Since its debut in 2015 as The Greg Gutfeld Show and its rebranding to Gutfeld! in 2021, Fox News’ late-night satirical talk show has carved a unique niche in the crowded landscape of American television. Hosted by the sharp-witted Greg Gutfeld, the show blends political commentary, pop culture jabs, and humor, attracting millions with its irreverent tone. By 2023, it boasted an average of 2.5 million viewers, outpacing traditional late-night giants like Jimmy Kimmel Live! and The Tonight Show. Yet, in 2025, a growing storm of viewer discontent threatens to dim its shine, with one name at the center of the controversy: Tyrus. Fans are increasingly vocal, with some declaring, “I turn off the TV as soon as Tyrus appears!” 😣 This article explores the backlash against Tyrus, the accusations of interrupting and dominating the show, and the demands for his removal before Gutfeld! risks losing its audience. 🕵️‍♂️

Tyrus: From Wrestler to Fox News Star 🌟

George Murdoch, known professionally as Tyrus, is a towering figure—literally and figuratively. Standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing over 350 pounds, the former professional wrestler and NWA World Heavyweight Champion transitioned into a media personality after joining Fox News in 2016. His journey began with a serendipitous Twitter exchange with Greg Gutfeld, leading to a guest spot on The Greg Gutfeld Show. By 2017, Tyrus became a regular panelist, bringing his larger-than-life persona, conservative views, and comedic flair to the show.

Tyrus’ appeal lies in his unfiltered style and unique background. A former bodyguard for Snoop Dogg and a veteran of WWE and NWA, he offers a perspective that blends streetwise grit with humor. His regular segments, like “The Angry Black Male” skit, aim to lampoon woke culture, often sparking laughter and debate. Tyrus also hosts Maintaining with Tyrus on Fox’s OutKick platform, cementing his role in the network’s ecosystem. For many fans, his presence adds a raw, authentic edge to Gutfeld!. But for others, it’s become a dealbreaker. 😬

The Backlash: Why Fans Are Tuning Out 📴

In recent months, a vocal segment of Gutfeld!’s audience has taken to social media, particularly X, to express frustration with Tyrus. The complaints are consistent: he interrupts other panelists, dominates discussions, and shifts the show’s dynamic from sharp satire to what some call “unwatchable chaos.” Posts on X capture the sentiment vividly, with one user stating, “Tyrus demands laughs and applause but acts like he doesn’t want to be there. The show has lost its edge.” Another viewer wrote, “He stretches a 40-second bit into a 1:45 talking lesson, hoping for studio laughter. It’s unbearable.”

Reddit’s r/Gutfeld community echoes these concerns. A March 2025 thread titled “Tyrus kills the flow of show” garnered significant engagement, with users criticizing his tendency to interrupt Greg Gutfeld’s monologues and overshadow other guests. One commenter noted, “He gives no credence to other guests’ comments and interrupts with demeaning remarks.” Another post from April 2025 accused Tyrus of “ruining” both Gutfeld! and The Five, suggesting his behavior has become a liability for Fox News.

The accusations fall into three main categories:

Interrupting: Viewers claim Tyrus frequently cuts off Gutfeld and other panelists, disrupting the show’s comedic timing and intellectual flow. One Reddit user described him as the “interrupting cow,” referencing a popular joke to highlight his intrusive style.

Dominating: Critics argue Tyrus monopolizes airtime, turning segments into lengthy personal anecdotes that stray from the topic. A viewer commented, “His half-baked stories slow down the show and aren’t even funny.”

Unwatchable Persona: Some fans find Tyrus’ tough-guy demeanor and self-aggrandizing humor grating. “He thinks his take on everything is the most important,” one user wrote, while another called him “arrogant” and “constantly high.”

These criticisms have fueled a growing movement, with some viewers demanding Tyrus’ removal. Hashtags like #GutfeldWithoutTyrus have emerged on X, signaling a desire for change before the show’s ratings suffer. 😡

The Other Side: Tyrus’ Defenders Speak Out 🛡️

Not all fans agree with the backlash. Tyrus has a loyal following who see him as a vital part of Gutfeld!’s success. Supporters argue his interruptions add spontaneity, and his bold personality complements Gutfeld’s quirky hosting style. One X user wrote, “Tyrus is the only reason I watch Gutfeld! He’s got common sense and makes everyone better.” A Reddit commenter praised his live comedy shows, noting, “Tyrus is laugh-out-loud funny with spot-on timing.”

