Greg Gutfeld on Jimmy Fallon: The Complete Story Behind Late Night's Most Discussed Interview

A recent edition of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon reunited two unexpected late-night television figures: host Jimmy Fallon and Fox News commentator Greg Gutfeld. This unexpected reunion, punctuated by a startling hug, rapidly became a hot topic. It sparked discussions about late-night television, its audience, and the shifting manner in which different media figures interact.

The Unexpected Crossover: Greg Gutfeld Makes His Tonight Show Debut

Greg Gutfeld appeared on Jimmy Fallon's NBC late-night show for the first time on a Thursday. Gutfeld, who has hosted his own show, Gutfeld!, on Fox News since 2015, took to a different kind of platform. The episode began with a warm hug between the two hosts, which set an unexpectedly amicable tone for the conversation.

Gutfeld's rise to late-night prominence

Greg Gutfeld built out a distinct niche in late-night TV. His humorous technique frequently combines satire with conservative political commentary, distinguishing him from many other late-night hosts. Before his present success at Fox News, Gutfeld indicated a career path that includes being "fired a lot." He sees these setbacks as opportunities for greater success. His mother even worked for him as a "senior correspondent" on his previous show Red Eye, watching Fox News during the day and reporting back on occurrences.

A Look Back at Fallon and Gutfeld's First Meeting

Part of the interview focused on the hosts' first encounter, which Gutfeld said occurred roughly 15 years ago. He reported meeting Fallon at a friend's "illegal speakeasy" in Hell's Kitchen. Gutfeld said they were both "wasted" at the time. He described Fallon tackling him "like a giant golden retriever" upon their introduction. Fallon recognized the memories, contributing to the cheerful tone of their conversation.

Managing Controversy: The 'Softball' Interview Debate.

Some viewers criticized the interview, claiming Fallon used a "softball" approach and avoided tougher political topics. This reaction was particularly significant given Gutfeld's previous contentious utterances. Critics criticized Fallon's largely apolitical interview manner, citing his pleasant meeting with Donald Trump prior to the 2016 election, in which Fallon memorably ruffled Trump's hair.

Is Fallon's interview style a strategic choice?

Jimmy Fallon's interview style has traditionally prioritized amusement over controversy. This method could be a deliberate decision for The Tonight Show. It may try for a wider audience appeal by avoiding polarizing political topics. Network pressures or a desire to preserve a generally good culture may also play a role. This style permits cross-ideological interactions, even if they remain on the surface.

The Late Night Ratings War: Where Does Gutfeld Stand?

The performance also emphasized the ongoing rivalry for late-night television ratings. Gutfeld!, although appearing on cable and frequently at an earlier time slot (10/9c), has regularly dominated in ratings. In the second quarter of 2025, Gutfeld! had an average of 3.289 million viewers. This compared to The Late Show (2.417 million), Jimmy Kimmel Live! (1.772 million), and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (1.188 million). This data establishes Gutfeld! as a key player in the late-night landscape.

Colbert's Cancellation and Trump's Response

Gutfeld's participation on Fallon's show came shortly after news leaked that Stephen Colbert's The Late Show, which was scheduled to air in May 2026, had been cancelled. While CBS stated financial reasons, speculation developed that the decision was linked to Colbert's criticism of Paramount's settlement with Donald Trump, particularly since Paramount's proposed merger requires Trump administration clearance. Donald Trump gloated over Colbert's dismissal and publicly predicted Fallon and Kimmel would be next, claiming, "Fallon has no talent." Kimmel has no talent. They're up next. They are going to go. I hear they'll be going. "I don't know, but I would imagine that Colbert has higher ratings than Kimmel or Fallon."

Fan Responses: Praise, Criticism, and Political Undercurrents

The reactions to Gutfeld's appearance on The Tonight Show were starkly split. Some viewers interpreted Fallon's remarks as "groveling" to a specific media machine, particularly in light of Trump's comments.

Fallon notices the writing on the wall. Does not want to go the way of Colbert.

Another user on X voiced severe disapproval:

Greg Gutfeld appeared on Jimmy Fallon tonight, in a pitiful display of desperation groveling to the MAGA media machine.

Others applauded Fallon for facilitating cross-ideological dialogue.

Must show respect for having Gutfeld as a guest. One of the most effective methods to reconcile the country is for the cultural left and right to collaborate.

A responder mirrored this view, expressing admiration for Fallon's decision.

I'm rooting for the late-night monarch, Gutfeld, but Jimmy has my respect.

Gutfeld's New Venture: What Did I Miss?

Gutfeld spoke on The Tonight program to promote his new Fox Nation quiz program, What Did I Miss?. The show comprises contestants who have been secluded for 90 days and are subsequently tested on whether recent news stories are true or false. During the conversation, Gutfeld made a remark regarding the complexity of the game when it comes to some politicians.

You cannot tell with Trump.

Beyond the Interview: Implications for Late Night Television

Gutfeld's presence on The Tonight Show is more than just a guest slot. It points to a potential shift in late-night television, in which hosts may increasingly welcome personalities from across the political spectrum. This could be a strategy to broaden appeal or respond to shifting media consumption habits. The interaction also calls into question late-night hosts' responsibilities when dealing with contentious guests, balancing entertaining and substantial discussion.

The Future of Cross-ideological Media Appearances

The Gutfeld-Fallon conversation may create a precedent for future cross-ideological media exchanges. As the media landscape continues to fracture and people seek other perspectives, such appearances may become more prevalent. This could influence Fallon's future guest selection, potentially resulting in more diverse viewpoints on his show. It also allows Gutfeld to come on other mainstream shows, and other late-night hosts to interact with personalities from various media circles. This trend may encourage more communication, even if it stays mostly amicable, amongst parts of the community who rarely contact via media.

Our Take

The meeting between Greg Gutfeld and Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show was more than simply a viral moment. It was a strong indication of the changing dynamics in late-night television and the larger media landscape. Fallon's decision to host Gutfeld, especially in light of the recent events involving Stephen Colbert and Donald Trump's statements, can be interpreted as an attempt to adjust to a changing environment. While the interview itself was light, the fact that it happened tells much about the challenges and opportunities that late-night hosts face today. Whether this heralds a new era of more diversified, albeit milder, political engagement on these shows remains to be seen. But it did generate a discourse, which late-night television rarely does.