Fox News Channel’s Gutfeld! reached a milestone in its history on Wednesday when former President Donald Trump appeared as a guest, drawing a record-breaking audience of 4.9 million viewers.

The episode of Gutfeld!, which aired during primetime, secured the top spot across both cable and broadcast networks, surpassing some of television's most popular shows and solidifying its place as a ratings powerhouse, as Fox News reports.

The episode marked a significant moment for the show, as it featured Trump for the full hour, during which he discussed a wide range of topics with host Greg Gutfeld and the show's regular participants.

The discussion covered subjects such as assassination attempts, the recent ABC presidential debate, and the criticisms leveled at Trump by various celebrities.

Biggest Viewership Since Show’s Launch

The numbers speak to the popularity of the episode. With an impressive 4.9 million total viewers, it easily outperformed other shows in primetime, including season premieres of CBS’ Survivor and ABC’s The Golden Bachelorette.

In addition to the total viewership, Gutfeld! attracted 744,000 viewers in the 25-54 age demographic, a critical segment for advertisers.

This surge in viewership represents the largest audience Gutfeld! has drawn since its launch in 2021. The show regularly ranks as one of the most-watched cable news programs, but this episode set a new benchmark for the program.

Discussion Of Political And Cultural Issues

The episode wasn’t just about ratings. Trump’s hour-long appearance allowed for an in-depth conversation with Gutfeld and his panel, which included Kat Timpf, Tyrus, and Outnumbered co-host Emily Compagno. The topics varied widely, giving viewers a mix of political commentary and pop culture discussions.

The panel and Trump delved into current issues such as assassination threats against political figures, reflecting on the state of American politics. The ABC presidential debate also came up as a point of analysis, with Trump sharing his views on the candidates and the debate's format. Additionally, Trump addressed criticisms from various celebrities who have publicly opposed him, offering his perspective on the often-combative relationship between himself and Hollywood.

Trump's First Late-Night Appearance Since 2016

Another notable aspect of the episode was that it marked Trump’s first appearance on a late-night program during an election cycle since his 2016 interview on NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The appearance of a former president on Gutfeld! is a significant media moment, especially given the political context surrounding the 2024 election.

Trump’s guest spot was taped at Fox News Media’s New York City headquarters on Wednesday afternoon before he departed for a campaign rally in Long Island. This sequence of events further underscored the relevance of the episode within both media and political circles.

Gutfeld! Secures Its Place at the Top

Gutfeld! has consistently performed well in cable news ratings, regularly ranking among the top shows in the U.S. in terms of viewership. The show ended August as the No. 1 cable news program in the key demo of adults aged 25-54, further reinforcing its success in the competitive world of late-night television.

According to Nielsen MRI Fusion data, Gutfeld! also stands out for its ability to attract a diverse audience. The data suggests that more independents and Democrats tune in to Gutfeld! compared to other late-night broadcast programs. This bipartisan appeal helps explain the show’s consistent ratings strength.

A Dominant Force in Television

Wednesday night’s episode secured Gutfeld! its highest viewership to date, cementing its dominance not just in cable news but across the entire primetime landscape. The fact that the show outperformed major network programs like Survivor and The Golden Bachelorette highlights its broad appeal beyond traditional news audiences.

The combination of political commentary, humor, and cultural analysis has made Gutfeld! a unique player in the world of late-night television, appealing to viewers across the political spectrum. Trump's appearance only amplified this dynamic, bringing in a wave of new viewers and pushing the show to record-breaking heights.

Conclusion: A Night of Historic Ratings For Gutfeld!

Fox News Channel's Gutfeld! reached a new viewership peak with Trump’s Wednesday appearance, pulling in 4.9 million viewers and topping the ratings charts for both cable and broadcast primetime.

The episode, which featured a wide-ranging discussion with Trump and a full panel of regulars, covered political, cultural, and media topics, attracting viewers from across the spectrum.

With this record-breaking performance, Gutfeld! has firmly established itself as a major force in late-night television, drawing a diverse audience and competing successfully with some of the most popular shows on television today.