Jay Leno is speaking out about the current state of late-night television, and he’s not mincing words.
In a recent conversation with David Trulio, president and CEO of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, the former Tonight Show host expressed concern that political bias has taken over much of the genre.
“I like to think people come to a comedy show to escape the pressures of life,” Leno said. “I love political humor — don’t get me wrong — but this is what happens when you cozy up too much to one side.”
Leno emphasized that, during his tenure, he aimed to appeal to a broad audience rather than tailor his material to one political viewpoint. “Why shoot for just half an audience all the time?” he asked. “Why not go for the whole room? Bring everyone into the big picture. You don’t need to take a side — just do what’s funny.”
His remarks follow a turbulent week for late-night television. Paramount recently agreed to pay President Donald Trump a $16 million settlement over a lawsuit involving the editing of a 60 Minutes interview with Vice President Kamala Harris. Not long after that, CBS announced the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
The network cited financial reasons for the decision, but speculation is swirling that political concerns — including pressure from Trump’s FCC amid a pending merger with Skydance — may have played a role.
Meanwhile, rumors continue to swirl that Jimmy Kimmel Live! may not return after its current contract ends in 2026, signaling a possible shift away from the traditional late-night format altogether.
