot in late-night television.

The news broke quietly at first, almost as a whisper. CBS, the network that had supported Colbert for nearly a decade, was ending The Late Show with little fanfare. There were no grand farewell speeches or montages of Colbert’s greatest moments—just a terse press release announcing the cancellation. The mood behind the scenes was somber, as staffers who had spent years crafting Colbert’s monologues and booking high-profile guests were suddenly left in limbo. The studio, once vibrant with laughter and creativity, now felt like a ghost town, a mausoleum to a bygone era.

The Fall of Colbert: What Happened?

So, why did CBS make the call to cancel The Late Show? Insiders point to a combination of declining ratings, changing demographics, and the rise of streaming services as key factors. However, there was also a deeper, unspoken element: the sense that Colbert’s once-urgent voice had lost its edge. The king had grown weary, and the kingdom was restless. CBS’s decision was not just about business—it was a response to the shifting landscape of American television, where new voices were beginning to emerge, hungry for change.

While Colbert’s humor had once been a balm for the weary, it had become less of a rallying cry and more of a gentle murmur. The political urgency that had once defined his show seemed to dissipate. His monologues no longer carried the same fire, and the network felt it was time to make a change. The rise of Gutfeld!, with its biting humor and populist appeal, marked the beginning of a new era in late-night programming. The king had fallen, and the insurgent had claimed the crown.

Gutfeld!: Comedy as Insurgency

Gutfeld! isn’t just a late-night show—it’s a movement. It’s a direct challenge to the status quo of late-night television, one that reflects a broader shift in American culture. Where Colbert’s humor was urbane, intellectual, and often partisan, Gutfeld’s was populist, accessible, and irreverent. He mocked the powerful, yes—but he also mocked the mockers. His show was a refuge for viewers tired of being lectured, a place where nothing was sacred, and everyone was fair game.

Gutfeld! tapped into the same energy that had propelled Donald Trump to the presidency: a sense of rebellion, defiance, and a desire to thumb one’s nose at the elites. It was comedy as insurgency, laughter as protest. Gutfeld’s show became a place for the forgotten middle class, the flyover states, and those who felt ignored by the mainstream media. For them, Gutfeld! wasn’t just a late-night show—it was a voice, a refuge, and a reminder that they were not alone.

The Changing Landscape: A Revolution in Late-Night TV

The shift from Colbert to Gutfeld! is not just about one show overtaking another. It’s a reflection of a broader cultural shift—a changing of the guard. As the media landscape evolves, so too do the voices that define it. The old order is being replaced by something edgier, faster, and more in tune with the populist sentiments sweeping the country. The rise of Gutfeld! signals the death of the old late-night guard and the birth of a new era in television—one where loyalty to the mainstream is no longer the defining trait.

With The Late Show gone, the late-night landscape is unrecognizable. Jimmy Fallon soldiers on at NBC, but his ratings have slipped. Jimmy Kimmel, once a contender, now seems adrift. The old alliances are breaking down, and new players are circling. Streaming platforms like Netflix and YouTube are snapping up talent, experimenting with new formats, and pushing the boundaries of what late-night TV can be.

The Future of Late-Night Television

As the landscape of late-night television continues to shift, one thing is certain: the throne is empty, and the game is far from over. The rise of Gutfeld! shows that in the fractured world of modern media, victory belongs to those who can command a loyal tribe, not a mass audience. Television, like all art, is a reflection of its time, and as America becomes more divided and complex, so too will its late-night offerings.

In the wake of Colbert’s departure, other networks are watching closely. They’re taking notes, plotting their own insurgencies, and preparing for the next wave of late-night programming. This new wave will be faster, edgier, and more diverse—reflecting the chaos and complexity of modern America.

For now, the rise of Gutfeld! signals the end of one era and the beginning of another. The future of late-night television is unfolding before our eyes—unpredictable, thrilling, and full of possibility. As the credits roll on Colbert’s final episodes, the lights dim in Studio 50, and a new king takes the throne. The story of late-night TV isn’t over—it’s only just begun.