Gutfeld! Talks Comedy On NPR

Greg Gutfeld, the host of Fox News' late-night show Gutfeld!, discussed his comedy philosophy Saturday in an interview with NPR's Scott Simon. Known for his sharp, irreverent style, Gutfeld has carved out a unique space in late-night television, blending political satire with a conservative perspective. His show, which airs at 10:00 P.M. ET, has gained significant traction, often outperforming traditional late-night giants like Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel, and Jimmy Fallon in viewership.

In the interview, Gutfeld addressed his approach to comedy, particularly his tendency to "punch left" rather than "punch up" at powerful figures, as is often expected in traditional comedy circles. When Simon questioned this choice, suggesting it avoids targeting those in power, Gutfeld countered that he sees the media—specifically the left-leaning, dominant voices in journalism and entertainment—as the true wielders of cultural power. He argued that these entities, which he claims are "95% left-wing," have controlled the narrative for years, making them his primary target. "I'm interested in the people that manipulate the narrative," he said, dismissing politicians as "interchangeable" and less influential than the media.

Here I explain my show to NPR. Did it matter? https://t.co/2ZdRvLLaIu

— GregGutfeld (@greggutfeld) March 8, 2025

Gutfeld’s philosophy rejects the conventional setup-punchline structure of late-night comedy, favoring a conversational style that tackles "real stuff" over polished jokes. He positions his show as an alternative to what he sees as a stagnant, predictable format upheld by his competitors. This approach, paired with a live audience and a rotating cast of conservative comics and commentators, has resonated with viewers, making Gutfeld! a standout in Fox’s lineup.

He also touched on broader themes, like his disdain for identity politics, which he views as a "terrible thing to lead with." Gutfeld emphasized individuality over group characteristics, suggesting that shared experiences across diverse identities are more meaningful than divisive labels—a stance that aligns with his broader critique of progressive cultural trends.

The discussion wasn’t without tension. Simon noted labels applied to Gutfeld’s comedy, such as "insult conservatism" or "provocative," hinting at its polarizing nature. Gutfeld leaned into this, playfully jabbing at NPR’s audience as "kale-sniffing vegetarians" while admitting he likes kale himself. His comments reflect a self-awareness of his outsider status in the predominantly liberal comedy world, a position he relishes as he challenges its norms.

WATCH: Greg's latest monologue on left-wing media failures. pic.twitter.com/QAIN1wORqK

— Gutfeld! (@Gutfeldfox) February 20, 2025

This interview underscores Gutfeld’s rise as a key figure in late-night TV, where his unapologetic "punching left" and rejection of traditional comedy conventions have fueled both his success and his controversy.