Red Eye (TV series)

Red Eye w/ Tom Shillue
Presented by	Greg Gutfeld (2007–2015) Tom Shillue (2015–present)
Starring	Andrew Levy Bill Schulz (2007–2013) Joanne Nosuchinsky (2014–present)
Composer(s)	Peter Brasino (theme and cues) (2015 – current)
Country of origin	United States
Original language(s)	English
No. of episodes	1,853(as of February 28, 2015)
Production
Production location(s)	New York City
Camera setup	Multi-camera
Running time	60 minutes (approximately 44 minutes 30 seconds without commercials)
Release
Original network	Fox News Channel
Picture format	480i SDTV 720p HDTV
Original release	February 6, 2007 – present
External links
Website

Red Eye w/ Tom Shillue is an American late-night/early-morning satirical talk show on the Fox News Channel, airing at 3:00 a.m. ET Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 p.m. Saturday, and 2:00 a.m. Sunday. The show features panelists and guests discussing the latest news in politics, pop culture, entertainment, business, sports, and religion. The show was originally titled Red Eye w/ Greg Gutfeld and was hosted by Greg Gutfeld, a self-described libertarian.

In 2007, VH1 contributor Michelle Collins described watching Red Eye as: "You almost feel like you're going out and not going out. It's like being at a bar with your friends and hearing all their opinions—while laying in bed eating Snackwell cookies."

Gutfeld left the show in early March 2015 and was replaced by Tom Shillue on 22 June 2015.

History

Assembling the panel

Andrew Levy discovered Gutfeld's writings on the Huffington Post and began leaving comments on Gutfeld's posts. As Levy's comments grew to include responses to other commenters, Levy "half-thought" the more outrageous comments were by Gutfeld himself. After discovering a post on Levy's blog on this theory, Gutfeld e-mailed Levy he did not write them, which began a correspondence between them. Gutfeld would eventually notify Levy about upcoming posts or ask him to look at his writing. Levy was also asked to join Gutfeld's new blog "The Daily Gut." Later Levy was asked by Gutfeld to join him in a new Fox News program.

Bill Schulz was an assistant editor at Stuff Magazine when Gutfeld was hired as Editor in Chief. Toronto Sun columnist Rachel Marsden was added later. Gutfeld remarked, "I think they just thought she would be a good kind of lightning rod."

Show's name

Red Eye was originally named Wasteland in its early testing stages. At one time, a series of video clips of this early version were available on the Fox News website. The original name, Wasteland, was selected because the show was about "a land of waste" and meaninglessness. The show was later renamed Red Eye because the original name was thought to be too negative and would repel viewers. The phrase "Red Eye" was chosen because the term was likely to resonate with viewers because it somehow captured the essence of the program. John Moody, Executive Vice President of News Editorial for Fox News, stated, "We want a word... that evokes what the show is." Shelly Stevenson, senior producer at Fox News said, "we wanted to come up with something that tipped its hat to the people we are serving." According to Moody, one of the producers, among the original target audiences were "slackers and losers," the "depressed, the dissatisfied, the depraved," "bloggers, and those "age 18–40"

Legal issues

Following the first weeks of the program, the Chicago Tribune filed suit against News Corporation, the company which owns Fox News Channel, alleging that the show's title could be confused with the Tribune's free commuter daily, RedEye, launched in 2002. Senior Vice President of Fox News John Moody proposed to U.S. District Judge Elaine Bucklo that Red Eye be blacked out from Chicago area viewers to prevent confusion with the Tribune's RedEye. In the event Fox News lost the case, Moody proposed cancelling Red Eye and reinstating reruns of Fox Report w/ Shepard Smith.

On April 4, Judge Bucklo denied the Tribune Co. injunction request. Bucklo stated that while the trademarks may be similar aurally, but not visually, Fox did not show intent to "pass off" Red Eye as a collaboration with the Tribune. Bucklo also noted a dissimilarity in content which "appear[ed] to include anything that strikes Gutfeld's interest." Discussion "rarely appear to last longer than a minute" and the format was "intended to be outrageous and funny." Bucklo also writes, "Animals and sexual topics dominate the discussions." Bucklo stated that "the only similarities between the products are the fact that both involve a media used to deliver news."

