Red Eye

Red Eye is a late-night news satire program that aired on the FOX News Channel from 2007 to 2017. The show was initially hosted by Greg Gutfeld before the torch was passed to Andrew Levy (also known as "TV's Andy Levy") in the latter part of the series. The panelist team consisted of a diverse group of personalities such as Rachel Marsden, Bill Schulz, and Joanne Nosuchinsky, who brought their own unique perspectives to the mix.

The format of Red Eye was distinctive – similar in vein to a traditional news show, but blended with a heavy dose of humor and irreverence. The show was taped in front of a live studio audience and aired at 3 a.m. ET, frequently billed as 'Fox News' version of late-night TV.' This unconventional time allowed the show to delve into topics and provide commentary from angles that were often considered risky or subversive for mainstream news programs.

There was an evident blend of comedy, news analysis, and even absurd theatrics that set the show apart. Each episode of Red Eye was an hour long, and the subject matter ranged from politics to pop culture, international events to Internet phenomena, and everything in between. As was common with most news panel shows, the show began with a monologue from the host, which served as an overview of the topics to be discussed.

Andrew Levy, often playing the role of the show’s 'ombudsman', was tasked with 'Half-Time Reports' to correct any mistakes or misrepresentations during the first half of the show. His sharp wit, quick comedic timing, and noted attention to detail garnered him the nickname "TV's Andy Levy" and acted as the counterpoint to the comic frenzy of diverse discussions.

Rachel Marsden, a Canadian political commentator, brought her insight into international politics, particularly as it related to U.S-Canada relations and international security. Given her background as a columnist and political strategist, Rachel provided a unique perspective on the issues discussed, though always intertwined with a comedic undertone.

Bill Schulz, was another panel regular, known for his offbeat humor and comic interpretations of current news events. On many occasions, his counter-culture perspectives incited rib-tickling debates on the show. Schulz brought a polarizing and entertaining dimension to the discussions, providing as much hilarity as he did controversy.

Rounding out the panel was Joanne Nosuchinsky, a former beauty queen turned media personality. Joanne provided a lighter take on the oft-serious news events discussed on the show, often serving as a comedic foil to the more hardline viewpoints of her co-panelists. With her lively demeanor and humorous observations, Joanne was a key factor in the balance of satire and straightforward news commentary that the show was admired for.

One of the distinctive aspects of Red Eye was its incorporation of guest panelists. These ranged from FOX News personalities, comedians, actors, musicians to authors, further ensuring the show's eclectic and unpredictable nature. Furthermore, recurring segments such as "Pinch" the talking New York Times newspaper puppet, and their version of viewer mail, "Mail Time", became some of the beloved trademarks of the show that viewers looked forward to.

Among late-night news satire shows, Red Eye stood apart for its forwardness in addressing real-time issues through a thoroughly entertaining lens. Its quirky blend of serious and offbeat commentary, vast range of topics, and its unique cast of panelists made it a favorite among late-night television viewers and gained it a dedicated fan following over the years.

In its successful run of nearly a decade, Red Eye left an indelible impact on late-night TV. It was celebrated for its capacity to engage viewers in serious, often contentious debates on current events, while simultaneously diffusing tensions with calculated, effective humor. The program truly was a mainstay for night owls and viewers seeking an alternative to traditional news broadcasts.