Comedian slams political late-night hosts

Former Tonight Show host Jay Leno has criticized late-night television’s shift toward politically one-sided humor, warning that it limits audience reach and risks alienating large segments of viewers. Leno, 75, made the comments during a recent interview with the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation.

‘That’s how you get a whole audience’

David Trulio, president and CEO of the Reagan Foundation, opened the discussion by noting that Leno’s jokes historically targeted both Democrats and Republicans. Leno said that the balance was intentional. “I got hate letters saying, ‘You and your Republican friends,’ and another saying, ‘I hope you and your Democratic buddies are happy’ — over the same joke,” Leno said. “That’s how you get a whole audience. Now you have to be content with half the audience, because you have to give your opinion.” Citing his friendship with comedian Rodney Dangerfield, Leno said they never discussed politics in four decades of knowing each other. “I like to think that people come to a comedy show to get away from the pressures of life,” Leno said. “I love political humor — don’t get me wrong. But people wind up cozying too much to one side or the other.”

‘Why shoot for just half an audience?’

Leno argued that focusing humor on just one political viewpoint narrows potential appeal. He said during the interview, “I don’t think anybody wants to hear a lecture. … Why shoot for just half an audience? Why not try to get the whole? I like to bring people into the big picture. I don’t understand why you would alienate one particular group — or just don’t do it at all. I’m not saying you have to throw your support [on one side]. But just do what’s funny.”

‘The Late Show With Stephen Colbert’

While Leno did not mention Stephen Colbert directly, his comments circulated widely after CBS’ decided to end The Late Show in May 2026. The network described the move as a “financial decision,” but it came days after Colbert criticized CBS for paying “a big fat bribe” to President Donald Trump in the form of a $16 million settlement tied to a 60 Minutes interview. Media watchdog group Newsbusters reported that since 2022, The Late Show has hosted 176 guests with left-leaning political profiles and only one Republican. Since January 2025, the program has featured 43 left-leaning guests and no conservatives.

Late-night figures have voiced support for Colbert

Other late-night figures have voiced support for Colbert following CBS’ announcement. Current Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon joined colleagues in defending the value of politically pointed programming. Jon Stewart, who also works under Paramount Global, criticized what he sees as corporate efforts to water down content. “What made you that money are shows that say something, shows that take a stand, shows that are unafraid,” Stewart said. “If you believe — as corporations or as networks — that you can make yourselves so innocuous that you can serve a gruel so flavorless that you will never again be on the boy king’s radar … why would anyone watch you?”

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