Rachel Marsden's departure

On May 30, 2007, regular Red Eye panelist Rachel Marsden was removed from the show and escorted out of the Red Eye offices by security guards, which Marsden alleged is standard procedure when a Fox employee is fired. On her blog, Marsden, said, "I will no longer be appearing on the show, as I have been told that it is heading in a 'different direction' from its inception and I am the 'first casualty'. As a political and news commentator, being a panelist on what had become a totally off-the-wall-and-into-orbit show was an interesting experience. It was also the first time that I was ever considered the 'sane one' on any program, so I am grateful for that unique opportunity and wish the boys the very best of luck.'" Her last appearance on the show was on May 30, 2007, after talking through the laughter of a Jeffrey Ross punchline.

Bill Schulz's departure

Former permanent panelist Bill Schulz's final appearance on Red Eye was on November 7, 2013; his departure (for undisclosed reasons) was officially announced on November 22.

Podcast

On March 29, 2011, the first episode of the Red Eye podcast debuted. Usually, a new podcast episode was available every day. Most installments featured Gutfeld, Levy, and Schulz. In the event of an absence, Tom O'Connor, a Red Eye producer, filled in. Usual topics of discussion include what the cast does in the course of the day or weekend, news events, preparation for the show, and guests on that day's show. The podcast is currently offered in the YouTube video and MP3 audio format. With the start of The Five, the podcast was eventually discontinued, ending on August 22, 2011. A modified version which would become titled "Not LIVE! w/Lauren and Bill" debuted on April 4, 2012. Schulz and O'Connor were joined by Red Eye regular Lauren Sivan who appeared remotely from Los Angeles, California. After the departure of Schulz from Red Eye, the podcast was discontinued. The last episode was on October 17, 2013.

Joanne Nosuchinsky

On February 4, 2014, Miss New York USA 2013 Joanne Nosuchinsky was announced as the new permanent panelist (ostensibly to replace Schulz). She had been a frequent guest on the show since her first appearance on September 18, 2013.

Greg Gutfeld's departure

On his last show on February 28, 2015, Greg Gutfeld announced that he was leaving Red Eye after eight years to host a new weekend program for Fox News.

Production

While the show airs at 3:00 a.m. ET, it is actually taped at around 8:00 p.m. ET the previous night. Gutfeld once joked, "We wouldn't be able to survive after three months because we'd all become raging alcoholics if we had to stay up until 3 a.m.!"

Episode structure

The show features a round table of panelists, as well as guests linked by satellite. Tom Shillue, with advisory from Andy Levy, writes the daily content. The show begins with Shillue's introduction of his guests, which include flattering, exaggerated comparisons about each of them. These guest introductions are sometimes submitted by fans on Twitter. Other non-traditional characteristics of the show include the use of offbeat imagery, often obscure viral videos featuring animals, especially cats, during certain segments. Andy Levy, referred to as "TV's Andy Levy" or "TV's Very Own Andy Levy", acts as the show's ombudsman, appearing in the "Halftime Report w/ Andy Levy."

Greg Gutfeld version

Block	Standard Content
A	"A Block, the Lede, that's the first story."
B	One or more of the following: Recurring Segment/Discussion
C	One or more of the following: 'Lightning Round'/Recurring Segment/Discussion
D	One or more of the following: Discussion/Guest Interview
E	One or more of the following: E Block, last story, that's the last story.

Tom Shillue version

Block	Standard Content
A	The Most Important Story of the Day. Oxymoronically, this is often a "weird news" item that is featured primarily for its comedic value.
B	A Moment with Tom. Shillue's main monologue, followed by discussion.
C	Halftime Report with TV's Andy Levy. In his capacity as the show's ombudsman, Levy offers additional jokes and engagement with the evening's panel.
D	Another story or a THFTP segment.
E	Tom's Bedtime Story. Shillue attempts (humorously) to relate a final news item to his childhood experiences.

