Stephen Colbert launched a blistering attack on Fox News personality Pete Hegseth during his October 7 monologue, calling him “a five-star douche,” sparking viral social media reactions, heated debates, and intensifying tensions between late-night comedy and conservative media.

New York City erupted in late-night drama on October 7, 2025, when Stephen Colbert delivered one of the most scorching monologues of his career on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert at the Ed Sullivan Theater.

The host, known for his sharp wit and political commentary, directly targeted Fox News personality Pete Hegseth, calling him “a five-star douche” in a moment that left the studio audience roaring with laughter and sent social media into a frenzy.

Colbert’s blistering critique didn’t stop at a single insult; he followed up with pointed remarks hinting at deeper tensions and ego clashes that extend far beyond what viewers typically see on television, raising questions about the ongoing rivalry between late-night hosts and conservative media figures.

The segment began with Colbert setting the stage for a pointed critique.

“Tonight, we’re talking about a man who thinks shouting into a camera makes him an authority on everything,” Colbert opened, gesturing toward the camera with a mock-serious expression.

“Pete Hegseth, Fox News personality, former Army National Guard officer, and apparently, full-time provocateur.

And if you ask me, he’s a five-star douche.

” The audience erupted in applause and laughter, reacting to the rare combination of humor and direct personal attack.

Colbert then expanded on his criticism, blending comedy with serious commentary.

“It’s not just about what he says,” Colbert continued, his tone dropping slightly to emphasize the gravity of his words.

“It’s the way some people think their opinion, screamed into millions of living rooms, suddenly becomes law.

It doesn’t.

It just gives the rest of us headaches and endless Twitter threads.

” The comments were met with laughter, cheers, and nods of agreement from the live audience, highlighting how Colbert’s sharp critique resonated with viewers frustrated by polarizing media narratives.

The confrontation comes amid escalating tensions between late-night hosts and Fox News commentators, who often occupy opposing sides of America’s cultural and political spectrum.

Colbert, whose career has long combined comedy with incisive political analysis, has a history of taking aim at conservative figures, but his remarks about Hegseth were among the most direct and personal he has delivered to date.

Analysts suggest the monologue reflects Colbert’s growing frustration with media figures he views as irresponsible, as well as broader societal debates over the role of television personalities in shaping public opinion.

Pete Hegseth, co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend, has built his career on conservative commentary and strong opinions about national politics, military policy, and cultural issues.

His outspoken approach has made him a regular target for satire and criticism, but Colbert’s recent takedown stands out for its intensity and the public nature of the attack.

Observers note that moments like these not only generate headlines but also amplify conversations about media responsibility, public discourse, and the increasingly blurred line between comedy and political commentary.

Social media immediately exploded after the episode aired.

Clips of Colbert calling Hegseth “a five-star douche” went viral on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, garnering millions of views within hours.

Reactions were polarizing: fans of Colbert praised the monologue as one of his sharpest and funniest, while supporters of Hegseth condemned the attack as unfair and overly personal.

Tweets ranged from, “Colbert didn’t hold back tonight—absolute fire!” to, “Name-calling on national TV? Hegseth has done nothing but his job!” The viral nature of the clip demonstrates the potent mix of comedy, controversy, and celebrity culture in today’s media landscape.

Media analysts predict that the segment will prompt further commentary, interviews, and possibly a response from Hegseth himself, who has a history of engaging in public feuds with critics.

The interaction underscores a growing trend in which late-night hosts are not just entertainers but also influential commentators who can shape public opinion and drive national conversation.

Colbert’s approach—melding humor with sharp critique—has consistently proven effective in holding public figures accountable while entertaining millions of viewers simultaneously.

The timing of the segment also contributes to its impact.

As the United States heads into an increasingly heated political season, conversations about media influence, ideological divides, and the role of public figures in shaping debate are more relevant than ever.

Colbert’s monologue, while comedic, taps into larger cultural tensions, reminding audiences that humor can intersect with serious societal critique in ways that resonate far beyond the television screen.

As discussions unfold online, hashtags like #ColbertVsHegseth and #FiveStarDouche are trending, with fans and critics dissecting every moment, every inflection, and every gesture from the broadcast.

Whether Hegseth chooses to respond or allow the segment to fade, the episode has already cemented itself as a defining moment in late-night television, illustrating the evolving role of comedy in political and cultural commentary.

Stephen Colbert’s October 7 monologue serves as a striking example of how late-night television has transformed into a platform where humor, politics, and cultural critique collide, often sparking viral moments that dominate social media conversation.

As the fallout continues, viewers and media observers alike are watching closely to see how this fiery exchange between Colbert and Hegseth will shape both the discourse surrounding cable news personalities and the broader dynamics of late-night television in America.