In the ever-evolving world of late-night television, a dramatic shift has taken place. The long-standing dominance of CBS’s The Late Show with Stephen Colbert has finally come to an end. CBS, once the undisputed powerhouse in late-night television, has pulled the plug on the iconic show, leaving viewers stunned and speculating about what comes next. As the dust settles on this seismic move, another show has risen from the shadows to claim the throne—Fox News’ Gutfeld!.

Once dismissed as a mere underdog, Gutfeld! has stormed past its competitors in the second quarter of 2025, unseating The Late Show as the reigning champion of late-night ratings. The show, which blends sharp political satire with biting humor, has become an unexpected contender for the late-night crown. With its unconventional approach, Gutfeld! has managed to capture the attention of audiences, positioning itself as the new frontrunner in the late-night television battle.

The End of an Era: CBS Makes a Bold Move

For years, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert has been a cornerstone of CBS’s late-night programming, consistently attracting millions of viewers with Colbert’s witty political commentary, celebrity interviews, and comedic monologues. Colbert, who took over the show in 2015, helped revitalize the format with his sharp humor and keen political insights, quickly becoming a favorite among late-night audiences.

However, in a move that shocked both fans and industry insiders, CBS has made the unprecedented decision to end The Late Show. The network’s official statement cited “changing viewer preferences” and “new directions for CBS programming” as the key reasons behind the cancellation. While the network’s explanation is vague, many speculate that the rise of Gutfeld!—a show that has gained a loyal following with its unique blend of comedy and politics—may have played a role in CBS’s decision.

For Colbert, the end of The Late Show marks a dramatic shift in his career. Despite his success, Colbert has faced increasing competition from shows like Gutfeld!, which have successfully tapped into a different segment of the late-night audience. While Colbert’s show has continued to garner critical acclaim, Gutfeld! has captured the zeitgeist with its more irreverent and unfiltered approach, appealing to a more conservative-leaning demographic.

“Gutfeld!” Surges Past, the Underdog Takes the Crown

Gutfeld!, once dismissed as a late-night experiment, has now firmly established itself as a formidable force in the ratings game. The show, hosted by Greg Gutfeld, a former political pundit turned late-night satirist, has been gaining ground steadily for the past few years. But it wasn’t until recently that the show truly surged to the top, surpassing traditional late-night giants like Colbert’s The Late Show, Jimmy Fallon’s The Tonight Show, and Jimmy Kimmel’s Jimmy Kimmel Live!.

What sets Gutfeld! apart from its competitors is its unapologetically political tone and satirical approach to current events. Unlike other late-night hosts who focus on celebrity interviews and light-hearted sketches, Gutfeld uses his platform to critique both political sides with sharp wit, often diving into topics that would typically be reserved for cable news networks. This has struck a chord with a significant portion of the American audience who feels their voices aren’t represented in mainstream media.

But it’s not just the content that’s driving the success of Gutfeld!—it’s the format. The show blends panel discussions with a comedic flair, featuring regular contributors who bring different perspectives to the table. The dynamic between Gutfeld and his panel has created a unique viewing experience, blending humor, news, and opinion in a way that feels fresh and unpredictable. As a result, Gutfeld! has become a prime destination for viewers seeking an alternative to the standard late-night talk show formula.

In the second quarter of 2025, Gutfeld! saw a dramatic increase in its viewership, claiming the top spot in late-night television. The show now consistently draws over 3 million viewers in its 11 p.m. ET time slot, surpassing both Colbert’s The Late Show and Fallon’s The Tonight Show, which have been in a ratings slump. This marks a major shift in late-night television, with Gutfeld! now positioning itself as the new king of the late-night realm.

The Future of Late-Night TV: What’s Next for the Kingdom?

As CBS bids farewell to The Late Show, the question remains: what’s next for late-night television? With Gutfeld! now leading the pack, the future of the late-night landscape looks set to shift dramatically. Will other networks follow CBS’s lead and pivot to more politically charged, satirical formats? Or will traditional late-night programming continue to thrive despite the rise of alternative voices like Gutfeld’s?

One thing is certain: the late-night TV scene will never be the same again. With Gutfeld! now at the top, the old guard of late-night shows, including The Late Show, The Tonight Show, and Jimmy Kimmel Live!, may need to reassess their approach in order to reclaim their spot in the ratings race. The battle for late-night supremacy is far from over, and the emergence of Gutfeld! as the new king of late-night television signals that the tides of change are only beginning.

As viewers continue to flock to Gutfeld! for its unfiltered approach to politics and humor, it’s clear that the show’s success is not a fluke. In fact, it’s a testament to the growing demand for a different kind of late-night television—one that blends comedy, news, and political commentary in a way that resonates with today’s audience.

With The Late Show now a thing of the past, the question is: who will rise up to challenge Gutfeld’s throne? Will it be another upstart show with a similar tone, or will the old guard reinvent themselves in order to stay relevant in the ever-evolving world of late-night television?

One thing is for sure: the game is far from over, and viewers are watching closely to see who will emerge as the true heir to the late-night crown.