Show's segments

Titled segments

• Andy-gram: When Andy Levy replaces Gutfeld as host, Gutfeld's monologue titled 'Greg-alogue' is replaced with Levy's 'Andy-gram'. This 'Andy-gram' monologue is delivered from Levy's libertarian political viewpoint.
• Ann-imals: Ann Coulter reads commentary while cute videos of animals are shown.
• Apology: This segment always immediately follows "Moment of Intolerance", where Gutfeld always insults someone. Gutfeld's apology usually contains an excuse explaining his moment of intolerance.
• Art Auction For Charity: Starting in early 2011, one of Gutfeld's drawings, often featuring unicorns or unicorn-heads on human bodies (unicorn/human hybrid), is put up for a week-long charity auction (viewers e-mail RedEye at FoxNews with bids). The highest bidder at the end of the week wins the drawing. Most winning bids have ranged from $500 to $1,500. Proceeds have been donated to two American veterans' charities: Wounded Warrior Project and TAPS. During the "Art Auction For Charity", Gutfeld uses his own celebrity to lampoon certain Hollywood celebrities, who do charity work for shameless self-promotion, by telling the viewers his motivation is, "It's not about charity, it's about me being awesome." On the May 14, 2011 episode, just two weeks after Osama bin Laden was killed in Pakistan, one of the highest winning bids (the highest winning bid ever was $7,600) was accepted for a drawing of a unicorn/human hybrid holding the decapitated head of Osama bin Laden. The winning bid for this Osama bin Laden related drawing was $2,258.
• Ask-Abee Huckabee: The panel (or "Red Eye Robot Theater" robots) asks former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee questions.
• The Baker Files: Mike Baker fills in for Levy during the Halftime Report and analyzes the show with ironically amateurish and uninformative graphs and charts, allegedly from a secret bunker in Idaho.
• Blogger of the Week: Gutfeld responds to a negative blog post about him.
• C-Block sponsor: Just before going to commercial, a voiceover attributes that night's c-block to sponsorship by something mundane. The voiceover is currently done by one of the show's producers, Tom O'Connor. Previously, Gutfeld would thank whatever sponsored the Halftime Report, and then impersonate its reply.
• Coming Up on Red Eye: Previews of stories that will be seen on Red Eye.
• Father Knows Best: Father Jonathan Morris, a Fox News analyst and news contributor, answers questions from viewers on faith, religion, and ethical issues.
• Fox News Alert: A fake Fox News Alert done by Andy Levy. Previously, before its return, often having something to do with the King of the Belgians, Albert II.
• Frightened Correspondent: Greg and comedian Joe Machi discuss a collection of stories where Joe comically feigns fear and provides absurd advice to viewers to survive the peril. The idea for the segment originated due to Machi's earlier appearances in which is actual real nervousness at appearing on the show was very noticeable to all. So the show played off it and turned it into a running gag.
• Guess the Story: An obscure video clip is played and the panel has to guess what the story is.
• Halftime Report w/ Andy Levy: Levy points out the mistakes made by Shillue and the panel during their discussions, asks questions, seeks clarifications and makes comments. When the "Halftime Report" occurs in the D block, it's renamed the "Halftime(ish) Report".
• Hello Barry: Gutfeld plays a recent speech made by President Barack Obama with a laugh track inserted during the pauses.
• Is This Racist?/Sexist?/Evil? Discussion of a topic dealing with racial issues, gender issues, or political correctness.
• Jeff from Tallahassee: Footage of the "Red Eye Superfan" giving a brief non sequitur.
• Master Baden: Michael Baden, a forensic pathologist, appears as a "death correspondent" providing medical knowledge for news items involving bodies and death.
• Meet your Baker: Gutfeld reads letters from viewers to Mike Baker, a former CIA operative, who then responds.
• Messages for Greg: Gutfeld plays voice mails left by fans who have called his "direct line," (212) 462-5050. The audio messages are usually accompanied by looping video footage of playful animal encounters (i.e., puppies, kittens, or other pets at play).
• Moment of Intolerance: Gutfeld insults someone (or people who do something trivial but irritating), then offers an apology.
• Music Notes: Gutfeld talks to Mark Prindle about music news.
• Our View on the View: Panel discusses something that recently happened on The View.
• Polls, and Poles, and Poles: A segment covering polls, Poles, or poles.
• Pop Smear: Popular culture topics are covered.
• Proops' Poop: Comedian, Greg Proops discusses his opinions on topical events.
• Rachel the Zombie Girl: Each Halloween, Rachel of Blood Manor will appear on the show made up to be a zombie. The guests and the hosts do their best to ignore her, leaving the audience to wonder if she has invaded the TV screen.
• Red Eye for Kids: A preproduced segment describing the supposed origins or other information of something for the purpose of educating young viewers.
• Redeyepocalypse: Greg introduces stories which point to impending end of the world, such as Gwyneth Paltrow gaining a record deal, or the federal-mandated introduction of energy efficient Easy-bake Ovens.
• Red Eye Robot Theater: Short, pre-made sketches (usually with homosexual overtones between male robot-actors) using text-to-movie software from Xtranormal. Gutfeld refers to the computer-generated actors as "robot" versions of the characters they purportedly simulate (either Levy, celebrities, or personalities from politics and media). Sketches usually end when one of the robots mentions lotion ("I'll get the lotion" or "Do you have lotion?" or "Keith Olbermann is going to stop by with the lotion. He gives an awesome back-rub."). Two examples from 'Red Eye Robot Theater' follow:
• Too Hot for the Panel: Shillue interviews a popular media personality in a separate setting from the main panel.

