Greg Gutfeld Takes a Jab at CNN’s Struggling Late-Night Search: ‘They’re Already a Joke’

In a move that’s sure to ignite the rivalry between the cable news giants, Fox News host Greg Gutfeld mocked CNN for its recent attempt to find a new late-night comedy host. Gutfeld, whose own late-night show on Fox has gained substantial success, took to the airwaves to throw shade at CNN’s reported search for a comic figure to provide a satirical take on the news.

Gutfeld, host of Gutfeld!, which has gained a dedicated following and pulled in impressive ratings, suggested that CNN’s search for a comedy host was an uphill battle. “I guess they’ve finally realized that they need a comedy show of their own,” Gutfeld quipped, referencing the rising popularity of Gutfeld! among conservative audiences. His late-night show, which typically airs at 11 PM, has become a significant player in the late-night landscape, regularly drawing in millions of viewers.

The network’s reported efforts to recruit comedians like Bill Maher, Trevor Noah, and Jon Stewart, in an attempt to compete with Gutfeld! and other late-night shows, have sparked a mix of reactions. “Isn’t that the point, really?” Gutfeld asked sarcastically during a recent broadcast. “CNN was already funny, and they went ahead and ruined it.” In a tongue-in-cheek remark, he nostalgically referenced what he called the “golden age of comedy” at CNN, which he attributed to hosts like Chris Cuomo, Don Lemon, and Brian Stelter. “Those were the days, right?” he added, humorously dubbing them “The Three Stooges” of CNN’s programming.

Comedy and Truth: Gutfeld’s Bold Critique of CNN’s Strategy

But Gutfeld wasn’t just poking fun—he had a point to make. He argued that CNN’s efforts to introduce a comedy show would ultimately fail due to the network’s ideological constraints. “Good comedy comes from truth, not from ideology,” Gutfeld said, delivering a critique of the network’s perceived political leanings. He drew a comparison to late comedian Norm MacDonald, who was known for his boundary-pushing humor, particularly his jokes about O.J. Simpson during the trial.

In 1995, MacDonald famously quipped, “Well, it’s official, it’s finally official. Murder is legal in the state of California,” following Simpson’s acquittal. The joke, delivered on Saturday Night Live, was a sharp jab at the justice system. Gutfeld cited MacDonald’s style, explaining that the audience laughed not only because the joke was funny, but because it was rooted in truth—something that might have been uncomfortable for the powers that be to acknowledge.

“Norm MacDonald broke the rules because he was willing to tell the truth,” Gutfeld pointed out. “Can CNN do that? How can a network that calls moms ‘pregnant people’ produce genuine comedy? You can’t be funny if you’re stifling truth for the sake of political correctness,” he said, referencing the growing trend of woke language in media. For Gutfeld, the essence of comedy is rooted in authenticity, and he doesn’t believe CNN’s new strategy will succeed because it’s too focused on upholding a particular ideological stance.

CNN’s Struggles: Shifting Leadership and the Hunt for a New Voice

CNN’s attempts to revamp its late-night programming come amid broader changes within the network. After a tumultuous few years marked by controversies and leadership shakeups, CNN is trying to reposition itself under the leadership of Chris Licht, the network’s new CEO. Licht, who took the helm in 2022, has sought to distance the network from the overtly liberal leanings that characterized its previous years under former president Jeff Zucker.

In the aftermath of Chris Cuomo’s ousting, CNN has struggled to fill the valuable 9 PM time slot, which was once occupied by the former anchor. Cuomo, who was fired after helping his brother, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, combat a sexual harassment scandal, left behind a vacuum that the network has yet to fill. CNN’s prime-time lineup has also undergone significant changes, with hosts like Don Lemon shifting to morning coverage and progressive figures like Brian Stelter and John Harwood being shown the door.