Defenders also highlight Tyrus’ unique perspective as an African American conservative. His skits, like “The Angry Black Male,” are seen as a fearless critique of political correctness, resonating with viewers who appreciate the show’s anti-woke stance. “If everybody said the same thing, it’d be boring,” one fan argued. Tyrus himself has emphasized the importance of diverse voices, telling Headline USA in 2021, “Greg and I have the same wit but from different walks of life.”

Some dismiss the backlash as overblown. A Reddit user countered, “I’ve never picked up on any of this stuff you’re complaining about. Tyrus is funny and intelligent.” Others suggest his interruptions are part of the show’s chaotic charm, with one fan noting, “The chemistry between Tyrus, Kat, and Greg is what makes it work.”

The Kat Timpf Factor: A Tangled Dynamic? 🤔

The backlash against Tyrus often intertwines with opinions about co-panelist Kat Timpf, a libertarian commentator known for her witty takes. Some fans pit the two against each other, with one Reddit thread speculating about tension after Tyrus and Timpf swapped seats on set. Critics of Tyrus often praise Timpf’s replacement, Kennedy, with one user stating, “Kennedy is funny and engaging, way better than Tyrus or Kat.”

Tyrus’ emotional on-air plea for Timpf’s return in April 2025, during her maternity leave, won hearts, with fans calling it “raw and vulnerable.” The moment trended on X, with a YouTube clip surpassing 1 million views. Yet, some viewers remain skeptical, accusing Tyrus of overshadowing Timpf when she’s present. “Kat barely laughs at Tyrus’ jokes, and you can feel the tension,” one Reddit user observed. This dynamic adds fuel to the debate about Tyrus’ role on the show.

Past Controversies: A Cloud Over Tyrus’ Reputation ☁️

Tyrus’ current backlash isn’t his first brush with controversy. In 2019, co-host Britt McHenry accused him of sexual harassment, alleging he sent her suggestive messages during their time on Fox Nation’s Un-PC. Fox News investigated, and Tyrus was removed from the show but continued appearing on Gutfeld! and other programs. McHenry filed a lawsuit in 2019, which was settled in 2021 on undisclosed terms.

The allegations resurfaced in viewer discussions, with some Reddit users referencing them as a reason to distrust Tyrus. “Fox promoted him despite the lawsuit. It’s a bad look,” one commenter wrote. Tyrus has never publicly addressed the claims in detail, and Fox News stated the matter was “resolved.” While the controversy hasn’t derailed his career, it adds context to the current viewer unrest.

The Stakes for Gutfeld! and Fox News 📉

Gutfeld!’s success is undeniable, with record-breaking episodes like the 4.9 million viewers for Donald Trump’s appearance in September 2024. However, the show’s reliance on its core panelists—Gutfeld, Timpf, and Tyrus—makes it vulnerable to fan dissatisfaction. Posts on X suggest some viewers are already tuning out, with one stating, “The show feels low-budget with Tyrus. I’m done.”

Fox News faces a dilemma. Tyrus is a polarizing figure, but his loyal fanbase and media presence make him a valuable asset. Replacing him risks alienating supporters, yet ignoring the backlash could erode viewership. The network’s history of standing by controversial figures, as seen with Tyrus’ post-2019 promotions, suggests they may weather the storm. Still, the growing #GutfeldWithoutTyrus movement indicates a tipping point may be near.

What’s Next? A Call for Change or Status Quo? 🔮

The Gutfeld! backlash highlights a broader challenge for late-night shows: balancing bold personalities with audience expectations. For now, Tyrus remains a fixture, with no indication from Fox News of changes to the lineup. Greg Gutfeld, known for his hands-off approach to panelist dynamics, has not publicly addressed the complaints.

Viewers demanding Tyrus’ removal propose alternatives like expanding roles for fan-favorites Emily Compagno or Jamie Lissow. Others suggest rotating guest hosts to keep the show fresh. “The show needs merit-based guests, not the same old Tyrus,” one Reddit user argued. Meanwhile, Tyrus’ supporters urge fans to embrace his quirks, with one X user writing, “Tyrus says what others won’t. That’s why he’s essential.”

As Gutfeld! navigates this turbulent chapter, the question looms: can it retain its edge without alienating its audience? The answer lies in whether Fox News listens to the chorus of “I turn off the TV as soon as Tyrus appears” or doubles down on its polarizing star. For now, the remote control is in the viewers’ hands, and they’re not afraid to use it. 📴