Media Matters is frequently lampooned using "Robot Theater". After the Washington Post reported in March 2011 on a planned "On-camera Media Training Seminar" for Media Matters employees, Red Eye Robot Theater's criticism of Media Matters was expressed in the desperate plea of a Media Matters robot-employee:

I have no other skills. My job is to obsessively watch Fox News. If you take that away, I have nothing: no friends, no family, no life. I am a shell of a human, deluded into thinking I have purpose, when all I really am is a conduit for my boss's simmering jealousy over past slights. Fox News is evil and wrong. Fox News is evil and wrong. Fox News is evil and wrong.

On June 8, 2011, "Red Eye Robot Theater" featured a female robot for the first time, representing the female involved in the Weinergate sexting scandal. This sketch was an re-enactment of an actual Facebook sexting communication between a Las Vegas female Blackjack dealer and Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-NY). The June 8, 2011, 'Red Eye Robot Theater' transcript follows:

WEINER ROBOT: Off to the shower. This thing is bopping up and down.
FEMALE ROBOT: Ahh, wish I was in the shower with you to help.
WEINER ROBOT: You give good [bleep]?
FEMALE ROBOT: I have been told really good and I love doing it.
WEINER ROBOT: Wow. A Jewish girl who sucks [bleep]. This thing is ready to do damage.
FEMALE ROBOT: And [bleep] every drop. How the [bleep] do I get you here to help [bleep] me?
WEINER ROBOT: Thinking about [bleeping] your hot mouth with my [bleep].
FEMALE ROBOT: The anticipation of [bleeping] you is driving me crazy. Come to Vegas so I can suck your [bleep] for an hour. You must be in the shower. I am getting a very nice visual for bed. I will probably have some filthy dreams about you, again.

• Ron's Letters To Obama: Author Ron Geraci reads letters that he has mailed to President Obama.
• Today in McConaughey: Gutfeld talks to the show's "Matthew McConaughey correspondaughey," played by shirtless Joshua McCarroll, about news relating to Matthew McConaughey.
• Tonight's Tool! (for Tonight!): Gutfeld discusses someone's statements he considers especially moronic.
• Twitter News: Andy Levy talks to Gutfeld about posts people have made on Twitter.
• Where Are They Now?: Gutfeld checks in to see what became of the stars (usually cats) of an internet video that was played on a previous episode.
• Unrest in Cyrus: A segment where the cast talks about the current escapades of singer Miley Cyrus.
• Unrest in Sheen: A segment where the cast talks about the current escapades of actor Charlie Sheen.

