Greg Gutfeld Rips Into Jon Stewart: “He’s the Rotary Phone in a World of iPhones”
Fox News host mocks Stewart’s return to The Daily Show, reigniting the long-running late-night rivalry with biting jabs and cultural criticism.

In a fiery segment that’s already generating buzz, Greg Gutfeld unleashed a scathing critique of Jon Stewart, mocking the veteran satirist’s part-time return to The Daily Show and branding him a relic of a bygone era.

“Jon Stewart returning to The Daily Show once a week is like Blockbuster re-opening on Mondays only,” Gutfeld cracked during the November 6 episode of Gutfeld!. “He’s the rotary phone in a world of iPhones.”

The comment was classic Gutfeld—blunt, brash, and calibrated to hit where it stings. And it marks the latest chapter in a rivalry that pits two very different visions of political comedy against each other.

A Culture Clash That Never Ends

Stewart and Gutfeld have long represented opposing ends of the satirical spectrum.

Stewart, the liberal icon and Emmy-winning host who redefined late-night during the Bush and Obama years, recently signed a deal to remain at The Daily Show through the 2026 election cycle, albeit hosting only on Monday nights.

Gutfeld, on the other hand, has carved out his own corner of late-night by breaking from the traditional mold, blending conservative commentary with comedy on Fox News—and consistently winning the ratings race. Gutfeld! has regularly drawn over 2.5 million viewers nightly, making it the most-watched late-night show on cable.

That disparity fueled Gutfeld’s latest takedown.

“He’s Buffering in 2004”

Gutfeld argued that Stewart’s brand of satire hasn’t aged well.

“He built his name during the Bush era. Great. But guess what, Jon? It’s not 2005 anymore,” Gutfeld said. “TikTok exists. So do real problems. And reading headlines with a furrowed brow doesn’t make you relevant—it just makes you look like a civics teacher who thinks he’s still cool because he plays guitar.”

It was a jab not just at Stewart’s style, but at the earnest tone that often defines his Monday-night commentaries. Stewart’s fans appreciate the thoughtfulness and moral clarity he brings to the desk, but critics like Gutfeld see it as preachy, outdated, and overly self-important.

“Meanwhile, the rest of late-night hosts—love ’em or hate ’em—are running on high-speed WiFi,” Gutfeld added. “Stewart’s still buffering in 2004.”

The Monday Night Problem

Beyond his commentary on Stewart’s tone, Gutfeld also took issue with The Daily Show’s weekly structure—with Stewart anchoring Mondays while a rotating cast of correspondents (including Jordan Klepper, Desi Lydic, Michael Kosta, and others) handle the rest of the week.

“It’s like your grandpa still insisting on driving the car, but only on Mondays—and the rest of the week, the kids have to sit in the backseat, waiting for him to fall asleep so they can take the wheel.”

It’s a sentiment that has been echoed by some fans and critics alike. Stewart’s once-a-week presence has undeniably created an imbalance in the show’s rhythm. Mondays feel like the main event, while the rest of the week becomes something of a warm-up act—regardless of the talent on display.

“This Isn’t About Politics. It’s About Ego.”

Perhaps Gutfeld’s harshest criticism came when he suggested that Stewart’s return had less to do with national urgency and more to do with personal brand repair.

“He saw the ratings were tanking without him, swooped in like some aging rockstar doing a reunion tour—but forgot the band had moved on.”

Stewart stepped away from The Daily Show in 2015 at the peak of his influence. When he returned in 2024 to help Comedy Central revive interest in the show, many welcomed him back as a steady hand in chaotic times. But Gutfeld’s take flips that narrative—framing the comeback as more about reclaiming the spotlight than delivering insight.

And Then, the Audience

As Gutfeld’s rant wound down, he turned his attention to Stewart’s fanbase—many of whom see the Monday night episodes as a necessary counterweight to the current political climate.

“If Jon Stewart is still your hero in 2025, you’re probably still forwarding email chains and quoting The West Wing,” Gutfeld said. “Time to grow up. Or at least switch to Colbert—he’s annoying, but at least he’s awake.”

It was a line designed to poke fun at the nostalgic appeal of Stewart’s style—a brand of political comedy rooted in careful deconstruction, heavy sighs, and moral framing. It may have resonated powerfully in the 2000s, but Gutfeld argues that today’s media landscape calls for a different tone: faster, sharper, and less sentimental.

The Internet Reacts

As expected, the monologue sparked fierce debate.

Gutfeld’s fans applauded his bluntness, with some calling the segment one of his funniest in months. Others praised him for “saying what everyone’s thinking” about Stewart’s part-time role.

Stewart’s defenders fired back, arguing that thoughtful commentary still has value—especially during turbulent political times. Many pointed out that Stewart’s audience extends well beyond Comedy Central, with his monologues regularly going viral on YouTube and generating discussion across major media outlets.

Still, the split was clear: Gutfeld is speaking to a traditional TV audience—one that shows up nightly and values consistency. Stewart, by contrast, has found a home among digital-first viewers, many of whom watch clips on demand and appreciate long-form dissection over punchlines.

Two Hosts, Two Americas

At its core, the Gutfeld–Stewart clash reflects a larger divide in American media and culture.

Gutfeld delivers nightly content with a conservative edge, designed for quick laughs and sharp-tongued takes on the news of the day.

Stewart offers slower, more reflective commentary—analyzing systems, media narratives, and the consequences of political action.

One is punchy, the other pensive. One leans into irreverence, the other into responsibility.

And in a fractured media landscape, both have found their lanes.

Final Thoughts: Is Gutfeld Right?

Whether you love or loathe Jon Stewart, Gutfeld’s critiques do raise valid questions:

Can a once-a-week host still define a nightly show?

Is Stewart’s style still effective in a fast-scrolling world?

Should The Daily Show finally pass the torch to a new generation?

There’s no clear answer. But what is clear is that the culture war in late-night is far from over—and as long as Stewart remains in the chair, even just on Mondays, Greg Gutfeld will be waiting with a punchline.

And if the numbers are any indicator, both men are winning in their own way. Just don’t expect either of them to back down anytime soon.