In the midst of a Writers Guild of America (WGA) writers strike, late-night TV talk shows have gone dark, with one exception – “Gutfeld!” on Fox News Channel. Hosted by Greg Gutfeld, the show has managed to stay on the air with a smaller writing staff comprised of non-union writers. While “Gutfeld!” may not be considered part of the long-standing stable of comedy talk shows, it has garnered attention and ratings comparable to its mainstream counterparts.
Greg Gutfeld: The Libertarian Late-Night Host
Greg Gutfeld, known for his topical comedy and libertarian views, has been at the helm of “Gutfeld!” since its inception. With a writing staff that includes known comedians like Nick DiPaolo and Joe DeVito, the show offers a different perspective from traditional late-night talk shows. Averaging 1.8 million total viewers last month, “Gutfeld!” has become a significant competitor in the late-night comedy talk show landscape, rivaling the ratings of established hosts like Stephen Colbert.
The Advantage of Timing and Lead-ins
One factor contributing to the success of “Gutfeld!” is its strategic timing. Airing at 11 p.m. ET, the show has a 35-minute advantage over competitors like Colbert, Fallon, and Kimmel. This allows “Gutfeld!” to capture a larger potential audience that is still awake. Additionally, the show benefits from being the immediate follow-up to Fox News Channel’s highly-rated primetime block, offering a strong lead-in and maximizing viewership.
A Strike Affected Industry: WGA Writers Strike
The WGA writers strike has had a significant impact on the entertainment industry, leading to the suspension of many late-night talk shows. Hosts like Colbert, Fallon, Meyers, and Kimmel have pledged to pay their staff out of pocket during the strike. However, “Gutfeld!” has managed to remain on air with its non-union writing staff, providing a unique alternative during this period of disruption.
The Controversial Comedy of “Gutfeld!”
Known for his edgy humor, Greg Gutfeld opens his show with controversial jokes and topical comedy that often leans towards a conservative perspective. From mocking Hollywood to making bold remarks about public figures, he doesn’t shy away from pushing boundaries. While Gutfeld’s comedic style may not resonate with everyone, his show has carved out a niche audience and continues to attract viewers with its unapologetic approach.
As late-night TV talk shows navigate the challenges posed by the WGA writers strike, “Gutfeld!” stands as a unique presence, offering an alternative viewpoint and maintaining strong ratings. With its timely scheduling, unconventional writing staff, and controversial humor, the show has managed to capture the attention of viewers seeking a different late-night comedy experience.
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) and their answers regarding the entities mentioned in the content:
1. **FAQ:** Who is Greg Gutfeld?
**Answer:** Greg Gutfeld is a television host known for hosting the late-night talk show “Gutfeld!” on Fox News Channel. He is also a bestselling author and a former magazine editor.
2. **FAQ:** What is the WGA writers strike?
**Answer:** The WGA writers strike refers to a strike organized by the Writers Guild of America (WGA). During this strike, writers who are members of the guild protest against unfair labor practices or contractual disputes in the entertainment industry, often leading to the temporary suspension of television shows and film productions.
3. **FAQ:** What are some notable shows affected by the WGA writers strike?
**Answer:** Some notable shows that have been affected by past WGA writers strikes include “The Late Show” and “The Late Late Show” on CBS, “Tonight Show” and “Late Night” on NBC, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on ABC, and “Daily Show” on Comedy Central. These shows have either gone off the air or faced disruptions due to the strike.
4. **FAQ:** Who are some comedians on Greg Gutfeld’s writing staff?
**Answer:** Some comedians on Greg Gutfeld’s writing staff include Nick DiPaolo, Joe DeVito, and Joe Machi. They contribute to the comedic content and writing of the “Gutfeld!” show.
Please note that the provided information is a general overview and may not include specific details beyond the knowledge cutoff date of September 2021.