Retired segments

• As you know, I draw the news: Gutfeld showed a drawing related to a news story, often featuring unicorns (sometimes "Unicorn Jones" and sometimes "Fluffy McNutter"). Sometimes, viewers submitted a title for a chance to win the drawing. In 2011, Greg began drawing "Unicorn Jones" again and auctioned the new and old drawings off during the "Art Auction For Charity" segment.
• Thanks, Glenn: A cold open that aired immediately after a Glenn Beck rerun, which usually ended with the sign-off "Good night, America." The channel cut straight to a shot of Gutfeld, who said, "Thanks, Glenn," followed with a tongue-in-cheek statement, bromide, or complaint such as "...and don't wait up for me." The title sequence followed.
• Ab News: Greg or Courtney Friel reported the news while videotape of Courtney Friel, Shira Lazar, or Diana Falzone (sometimes clips of all three) exercising was shown.
• Bill-a-Buster (retired version): After Gutfeld delivered his "Greg-alogue", expressing his libertarian political viewpoint, Bill Schulz would give his left-wing counterpoint titled 'Bill-a-Buster'. Often during his 'Bill-a-Busters', Schulz would wear a pair of "granny glasses" and sometimes hyperventilate to produce some (self-confessed) manufactured outrage about his particular points (see "Outrage Glasses" below). The 'Bill-a-Buster' later returned as the name of Schulz's replacement 'Greg-alogue' while guest hosting.
• Guest Who's Coming On?: Gutfeld talks to then guest booker Joshua McCarroll about upcoming guests.
• Halftime Report sponsor: Just before going to commercial, a voiceover attributes that night's Halftime Report to sponsorship by something mundane. The voiceover is currently done by one of the show's producers, Tom O'Connor. Previously, Gutfeld would thank whatever sponsored the Halftime Report, and then impersonate its reply.
• Pinch & Me: Sketch starring Pinch and Schulz. "Pinch" was a crude marionette of a talking New York Times newspaper that got smaller and smaller with time, voiced and operated by Schulz. The name "Pinch" was a pointed reference to the familiar nickname of the Times' publisher Pinch Sulzberger.
• Pregame Report: "TV's Andy Levy" gives a brief summary of the topics to be discussed in that night's episode. Near the end of 2009, Levy began adding a rap to the end of the segment. Initially, Gutfeld countered with his own rap; as of early 2010, Gutfeld no longer offers his own rap and has stopped responding to Levy's. As of early spring 2010 Andy has stopped his rap on a regular basis.
• Mail Time: Gutfeld reads letters and e-mails sent by the viewers. Prior to 2010, the segment was titled "Male Time" to correspond with images of muscular men in briefs. The images now appear to have been permanently removed, and the spelling is now the word "mail" in its intended context.
• Postgame Wrap-Up: Occurs at the end of the program. Levy asks the panel questions. Often, this segment serves as an opportunity for guests to plug a project or appearance. The segment was originally a version of the "Halftime Report w/ Andy Levy", but was later changed to its current promotional format.
• Post Game Report: replaced both the Halftime Report and Postgame Wrap-Up served the same function as the "Halftime Report" but appeared at the end of the show.
• Previously on Red Eye: A video clip was shown at the beginning of the show of something that supposedly happened on the last show, usually a scene from an obscure film of the 1970s.
• Schulz on the Street: Bill Schulz went off set to do a report on the streets of New York, often involving talking to everyday people.
• Space News with Oderus Urungus: GWAR front man Oderus Urungus, as Red Eye's interplanetary correspondent, reports on the latest interstellar happenings. Oderus Urungus singer, Dave Brockie, posted a statement saying he would no longer appear on Red Eye. After meeting with Gutfeld, Brockie cited "certain people at Fox", probably "higher-ups", who disapproved of his disemboweling of Sarah Palin (in effigy) in GWAR's stage act.
• Yoga News: Similar to Ab News, Gutfeld read the news while a video plays of Lauren Sivan in various yoga poses

Recurring elements

Pinch

"Pinch", a caricature of the liberal elite media named after Times publisher Arthur "Pinch" Sulzberger, was a puppet made from a folded New York Times newspaper and was intended to represent The New York Times itself, not simply a single correspondent or columnist. The puppet was voiced by series-regular Bill Schulz, who also operated the mouth movements by pulling a string atop the puppet. Pinch had appeared in nearly every episode since his debut, except for episodes where Schulz was absent. However, on April 8, 2011, Dana Vachon was the first person to voice and operate Pinch other than Schulz, who was absent at the time.

Pinch debuted on March 21, 2009 and was originally known as the New York Times Correspondent. After previous attempts by Gutfeld to call him "Timsey", on the March 26 show, the New York Times Correspondent said that "Pinch" would be an acceptable name because "you save a pinch when reading me." Pinch was often heard coughing excessively and, after July 15, 2009, Bill Schulz occasionally changed Pinch's healthy-looking cardboard eyes to sick-looking blood-shot cardboard eyes. As a reference to the national epidemic of newspapers slimming down by reducing content and cutting staff, Pinch was also drastically reduced over time to merely one thin section of newsprint.

Pinch was introduced alongside the rest of the panel at the beginning of the show, usually speaking after Gutfeld prompted him with, "Good to see you again, Pinch", sometimes adding, "you piece of trash." Schulz then responded in character as Pinch with a rhyme; often, the rhyme was a satiric plug for a column or article that referenced a New York Times columnist or reporter by name.

