Greg Gutfeld Shocks the Late-Night World: Fox News Host to Appear on The Tonight Show—Is This the End of Political Comedy on TV?

In a shocking twist that has the late-night television world buzzing, Fox News host and comedian Greg Gutfeld has announced that he will be making an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon next week, breaking boundaries between conservative commentary and mainstream entertainment. Gutfeld, known for his unapologetic criticism of left-wing figures and his nightly show Gutfeld! on Fox News, is preparing for a high-profile moment when he joins Fallon on August 7. But his announcement isn’t just about a guest appearance—it’s a bold statement on the changing landscape of late-night TV.

A Political Powerhouse Meets Late-Night TV

Gutfeld’s appearance on The Tonight Show has already stirred up strong reactions, given his reputation as a staunch critic of left-wing politics, including fellow comedians. Gutfeld made the announcement on Thursday’s The Five on Fox News, where he expressed his excitement to appear on the iconic NBC late-night show. But his comments didn’t stop there.

“I’m doing Jimmy Fallon next week — I’m psyched about it,” Gutfeld said, acknowledging Fallon’s reputation as a friendly, easy-going host. He also praised Fallon for not being afraid to take risks in the face of heavy criticism. Gutfeld pointed to Fallon’s infamous 2016 interview with then-presidential candidate Donald Trump, where Fallon tousled Trump’s hair, humanizing him at a time when many were only willing to show the divisive, political side of the future president.

“Fallon got a lot of stick for ‘humanizing’ Trump when he tousled his hair,” Gutfeld continued. “But it didn’t come from anybody but the people on the left, who wanted to teach all entertainers a lesson: that if you dare show that Trump is a human, then you’re toast.”

For Gutfeld, Fallon’s willingness to embrace a broader, less partisan approach to comedy, even in the face of harsh backlash, represents a breath of fresh air. “It’s kinda nice that he’s taken this risk,” he said, applauding Fallon for standing by his decision to keep things light-hearted, even when the political climate pushes against it.

But Gutfeld’s remarks also signal something much larger—a potential shift in the late-night landscape that could break the ideological divide that has come to define much of modern television.

Late-Night Television in Crisis: Colbert’s Firing and the Fallout

Gutfeld’s appearance on The Tonight Show comes at a time of dramatic upheaval in the late-night world. Just weeks ago, CBS announced that it was canceling The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, reportedly due to a combination of declining ratings and a lack of viewpoint diversity. This move has set the entertainment industry on edge, with many wondering if this is a harbinger of more changes to come in the late-night format. Gutfeld, known for his biting commentary on the media and its political leanings, has been vocal about what he perceives as the downfall of political humor in mainstream late-night TV.

“It could be freeing, for the few [late-night hosts] that are left, to leave the fold,” Gutfeld said in response to Colbert’s firing. “Colbert’s firing… it’s true, it is about a lack of viewpoint diversity, and the financial disaster that it caused.” The decision to cancel The Late Show was a clear indication that political commentary, especially with a strong partisan bias, was no longer paying off in the late-night world.

In Gutfeld’s view, the era of divisive, politically charged humor that has dominated late-night TV for years may be coming to an end. “You don’t have to do politics. You could be like [Johnny] Carson or [Jay] Leno. This is, after all, supposed to be fun,” he said. “You’re not supposed to send your viewers home angry, which is, I think, what these shows were doing.”

Gutfeld’s Ratings Dominance: Why He’s Winning and the Others Aren’t

What makes Gutfeld’s upcoming appearance even more intriguing is the fact that his show, Gutfeld!, has been absolutely dominating in the ratings. In 2025, Gutfeld! averaged 3.1 million viewers through July 20, outpacing The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (1.9 million viewers) and other late-night competitors like The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and Late Night with Seth Meyers.

The success of Gutfeld! comes as a direct challenge to the traditional late-night formula, which has long been dominated by liberal hosts like Colbert, Fallon, and Kimmel. Gutfeld’s rise signals a shift in the cultural climate, where conservative voices are becoming more mainstream in the late-night space. The success of his show, which blends political commentary with humor, has resonated with a large segment of viewers who feel alienated by the increasingly left-leaning tone of traditional late-night programming.

But Gutfeld’s rise also represents a challenge to the format of late-night itself. Is it possible that the future of late-night TV is not defined by political slant but by the ability to entertain and create light-hearted content that doesn’t divide the audience? Gutfeld believes so.

What Will Gutfeld’s Appearance on The Tonight Show Mean?

So, what can we expect from Gutfeld’s appearance on The Tonight Show next week? While details of his segment remain under wraps, the potential for fireworks is high. Given his reputation for unapologetically bashing left-wing ideologies and his knack for sharp, witty commentary, Gutfeld is sure to bring his unique energy to the Tonight Show stage.

Fans are curious to see how Fallon, known for his good-natured humor, will interact with the outspoken Gutfeld. Will they engage in a playful back-and-forth, or will Gutfeld push Fallon to confront some of the political biases that have come to define the late-night landscape? This meeting between two very different styles of comedy could mark the beginning of a new chapter in the late-night world, one that shifts away from divisive political rhetoric and embraces more balanced, inclusive humor.

The Bigger Picture: A New Era for Late-Night TV?

Gutfeld’s upcoming appearance could signify more than just a guest spot on The Tonight Show—it could be the beginning of a new era in late-night television. As the industry grapples with the consequences of heavy political polarization, Gutfeld’s success offers a glimpse into a future where late-night comedy doesn’t just serve a specific political agenda but appeals to a broader audience looking for humor, entertainment, and relief from the constant noise of divisive politics.

With Colbert’s departure from late-night TV and Gutfeld’s growing success, the future of political humor in late-night television is uncertain. Will the traditional networks return to a more neutral, light-hearted format, or will political commentary continue to dominate? Gutfeld’s appearance on The Tonight Show could provide the answer. It’s a pivotal moment that has the potential to reshape the landscape of late-night entertainment—and it’s one that viewers won’t want to miss.

Conclusion: The Shifting Dynamics of Late-Night TV

The landscape of late-night television is undoubtedly changing, and the drama surrounding The Tonight Show and Gutfeld! is only the beginning. With Gutfeld’s ratings dominance and his upcoming appearance on Fallon’s stage, the late-night format may be on the cusp of a major shift. No longer defined by political allegiance, the future of late-night could be driven by entertainment, humor, and a broader appeal to audiences on both sides of the aisle.

As the networks continue to navigate this uncertain terrain, the question remains: will late-night comedy remain a platform for political commentary, or will it return to its roots as a place for fun, laughter, and light-hearted entertainment? Gutfeld’s rise suggests that the latter may be the future of the genre. The upcoming Tonight Show appearance is just a glimpse of what could be a groundbreaking shift in the way we view late-night TV.