In a riveting episode of Gutfeld!, Fox News’ irreverent late-night show hosted by Greg Gutfeld, former network star Tucker Carlson made a highly anticipated appearance as a guest panelist. The episode, which aired on July 20, 2025, drew significant attention as Carlson opened up about the challenges he faced after his abrupt departure from Fox News in April 2023, his journey to establish a new media empire, and the personal and professional hurdles that shaped his path. The candid conversation struck a chord with Gutfeld, whose emotional response underscored the deep bond between the two conservative media titans. This article delves into Carlson’s revelations, the context of his exit, and the bold steps he has taken to redefine his career, as shared in this memorable Gutfeld! episode.

A Shocking Exit from Fox News

Tucker Carlson’s departure from Fox News was one of the most seismic events in recent media history. As the host of Tucker Carlson Tonight, he commanded a loyal audience, averaging 3.25 million viewers in the first quarter of 2023, making him a cornerstone of the network’s primetime lineup. However, on April 24, 2023, Fox News announced that Carlson and the network had “agreed to part ways,” a move that stunned viewers and industry insiders alike. The decision came shortly after Fox settled a $787.5 million defamation lawsuit with Dominion Voting Systems, which exposed internal communications revealing Carlson’s private criticisms of colleagues and management.

During his Gutfeld! appearance, Carlson reflected on the abruptness of his exit, noting that he had no advance notice, having signed off his final show on April 21, 2023, with a promise to return the following Monday. “It was like getting hit by a truck you didn’t see coming,” he told Gutfeld and the panel, which included regulars Kat Timpf, Tyrus, and Emily Compagno. Carlson described the initial shock and disorientation, admitting that the sudden loss of his platform—one of the most influential in cable news—left him grappling with uncertainty. “You build your life around something, and then it’s gone overnight. It forces you to rethink everything,” he said.

The reasons for Carlson’s firing remain opaque, with Fox News offering only a brief statement thanking him for his service. Reports suggest that his termination may have been influenced by material uncovered during the Dominion lawsuit, including a text message where Carlson described cheering for a mob attacking an Antifa protester, only to later reflect on the moral implications of his reaction. Additionally, allegations of a toxic workplace environment on Tucker Carlson Tonight, raised in a lawsuit by a former producer, may have contributed to the board’s decision to hire an outside law firm to investigate his conduct. Carlson did not dwell on these specifics during the Gutfeld! episode but acknowledged the “messy” nature of his exit, hinting at internal politics and external pressures.

Navigating the Aftermath: Challenges and Resilience

Carlson’s departure from Fox News was not just a professional blow but a personal one. On Gutfeld!, he shared the emotional toll of losing a platform he had spent years building. “When you’re in the public eye, you’re not just a voice—you’re a lightning rod. And when that’s taken away, you feel exposed,” he said. He spoke candidly about the isolation that followed, compounded by the media scrutiny and leaked behind-the-scenes clips that painted him in a controversial light. For instance, a leaked video showed Carlson criticizing Fox Nation, the network’s streaming platform, as a “betrayal of our efforts” due to its technical shortcomings.

Despite these challenges, Carlson emphasized his determination to move forward. He described the months after his exit as a period of introspection, where he leaned on his family and close allies, including Gutfeld, who had publicly defended him against critics like Geraldo Rivera. Gutfeld, visibly moved, recalled their conversations during this time, noting, “You were down, but you were never out. That’s what I admire about you.” The exchange highlighted a rare moment of vulnerability for both men, known for their sharp wit and combative on-air personas.

Carlson also addressed the financial and professional uncertainty that followed his firing. While he had amassed significant wealth and influence at Fox, the loss of a steady platform forced him to confront the fragility of his position in the media landscape. “You realize how much of your identity is tied to the job, and you have to rebuild from there,” he said. This reflection resonated with the Gutfeld! audience, many of whom have followed Carlson’s career from his early days as a CNN commentator to his rise as a conservative icon.