The March 12, 2011 episode marked the debut of "Porch", Pinch's intern. He was a miniature version of Pinch taken from a Bill Schulz bobblehead figure. Both Porch and Pinch have since been discontinued.

The leg chair

Another recurring element of the show is the "leg chair," the seat on the right-most side of the table. Repeatedly referred to by this name by Gutfeld, Levy and others, this chair is reserved almost exclusively for female guests of the show, providing an unobscured view of their legs in wide shots of the set. Female guests seem willing to play along; however, some have expressed varied feelings toward the leg chair. For example, during the April 15, 2010 episode, Gutfeld and Imogen Lloyd Webber had the following exchange:

Lloyd Webber: "Next thing [Cambridge will] have girls on Red Eye in the leg chair" (referring jokingly to herself).
Gutfeld: "How dare you... you are obsessed with the leg chair."
Lloyd Webber: "I am, yes."

Outrage glasses

When Bill Schulz became exceptionally upset about a topic, he would often put on a pair of Buddy Holly–style large, black glasses known as the "outrage glasses". He would then speak in a farcical, hyper-angry voice. In a March 2011 Twitter post, Schulz claimed to have discovered the glasses behind a set of his father's vintage toy trucks in his house.

Semi-subliminal messages as running gag

Starting in May 2011, a split-second image with a short message has been infrequently flashed over close-up shots of Greg Gutfeld, Bill Schulz, Andy Levy, or sometimes over one of the guests during panel discussion. These semi-subliminal messages always involve either Gutfeld, Schulz or Levy wearing a silver-metallic mask with short messages printed underneath in large capital letters. The short message under Greg Gutfeld's image has been "REDEEM HIM", "PUNISH HIM" (flashed March 6, 2011), "FEED IT" (flashed June 22, 2011), or "RETURN HIM" (flashed August 25, 2011). The short message under Bill Schulz's image was "AVOID HIM", "AVENGE HIM" (both flashed several times each during May 2011), or "RELISH HIM" (flashed July 8, 11). The message under Andy Levy's image has been either "SAVE HIM" (flashed late-May 2011) or "OBEY HIM" (flashed October 6, 2011).

Andy Levy's running gag

Andy Levy often mocks Gutfeld by saying, "I apologize for nothing." Gutfeld has responded to Levy's mocking statement with, "I apologize for everything."

Controversies

Political proxy vs. destructive force

In a September 28, 2010, Rolling Stone article, President Barack Obama stated that Greg Gutfeld's network, Fox News Channel, has a "point of view that I think is ultimately destructive for the long-term growth of a country that has a vibrant middle-class." Red Eye host Greg Gutfeld responded to Obama's political comments with his following September 29, 2010 Greg-alogue:

Okay. So, you're the President of the United States, with both houses under your control. You also have the most fawning press of any president in the history of the Universe. And yet you let Fox News Channel get under your skin, because it's the only network that doesn't have a thrill up its leg. Obama is like a sports team who owns the Ref, the fans and the field, but refuses to play ball until the kid in the 10th row stops chewing gum.

Then Gutfeld advanced the theory that President Obama uses Fox News as a proxy for those Americans who do disagree with his policies:

And this is why the Crybaby-in-Chief needs us. It provides cover, so Obama can criticize Americans without ever saying "those Americans." He can just say Fox News instead. One thing is for sure: If you go after a collection of talking-heads, you're going to get an earful back. And if you disagree with me, you're a racist, homophobic, taurophobe.

Apology to Canadian military

In a five-minute segment broadcast on Tuesday, March 17, 2009, Gutfeld and his panel discussed Canadian Lieutenant General Andrew Leslie's statement that the Canadian military may require a one-year "synchronized break" once Canada's mission in Afghanistan ends in 2011. "Meaning, the Canadian military wants to take a breather to do some yoga, paint landscapes, run on the beach in gorgeous white Capri pants," Gutfeld said. "I didn't even know they were in the war", comedian panelist Doug Benson added, then continued, "I thought that's where you go if you don't want to fight. Go chill in Canada." Gutfeld also said: "Isn't this the perfect time to invade this ridiculous country? They have no army!" Schulz made comments about the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and their ceremonial red uniforms, and concluded by saying "This is not a smart culture!"

