Fox News host Greg Gutfeld has sparked heated debate after openly praising The Tonight Show’s Jimmy Fallon while taking a pointed jab at another late-night talk show host, Stephen Colbert. In his Friday, August 3 segment of Gutfeld!, the 60-year-old Fox anchor made a controversial comparison between the two hosts, drawing attention to the growing divide in the late-night TV landscape.

Praise for Jimmy Fallon

During the segment, Gutfeld discussed his upcoming appearance on Fallon’s show and took the opportunity to praise the NBC late-night host. Gutfeld described Fallon as “a great, genuine guy who wants to make people laugh instead of putting them to bed angrier than The View at a salad bar,” referring to the liberal-leaning tone of some of Fallon’s competitors in the late-night space.

Gutfeld’s praise continued as he reminisced about Fallon’s controversial 2016 interview with then-candidate Donald Trump. Fallon faced significant backlash from the media after he was seen “messing up Trump’s hair,” which critics argued humanized the candidate during the highly charged presidential election season. Gutfeld, however, defended Fallon’s approach, saying, “Jimmy did something different. He had fun, which is criminal to the liberal hive mind.”

“It was a risky move, but Fallon was eviscerated by the media as an example that if you dare humanize Trump, we’ll dehumanize you,” Gutfeld added, referencing the media’s reaction to the moment. He praised Fallon’s bravery, noting that the host “wasn’t afraid of upsetting his peers,” all while keeping the spirit of comedy alive.

Gutfeld also stated that Fallon’s willingness to have fun with his guests, even when their politics differ, makes him stand out. “Maybe we can have fun with each other, even if politically we’re different,” Gutfeld concluded, suggesting that late-night television might be moving toward a more playful, less divisive future.

A SLAM at Stephen Colbert

The contrast between Gutfeld’s praise for Fallon and his criticism of Stephen Colbert was unmistakable. Gutfeld took a direct shot at Colbert, who has become one of the most politically vocal late-night hosts. This criticism came just after Colbert’s show, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, was unexpectedly canceled.

Gutfeld didn’t hold back, remarking that while Fallon invited him on his show, Colbert would never “sit with me,” implying that Colbert was unwilling to engage with different viewpoints or take risks in his comedy. “Jimmy sitting with me proves he’s not afraid of upsetting his peers or afraid of my mesmerizing charm,” Gutfeld quipped.

The Fox host’s remarks were particularly pointed given the rumors surrounding the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Speculation has suggested that Colbert’s outspoken criticism of President Trump and a controversial comment about Paramount might have contributed to the show’s abrupt end.

Colbert had publicly criticized Paramount’s $16 million settlement over a lawsuit filed by Trump regarding an interview with Kamala Harris aired by 60 Minutes. Colbert described the settlement as a “big, fat bribe,” a comment that reportedly angered many within the network, especially given the political landscape surrounding the 2024 election.

A Divided Late-Night Landscape

Gutfeld’s remarks about Fallon and Colbert come at a time when late-night television is increasingly divided along political lines. Many of the most popular late-night hosts, like Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel, have embraced a more politically charged, liberal-leaning tone, especially in the wake of Trump’s presidency. These hosts often use their platforms to voice their opinions on political issues, and their shows have become a space for progressive commentary.

In contrast, Greg Gutfeld’s show, Gutfeld!, takes a more conservative approach, often mocking mainstream media, liberal politics, and the political establishment. Gutfeld’s show, which combines political commentary with humor, has grown in popularity, particularly among conservative viewers. His critical stance on Colbert, a well-known liberal figure, underscores the deepening cultural and political divide between the two camps.

As for Jimmy Fallon, his show has been a subject of both praise and criticism. While some lauded him for maintaining a lighthearted and humorous tone, others argued that he was too willing to cater to the whims of the political establishment. His handling of Trump in 2016 is still a point of contention for many, but Gutfeld’s praise suggests that Fallon’s willingness to step outside the ideological echo chambers of late-night TV is something to be admired.

Reactions to Gutfeld’s Remarks

Gutfeld’s comments about Colbert and Fallon have ignited a storm of reactions online. On social media, some have applauded Gutfeld for being brave enough to criticize Colbert while defending Fallon, with many praising his decision to stand out in the crowded late-night space. Others, however, have criticized Gutfeld for using Fallon’s friendship as a way to further his political agenda, with some calling it a “cheap shot” against Colbert.

It’s clear that the late-night TV world is shifting, with some viewers embracing the idea of a more balanced, less political approach to comedy, while others are firmly rooting for their favorite hosts and their ideological stances. The battle for late-night supremacy is far from over, and Gutfeld’s comments have only added fuel to the fire.

The Future of Late-Night TV

As Gutfeld’s influence continues to rise and the political landscape in America shifts, it will be interesting to see how late-night television evolves. Will more hosts follow Fallon’s lead and embrace a more neutral, fun-loving style? Or will shows like The Late Show with Stephen Colbert continue to dominate with their biting political commentary?

One thing is certain: the late-night television wars are far from over. With Gutfeld’s remarks about Fallon and Colbert, the stage is set for further clashes and possibly a redefinition of what late-night television can and should be in this politically charged era.

As Gutfeld himself said, “It’s the biggest crossover since the Harlem Globetrotters visited The Golden Girls.” Whether you agree or disagree with his political views, it’s clear that his appearance on Fallon’s show will be one for the books.