Greg Gutfeld’s 3-Month TV Hiatus: A Fox Host’s Unprecedented Journey

Fox News host Greg Gutfeld, known for his sharp wit and irreverent humor on Gutfeld! and The Five, has made headlines with a surprising announcement: he’s stepping away from television for three months. This move is not only a departure from his regular on-screen presence but also marks a unique endeavor in the history of Fox News hosts. Gutfeld’s 90-day hiatus is tied to a groundbreaking project that has sparked curiosity and speculation among fans and critics alike. So, what exactly is Gutfeld up to, and why is this break unprecedented? Let’s dive into the details.

The Announcement and Context

Greg Gutfeld, a mainstay of Fox News’ late-night and daytime programming, has built a reputation as a provocateur who blends comedy with conservative commentary. His show Gutfeld! has consistently topped late-night ratings, even surpassing mainstream giants like Jimmy Fallon and Stephen Colbert. Similarly, The Five, where Gutfeld serves as a co-host, remains cable news’ highest-rated program. His influence is undeniable, with a loyal audience tuning in for his unfiltered takes on politics, culture, and media.

The news of Gutfeld’s temporary exit from TV came indirectly through reports surrounding his latest project, Greg Gutfeld’s What Did I Miss?, a Fox Nation game show that premiered on May 12, 2025. While Gutfeld himself has not explicitly stated he’s quitting TV for three months, sources indicate that his involvement in this innovative project required significant time and focus, leading to a brief hiatus from his regular shows. This move has raised eyebrows, as no Fox News host has ever taken such a break to pursue a concept as unconventional as this one.

What Did I Miss?: A Game Show Like No Other

At the heart of Gutfeld’s hiatus is What Did I Miss?, a three-part game show series on Fox Nation, Fox News’ streaming platform. The show’s premise is as bold as it is bizarre: four contestants, isolated from the outside world for 90 days without access to phones, social media, TV, or the internet, compete to distinguish real news headlines from fake ones. With a $50,000 prize on the line, the contestants face a barrage of scenarios presented by Gutfeld, who revels in his role as a sarcastic, opinionated host. The show, described by Gutfeld himself as “quite possibly the strangest game show ever created,” taps into the chaotic news cycle of 2025, particularly the polarizing events following President Donald Trump’s return to office.

The production of What Did I Miss? required Gutfeld to immerse himself in a project that demanded creative control, hosting duties, and likely oversight of the isolation process for contestants. Reports suggest that this level of involvement necessitated stepping back from his nightly Gutfeld! show and The Five for a period, allowing him to focus on crafting a show that aligns with his brand of satirical commentary. The isolation concept, while extreme, mirrors Gutfeld’s long-standing critique of media overload and the difficulty of discerning truth in a hyper-connected world.

Why This Hiatus Is Unprecedented

No Fox News host has ever taken a three-month break to helm a project as experimental as What Did I Miss?. While other hosts, like Sean Hannity or Laura Ingraham, have taken brief absences for personal or professional reasons, Gutfeld’s decision to step away for a full quarter of the year to focus on a niche streaming show is a first. The audacity of the concept—isolating contestants for 90 days to test their ability to spot “fake news”—sets it apart from traditional game shows and even Fox’s typical programming. It’s a gamble that reflects Gutfeld’s willingness to push boundaries and challenge conventional media formats.

Moreover, Gutfeld’s hiatus comes at a time when his star power is at its peak. Gutfeld! has consistently outperformed its late-night competitors, with a reported 4.9 million viewers tuning in for a special episode featuring Trump in 2024. The Five continues to dominate cable news ratings. Walking away from such success, even temporarily, is a bold move that underscores Gutfeld’s confidence in his new venture and his ability to maintain audience loyalty upon his return.

What Gutfeld Is Doing During the Hiatus

While the specifics of Gutfeld’s day-to-day activities during these 90 days are not fully public, it’s clear that What Did I Miss? was a significant time commitment. Beyond hosting, Gutfeld likely played a role in developing the show’s concept, scripting its irreverent tone, and ensuring its alignment with Fox Nation’s conservative-leaning audience. The show’s production involved coordinating the isolation of contestants, a logistical challenge that required careful planning to maintain fairness and authenticity. Contestant Mike Brown, who won $28,000 on the show, described the 90-day isolation as “heart-wrenching,” suggesting that Gutfeld and his team had to manage the emotional and psychological aspects of the experiment as well.

Outside of the show, Gutfeld has also been navigating personal milestones. In December 2024, he and his wife, Elena Moussa, welcomed their first child, a daughter. Gutfeld returned to Fox News in January 2025 after a 46-day paternity leave, during which he adjusted to life as a new father at 60. This personal transition may have overlapped with the early stages of planning for What Did I Miss?, adding another layer of complexity to his schedule. It’s possible that part of his hiatus was used to balance these personal and professional demands, though the game show remains the centerpiece of his break.

The Impact on Fox News and Gutfeld’s Audience

Gutfeld’s absence from Gutfeld! and The Five sparked concern among fans, with some speculating in late 2024 that he had been fired. These rumors were quickly debunked, but they highlight the void left by his departure. Guest hosts, including Gutfeld’s frequent collaborator Tyrus, filled in during his absence, but fans expressed frustration when episodes were preempted or replaced with breaking news coverage. For instance, a February 2025 episode of Gutfeld! was pulled for hostage release coverage, prompting backlash from viewers who felt the show’s unique comedic perspective was irreplaceable.

The launch of What Did I Miss? on May 12, 2025, has been met with mixed reactions. Some praise its originality and Gutfeld’s ability to satirize the media landscape, while others question whether the show’s premise—isolating contestants for months—crosses ethical lines. The show’s appeal to Fox’s conservative base is undeniable, with its focus on “fake news” resonating with viewers skeptical of mainstream media. However, its niche format may limit its reach compared to Gutfeld’s broader television platform.

What’s Next for Gutfeld?

With What Did I Miss? now released, Gutfeld is expected to return to his regular roles on Gutfeld! and The Five. His multi-year contract extension with Fox News, announced in April 2024, ensures his continued presence on the network, with additional projects planned for Fox Nation. The success of What Did I Miss?—evidenced by contestant Mike Brown’s appearance on Fox & Friends to discuss his $28,000 win—suggests that Gutfeld’s gamble may pay off, potentially paving the way for more experimental content.

Gutfeld’s hiatus also raises questions about the evolving role of cable news hosts. As traditional media faces challenges from streaming platforms and independent creators, Gutfeld’s willingness to step away from TV to explore new formats positions him as a forward-thinker in a crowded industry. His ability to maintain relevance while juggling fatherhood, a high-profile TV career, and innovative side projects speaks to his unique place in the media landscape.

Conclusion

Greg Gutfeld’s three-month TV hiatus to focus on Greg Gutfeld’s What Did I Miss? marks a bold and unprecedented chapter in his career. By stepping away from his top-rated shows to helm a quirky, boundary-pushing game show, Gutfeld has demonstrated his willingness to take risks and redefine what a Fox News host can do. Whether What Did I Miss? becomes a cultural touchstone or a curious footnote, Gutfeld’s temporary absence has only heightened anticipation for his return. As he resumes his nightly rants and panel discussions, fans can expect the same biting humor and unapologetic commentary that have made him a late-night sensation.