Greg Gutfeld’s Impact on ‘The Tonight Show’ Ratings

Fox News Channel host Greg Gutfeld made a significant impact on NBC’s “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” with his first appearance last Thursday. The episode, filmed at the iconic Studio 6B in Rockefeller Center, attracted 1.7 million viewers, marking the highest-rated “Tonight Show” of 2025. This impressive viewership represented a 57% increase compared to the show’s year-to-date average of 1.1 million viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research.

Demographic Appeal and Online Success

Gutfeld’s appearance also resonated with the key demographic of viewers aged 25-54, attracting 294,000 individuals in this age group. This marked a 13% increase from the 2025 average for this coveted audience segment. Additionally, Gutfeld’s segment became the most-watched guest feature on “The Tonight Show’s” YouTube channel for the week, highlighting his broad appeal across different platforms.

A Memorable Encounter Revisited

During the show, Gutfeld and Fallon shared a humorous anecdote about their first meeting at an “illegal speakeasy” in Hell’s Kitchen approximately 15 years ago. The story involved a series of comedic events, including wrestling and a memorable exchange over cigarettes. This lighthearted recollection added a personal touch to the episode, engaging both the studio audience and viewers at home.

Continued Success for ‘Gutfeld!’

While Gutfeld was making waves on NBC, his own show “Gutfeld!” continued to dominate late-night television ratings. Guest-hosted by Kat Timpf during his absence, “Gutfeld!” drew 2.7 million total viewers that Thursday, maintaining its position as the most-watched late-night program across all networks.

Gutfeld’s Influence in Late-Night Television

Greg Gutfeld’s influence extends beyond his appearances on other networks. His show regularly outperforms late-night offerings from NBC, CBS, and ABC. Additionally, as a co-host of “The Five,” he contributes to one of America’s most-watched cable news programs.