The segment drew wide attention and outrage in Canada after being posted on YouTube for Canadians to view and after the reported deaths just three days later (Friday, March 20, 2009) of four Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan.

Doug Benson was scheduled to appear in Canada at Edmonton's The Comic Strip April 3–5, 2009, but the shows were canceled after the owner received threats of "bodily injury" toward the American comic. "Some were saying he wouldn't make it from the airport to the club. For everyone's safety, we decided it was best to avoid the scenario altogether," manager Rick Bronson said.

Canadian Defence Minister Peter MacKay called on Fox to apologize for the satirical comments, describing the remarks as "despicable, hurtful and ignorant." Hours after the March 17 comments, Gutfeld maintained the show is satirical and irreverent but offered the following apology: "The March 17 episode of Red Eye included a segment discussing Canada's plan for a 'synchronized break,' which was in no way an attempt to make light of troop efforts. However, I realize that my words may have been misunderstood. It was not my intent to disrespect the brave men, women and families of the Canadian military, and for that I apologize."

Park51: located at the crossroads of "Sensibility" & "Sensitivity"

On August 10, 2010, Gutfeld proposed, on his blog, to construct the city's first Islamic-friendly gay bar next to the unfinished Park51 Islamic community center, known at the time as Cordoba House and often referred to as the "Ground Zero mosque" in the media. As Gutfeld stated in his August 9, 2010 Greg-alogue, which was featured and discussed on Red Eye w/Greg Gutfeld: "As an American, I believe they have every right to build the mosque. Which is why, in the spirit of outreach...I'm announcing tonight, that I am planning to open the first gay bar that caters not only to the west, but also Islamic gay men. I hope the mosque owners will be as open to the bar, as I am to the new mosque. After all, the belief driving them to open their center near Ground Zero is no different than mine...understanding and tolerance." He also stated an entire floor will only serve non-alcoholic (virgin) drinks, in keeping with its Muslim-friendly atmosphere.

Gutfeld later e-mailed and tweeted the developers at Cordoba House seeking a response to his idea. They tweeted back: "You're free to open whatever you like. If you won't consider the sensibilities of Muslims, you're not going to build dialog." After that tweet, Gutfeld announced he wanted to build and name his gay bar Dialogue. Other names for the proposed gay bar were sent into the Red Eye host (via Twitter and Internet) by fans, such as: al Gayda, Grind Zero, and Jihard. Gutfeld asked the developers to appear on his show to talk about the reason they rejected New York Gov. David Paterson's offer of New York State property farther from Ground Zero. Gutfeld noted the irony when they declined his invitation to talk by their reasoning he wouldn't engage in "dialogue". Gutfeld has stated he supports the constitutional right to build a mosque on that site; however, it is not a matter of freedom of religion but a question of sensitivity toward New Yorkers and Americans, who were the targets and victims on 9-11, that should be considered first and foremost.

Gutfeld called his critics "the humorless left" and "ignorant cowards" who were afraid to "condemn real homophobia in the world". Gutfeld said: "Their accusations of Islamophobia are meant to hide their cowardice concerning gay rights" conflicting with Islamic teachings. "After all, Islam despises homosexuality—and this Muslim-friendly gay bar would help mend fences", Gutfeld said. Gutfeld insisted he was serious about building this gay-bar. He said he solicited some investors and received "countless inquiries regarding investments."

In popular culture

Red Eye is used on the show Louie in the episode titled "Come On, God," when Gutfeld hosts a debate between Louis C.K. and Ellen Farber. Ellen is the spokeswoman for an organization called Christians Against Masturbation, while Louie is the only person they could find to defend masturbation.

Red Eye also appeared in three of Taiwan's Next Media Animations. The first was Is Islamophobia sweeping the US? which showed Gutfeld's gay bar next to the Park51 complex. The second video was Bedbugs Take Over USA. The final scene shows Gutfeld, Levy, and Schulz being attacked and eaten by giant bedbugs on the Red Eye set. The third video, Glenn Beck leaving Fox. Who will replace him?, proposed Red Eye as the best replacement for Glenn Beck because 5:00 p.m. is "when people are actually awake" while Gutfeld spars with a giant bedbug.

Clips from Red Eye have been used on Russell Howard's Good News.

