In a stunning shake-up of late-night television, CBS has officially axed The Late Show with Stephen Colbert — marking the end of an era and signaling a major shift in what American audiences are tuning in for. Meanwhile, an unlikely contender has taken the throne: Gutfeld!, Fox News’ satirical juggernaut, has surged ahead in the ratings, becoming the most-watched late-night show of the second quarter.

Colbert’s Curtain Falls

Once the undisputed king of political humor in late-night, Stephen Colbert has been a staple of CBS’ lineup since 2015, known for his sharp monologues and progressive-leaning commentary. But recent years saw ratings plateau and eventually dip, especially among younger and independent viewers. Sources close to CBS confirmed that “The Late Show” will not return for another season, quietly ending a chapter that once defined a generation of late-night TV.

While no official reason was cited publicly, insiders point to a mix of declining viewership, rising production costs, and a changing cultural appetite. The network, it seems, is ready to pivot — and so are the viewers.

“Gutfeld!” Rises — Against All Odds

When Gutfeld! first launched on Fox News, critics dismissed it as a niche experiment — a late-night comedy show with a conservative bent, airing on a cable news network. But fast-forward to 2025, and the landscape tells a different story: Gutfeld! has not only survived — it has dominated.

According to Nielsen data, Gutfeld! led all late-night shows in the second quarter of 2025, pulling in more total viewers than traditional titans like Colbert, Fallon, and Kimmel. Its unique blend of dry wit, cultural commentary, and anti-establishment humor has tapped into a demographic long ignored by late-night television.

What’s Behind the Shift?

The fall of The Late Show and the rise of Gutfeld! reflect a broader realignment in American media. Late-night, once a bastion of liberal monologues and celebrity interviews, has been steadily losing relevance among middle America and younger audiences.

Viewers are tired of formulaic jokes, predictable political jabs, and the echo chamber effect. Gutfeld!’s rise signals a hunger for alternative voices — even in comedy. It may not appeal to everyone, but it clearly appeals to someone — and in TV ratings, someone is enough.

What’s Next for Late-Night TV?

CBS has yet to announce what will replace The Late Show, though rumors point to a total format overhaul — possibly embracing streaming-first content or rotating hosts to attract diverse audiences. Meanwhile, Fox News is celebrating a rare cultural victory, as Gutfeld! proves that being underestimated can be a secret weapon.

In a time when legacy media giants are falling and new power players are emerging from unexpected corners, one thing is clear: late-night TV will never be the same again.