Greg Gutfeld, the sharp-tongued host of Fox News’ Gutfeld!, has silenced rumors of departure by signing a multi-year contract extension on April 10, 2025, cementing his place as a network cornerstone. The announcement, made amid surging ratings, comes with a twist: the show’s recent boost is partly credited to co-host Kat Timpf’s bold revamp, which has injected fresh energy into the late-night hit. With Gutfeld defiantly declaring, “No way I’m leaving,” the deal underscores his unshakable grip on Fox’s audience. What’s driving this triumph, and how has Timpf’s influence reshaped the show?
At 60, Gutfeld has transformed Gutfeld! into a ratings juggernaut, averaging 6.2 million viewers in Q1 2025, outpacing CBS’s Late Show and NBC’s Tonight Show. The program, blending biting humor with conservative commentary, thrives in a polarized media landscape. Fox CEO Suzanne Scott praised Gutfeld’s “unique voice,” noting his deal—rumored at $10 million annually—reflects his value. “Greg’s our guy,” she said, quashing speculation he’d jump to Newsmax or Rumble after past contract talks surfaced online.
Timpf’s impact is the X factor. The 36-year-old libertarian, a Gutfeld! regular since 2015, pushed for changes in 2024, including sharper guest lineups and viral segments like “Kat’s Culture Corner,” dissecting pop trends with wit. Her tweaks—less preaching, more punchlines—have drawn younger viewers, with 18-34 demographics up 15%, per Nielsen. Timpf’s chemistry with Gutfeld, often roasting each other on-air, has fueled X buzz, with #GutfeldGang clips racking up 50 million views monthly. “Kat’s a genius—she keeps me honest,” Gutfeld told Variety, crediting her for softening his edges without dulling the show’s bite.
The timing is no coincidence. Fox News, navigating a post-Trump media shift, leans on Gutfeld to counter liberal late-night giants like Jimmy Kimmel. His format—mocking “woke” excesses while sparring with guests like Dana Perino or Tyrus—resonates with Middle America, especially after high-profile spats, like his 2025 feud with Stephen Colbert over satire’s role. X posts amplify the love, with fans calling Gutfeld! “the only show telling it straight,” though critics on the left slam its “lowbrow jabs” as divisive.
Timpf’s shake-up isn’t without risks. Some longtime viewers grumbled when she axed repetitive skits, fearing a softer tone, but ratings prove her instincts right—March 2025 saw a 20% viewership spike. Her rising star, bolstered by a new book deal and 3 million X followers, positions her as Gutfeld’s heir apparent, though she insists, “I’m here to make Greg shine.” Fox’s investment in both—new studio upgrades, live tour plans—signals confidence.
Gutfeld’s defiance and Timpf’s touch have made Gutfeld! unstoppable, blending old-school grit with new-school flair. As competitors falter, Fox’s gamble on its oddball duo pays off, proving laughter still wins in a fractured world. Will they keep rewriting late-night’s rules? With Gutfeld rooted and Timpf steering, the answer’s a resounding yes—just don’t expect them to play nice.