Guest hosts/panelists

Guest Hosts

• Mike Baker
• Michelle Collins
• Steven Crowder
• Jill Dobson
• Kennedy
• Bill Schulz

• Mike Huckabee
• Griff Jenkins
• Brian Kilmeade
• Gavin McInnes
• Andy Levy
• Joanne Nosuchinsky

• Jim Norton
• Dana Perino
• Tom Shillue
• Sherrod Small
• Jedediah Bila

Guest Halftime Reporters

• Mike Baker
• Jedediah Bila
• Dan Bova
• Patti Ann Browne
• Michelle Collins
• S. E. Cupp
• Joe DeRosa

• Joe DeVito
• John DeVore
• Ron Geraci
• Griff Jenkins
• Jesse Joyce
• Gavin McInnes
• Paul Mecurio

• Michael C. Moynihan
• Dana Perino
• Tom Shillue
• Lauren Simonetti
• Sherrod Small
• Remi Spencer
• Andrea Tantaros
• Dana Vachon

Ratings

Information about Red Eye's Nielsen ratings is sparse. In March 2007, when the show was still airing at 2:00 a.m. ET, Red Eye averaged 309,000 viewers in its time slot, down about 9 percent from March 2006 when another show aired in that same time slot. In the age 25–54 demographic, however, the show was up 15 percent from the prior year. In March 2006, the 2:00–3:00 a.m. time slot averaged 134,000 demo viewers; in March 2007, it was 154,000. In the 18–34 demo, the time slot was up 27 percent, from 33,000 to 42,000.

After the show moved to its current 3:00 a.m. ET time slot in October 2007, Red Eye's ratings decreased. As of the show's one-year anniversary, average viewership dipped 15 percent, to 285,000. The 25–54 demo was down 24 percent, to 123,000. The show's second anniversary episode on February 5, 2009, however, showed significant improvement: Red Eye averaged 390,000 viewers, with 166,000 in the 25–54 demo. Nielsen also found that in March 2008, 6.1 percent of Red Eye's total viewership came from those who recorded the show, as opposed to watching it when it aired.

In July 2009, Red Eye averaged 335,000 viewers, with 135,000 in the demo. In September 2009, Red Eye averaged 433,000 viewers, with 203,000 in the demo. In 2009, Red Eye was the 40th-highest rated cable news program, in terms of average total viewers. It averaged 365,000 viewers, with 163,000 in the demo. From February 1–5, 2010, the week of the show's third anniversary, Red Eye again averaged 433,000 viewers, with 180,000 in the demo.

By its 1,000th show, Red Eye averaged 365,000 viewers, with 185,000 in the 25–54 demographic, up 17 percent over 2010 in total viewers and up 13 percent in the demo. In October 2011, the show averaged the largest audience in its history. In the key 25 to 54 age demographic, it beat CNN's Piers Morgan Tonight, Erin Burnett Outfront, John King, USA; MSNBC's Morning Joe and Hardball With Chris Matthews; and HLN's Nancy Grace.

On August 17, 2013, Red Eye celebrated its 1,500th episode. That month, the show averaged 434,000 viewers, with 158,000 in the demo. Despite its 3:00 a.m. ET timeslot, it beat all but two of MSNBC's shows in the demo, and its overall viewership was just behind All In with Chris Hayes and Piers Morgan Live, which air on MSNBC at 8:00 p.m. and on CNN at 9:00 p.m., respectively.

For the month of January 2014, Red Eye averaged 488,000 total viewers a night and 195,000 viewers in the key 25 to 54 viewing demographic.

In February 2015, Red Eye averaged 339,000 total viewers, with 137,000 in the demo.

External links

• Red Eye w/Greg Gutfeld: official site
• The Daily Gut – Home/archive of each show's "Greg-alogue" and guest list
• Red Eye w/ Greg Gutfeld – Official Facebook page
• [1] – Red Eye Podcast
• Red Eye – Hulu Full Episodes and Clips streaming online
• Red Eye – Video clips on iTunes
• The Activity Pit – Official unofficial fan site
• @RedEyeFNC – Official Twitter page
• Red Eye at IMDb
• Red Eye at TV.com

Preceded by On the Record w/ Greta Van Susteren (Replay)

Red Eye 3 a.m. ET – 4 a.m. ET

Succeeded by The Five (Replay)