Building a New Empire: The Tucker Carlson Network

The centerpiece of Carlson’s Gutfeld! appearance was his discussion of founding the Tucker Carlson Network (TCN), a streaming service launched in December 2023 to deliver ad-supported and subscription-based content. Carlson described TCN as a response to the constraints he faced at Fox, where he felt increasingly stifled by corporate oversight and advertiser influence. “I wanted a place where I could speak freely, without someone looking over my shoulder,” he told Gutfeld. The platform, initially planned for Twitter/X but moved to a standalone service due to technical limitations, represents Carlson’s bid to create a direct-to-audience model that bypasses traditional media gatekeepers.

The creation of TCN was not without hurdles. Carlson shared stories of logistical challenges, from securing funding to building a team capable of rivaling established media outlets. He credited 1789 Capital, a venture capital firm that made one of its first investments in TCN, and Justin Wells, his former Fox executive producer, for helping bring the vision to life. “It’s not just about putting out content—it’s about building something that lasts, something that can’t be taken away,” he said, a statement that drew applause from the live studio audience.

Carlson’s new empire has already made waves, particularly with his February 2024 interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the first by a Western journalist since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The interview, which sparked both praise and criticism, underscored Carlson’s willingness to tackle controversial topics outside the mainstream media’s narrative. On Gutfeld!, he defended his decision to engage with Putin, arguing, “If you only talk to people you agree with, you’re not a journalist—you’re a cheerleader.” Gutfeld, who has faced his own share of backlash for provocative commentary, nodded in agreement, calling it “a masterclass in not bowing to the mob.”

Gutfeld’s Emotional Response

The episode’s most poignant moment came when Gutfeld reflected on Carlson’s journey. Known for his sardonic humor and quick jabs, Gutfeld set aside his usual levity to praise his friend’s resilience. “You didn’t just lose a job—you lost a piece of yourself, and you built something bigger,” he said, his voice cracking slightly. The audience, sensing the weight of the moment, erupted in applause, and panelist Kat Timpf chimed in, “It’s inspiring to see someone take a hit like that and come back stronger.”

Gutfeld’s emotional reaction was particularly striking given his history with Carlson. The two have known each other since Carlson’s days as a frequent guest on Red Eye, Gutfeld’s earlier Fox News show, and their camaraderie was evident throughout the episode. Gutfeld recalled a phone call where Carlson convinced him to take on the nightly Gutfeld! show, a decision that transformed Gutfeld’s career. “You told me to grab the opportunity, and now look at you—grabbing your own,” Gutfeld said, prompting a rare smile from Carlson.

The Broader Context: A Changing Media Landscape

Carlson’s appearance on Gutfeld! comes at a time of significant upheaval in the media industry. Fox News, still the leading cable news network, has struggled to maintain its dominance in the 8 p.m. slot since Carlson’s departure, with guest hosts averaging under 2 million viewers compared to Carlson’s 3.25 million. Meanwhile, Gutfeld! has solidified its position as a ratings powerhouse, often outperforming traditional late-night shows like The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Carlson’s pivot to TCN reflects a broader trend of media personalities seeking greater control over their platforms. By leveraging streaming technology and direct audience engagement, he aims to challenge the traditional media model, much like other conservative figures who have turned to podcasts and independent outlets. His success will depend on his ability to maintain his audience’s loyalty while navigating the financial and technical challenges of running a startup in a crowded digital space.

Conclusion

Tucker Carlson’s appearance on Gutfeld! was more than a guest spot—it was a testament to his resilience and ambition in the face of adversity. By sharing the challenges of his Fox News exit and the bold steps he’s taken to build the Tucker Carlson Network, Carlson offered viewers a glimpse into the personal and professional stakes of his journey. Greg Gutfeld’s emotional response underscored the significance of Carlson’s comeback, not just for the two men but for a media landscape grappling with questions of free speech, corporate control, and audience trust. As Carlson continues to carve out his new empire, his story serves as a reminder that setbacks can be the catalyst for reinvention, a message that resonated deeply on the Gutfeld! stage.