Greg Gutfeld, the sharp-tongued host who has carved out a singular space in late-night television with his blend of opinion and comedy, is staying put at Fox News Media. The network announced that Gutfeld has signed a multi-year contract extension, ensuring he will continue as host of the late-night program Gutfeld! as well as a co-host on the ratings juggernaut The Five.

The deal, whose financial terms were not disclosed, also allows Gutfeld to expand his presence across the Fox portfolio. He will occasionally host and produce original programming for the network’s subscription streaming service, Fox Nation, signaling that the company views him as not just a ratings draw but also a versatile brand asset.

From Experiment to Ratings Powerhouse

When Fox News Media launched Gutfeld! in 2021, it was something of an experiment. Slotted at 11 p.m. ET, the show was meant to challenge established broadcast competitors like Stephen Colbert on CBS, Jimmy Fallon on NBC, and Jimmy Kimmel on ABC. Many media observers were skeptical that a cable news network could compete in the crowded and comedy-driven late-night landscape.

But Gutfeld quickly defied expectations. Within a year, Gutfeld! was outpacing its broadcast rivals in total viewers and routinely topping the coveted 25-54 demographic, which advertisers prize.

According to Nielsen data, in the most recent quarter the show averaged 304,000 viewers in the 25-54 demo and 2.19 million total viewers, placing it among the top five programs in all of cable news in March. The numbers cemented Fox News’ gamble: a late-night show with a conservative edge could draw a massive, loyal audience.

The success of Gutfeld! also dovetails with the rise of The Five, Fox’s panel discussion show where Gutfeld serves as one of the co-hosts. The Five closed out the last quarter as the number one program in cable news, averaging 3.04 million total viewers — an extraordinary feat in an era when most cable programs are seeing declines.

Gutfeld’s Evolution at Fox

The contract extension marks the latest chapter in Gutfeld’s unconventional career at Fox News. Before Gutfeld!, he helmed The Greg Gutfeld Show from 2015 to 2021, a weekend program that laid the groundwork for his current format. Longtime fans also remember his earlier hosting gig on Red Eye, a quirky overnight show that became a cult hit during its run from 2007 to 2015.

Gutfeld has consistently positioned himself as a satirist of mainstream media and culture, delivering sharp one-liners that resonate with Fox’s core audience. Unlike traditional late-night hosts, who often lean left politically, Gutfeld embraces his identity as a conservative comic, a stance that differentiates him in a genre long dominated by liberal voices.

Impact on the Late-Night Landscape

The renewal of Gutfeld’s contract highlights a broader shift in the late-night space. For decades, network shows like The Tonight Show and The Late Show defined the genre with celebrity interviews, sketches, and musical performances. But as audiences fractured and political polarization deepened, late-night increasingly became a battleground for cultural commentary.

Gutfeld tapped into an underserved market: viewers who wanted humor but felt alienated by the liberal slant of most late-night programs. His show blends comedic riffs with monologues on hot-button issues, all wrapped in Fox News’ signature tone.

Media analysts note that Gutfeld!’s ratings dominance has rattled the traditional pecking order. “Greg Gutfeld has proven there’s a huge appetite for conservative-leaning comedy in late-night,” said media strategist Andrew Clark. “This isn’t just about Fox News winning the ratings game. It’s about redefining who gets to speak for America’s cultural conversation after dark.”

Fox Nation Expansion

Part of Gutfeld’s new contract includes opportunities to create and host content for Fox Nation, the subscription-based streaming platform that Fox News launched in 2018. The service already features exclusive series, documentaries, and specials from high-profile Fox personalities like Tucker Carlson (before his exit), Brian Kilmeade, and Nancy Grace.

By bringing Gutfeld into the Fox Nation lineup, the company is betting that his comedic voice and loyal fanbase can help drive subscriber growth. As more consumers shift to on-demand viewing, Fox News is clearly positioning Gutfeld as a multi-platform personality rather than a single-show host.

A Reliable Ratings Star for Fox

For Fox News Media, retaining Gutfeld ensures continuity at a time of transition in cable news. With the industry facing challenges ranging from cord-cutting to increased competition from digital outlets, dependable ratings drivers are invaluable. Gutfeld’s shows not only attract millions of viewers but also deliver consistently strong advertising revenue.

Moreover, his brand of humor has staying power. Unlike news anchors whose relevance rises and falls with election cycles, Gutfeld has built an entertainment persona that can outlast political shifts. That makes him a rare commodity in cable news: a figure who can both stir controversy and command loyalty night after night.

What’s Next for Gutfeld

While Fox has not revealed details of new projects, Gutfeld’s expanded role suggests fans can expect more experimentation. Whether that means longer-form specials, live tours, or digital-first programming, his audience will likely follow.

For Gutfeld himself, the contract extension cements his status as one of Fox News’ most valuable stars — not only as a panelist on its number-one show but also as the face of a late-night program that has rewritten the rules of the genre.

As Fox News Media CEO Suzanne Scott put it in a statement, “Greg has transformed the late-night television landscape with his unique blend of wit and insight. We are thrilled to continue this partnership and look forward to what’s ahead.”

Conclusion

In an era when traditional late-night TV struggles to stay relevant, Greg Gutfeld’s contract extension with Fox News Media underscores his position as a disruptor who has successfully reimagined the format for a new audience. By blending comedy, opinion, and political edge, he has carved out a lane that no one else in television currently occupies.

For Fox, it’s a win that secures a proven star. For Gutfeld, it’s proof that the once-unlikely idea of conservative late-night comedy has not only survived but thrived — and may be here to stay.