Despite these challenges, Licht has reportedly entertained the idea of bringing former late-night host Jon Stewart back into the fold. Stewart, who helmed The Daily Show for 16 years, was a household name for his sharp, satirical take on current events. While Stewart is currently under contract with Apple TV+ for his show The Problem with Jon Stewart, his influence remains undeniable, and Licht has expressed interest in bringing him back to the late-night scene. However, Stewart’s ongoing commitment to Apple may complicate matters, leaving the possibility of his return to CNN uncertain.

Bill Maher and the Quest for a ‘No-Nonsense’ Voice

Another potential candidate in CNN’s search is comedian Bill Maher, the host of Real Time with Bill Maher on HBO. Maher, 66, has managed to maintain a loyal following despite his outspoken progressive views, offering a comedic voice that appeals to a wider audience than many of his more partisan counterparts. Maher’s brand of humor, which often critiques both sides of the political aisle, has resonated with viewers who are tired of one-sided, ideological comedy.

Maher’s program, which has aired for over 19 seasons, continues to attract millions of viewers, making him a strong contender for CNN’s late-night aspirations. In fact, reports indicate that CNN executives are already in talks to air some of Maher’s extra HBO segments on CNN’s various platforms, likely in an effort to raise viewership and attract a more diverse audience. Maher’s candid, no-nonsense approach to comedy could be just the type of voice CNN needs to revive its programming.

However, despite these promising names, Gutfeld remains skeptical about CNN’s ability to create a successful late-night comedy program. He argues that the ideological bent of the network will likely prevent any potential hosts from producing truly effective satire. “You can’t have a comedy show that appeals to everyone if you’re constantly pushing a particular agenda,” Gutfeld said, further solidifying his position that truth, not politics, is the key to great comedy.

Late-Night Ratings: Gutfeld’s Dominance and the Decline of Liberal Hosts

While CNN scrambles to find its comedic voice, the late-night ratings war continues to unfold. Gutfeld’s show has consistently outperformed liberal counterparts like The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and The Daily Show with Trevor Noah. According to the latest Nielsen ratings, Gutfeld! has averaged 2.15 million viewers, surpassing Colbert’s 1.7 million, Kimmel’s 1.1 million, and Noah’s 900,000 viewers. Gutfeld’s success is largely attributed to his ability to connect with an audience that feels underserved by the mainstream late-night circuit.

In contrast, the ratings for liberal-leaning late-night hosts have been in decline. The Daily Show’s ratings have dropped significantly since Trevor Noah took over for Jon Stewart in 2015. Under Noah, the show’s viewership has fallen from over 900,000 viewers per episode to fewer than 400,000, a far cry from Stewart’s peak ratings, which occasionally hit 2.5 million.

Similarly, the once-dominant The Late Show with Stephen Colbert has seen a steady decline in viewership. Colbert, who has been outspoken about his liberal views, has faced criticism from conservative audiences who feel alienated by his overtly political monologues. As the late-night landscape shifts, shows like Gutfeld! have carved out a space for themselves by appealing to a broader, more politically diverse audience.

The Changing Landscape of Late-Night Comedy

The ratings decline for liberal-leaning hosts isn’t just limited to the major networks. Other late-night programs, such as Full Frontal with Samantha Bee and The Late Late Show with James Corden, have also struggled to maintain viewership. Bee’s show was pulled off the air after failing to attract more than 300,000 viewers, while Corden has faced backlash for allegedly stealing material from fellow comedians. Even Late Night with Seth Meyers, once a strong contender in late-night, has seen its ratings drop significantly, with some rumors suggesting that his show may be relegated to streaming platforms like Peacock or MSNBC.

The shifting landscape of late-night television has made Gutfeld!’s success even more pronounced. Gutfeld’s rise to the top of the ratings heap has been fueled by his ability to cut through the ideological noise and deliver comedy that resonates with viewers from all political backgrounds. As the late-night space continues to evolve, it’s clear that the battle for supremacy is far from over—and for now, Gutfeld seems to be on top.