In the ever-polarizing world of late-night television, Jay Leno is stepping back into the spotlight—not for a new show, but to share some honest thoughts about where comedy is heading.
And his timing? Uncannily perfect, arriving just days after Stephen Colbert’s bombshell departure from The Late Show.
Reflecting on an Era When Everyone Could Laugh Together
Sitting down with David Trulio, president of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, Leno didn’t hold back.
The former Tonight Show host, now 75, looked back at his decades in the business, and especially at how he approached comedy: making everyone laugh, regardless of their political stance.
“I used to get hate mail from both sides over the same joke,” Leno laughed.
“One letter would say I was in bed with the Republicans, and the next would say I was clearly a Democrat.
That’s when I knew I was doing it right.”
Leno Criticizes the Divide in Today’s Late-Night World
For Leno, the heart of comedy lies in its ability to unite, not divide.
And lately, he feels like that’s been slipping away.
“Now, comedians feel like they have to pick a side,” he said.
“It’s like they’re happy with half the audience, as long as they’re being applauded by their side.”
He brought up his longtime friendship with comedy legend Rodney Dangerfield, noting that in 40 years, politics never came up.
“We talked about jokes, not presidents,” Leno said. “That’s how it should be.”
“Funny Is Funny”—Not a Lecture
Leno’s core belief is simple: comedy should be funny first, not preachy.
He admitted that while political humor has its place, he misses the days when late-night shows aimed to entertain everyone—not just those who agree with the host’s views.
“I don’t think people tune in to get a lecture.
They’re looking for a break from life, not more noise,” he explained.
“Why aim for half the audience when you can try to get them all?”
Stephen Colbert’s Shocking Departure Sparks Debate
Leno’s comments come at a moment of serious shake-up in late-night.
Just days earlier, Stephen Colbert made headlines when he announced that The Late Show would be ending in May 2026.
This came after Colbert openly slammed Paramount Global—the network’s parent company—for settling a defamation lawsuit with Donald Trump.
Calling the $16 million settlement a “big, fat bribe,” Colbert’s criticism in his opening monologue quickly became a media firestorm.
Not long after, he told his audience the show was being canceled.
Fallout and Support for Colbert Pours In
The backlash to Colbert’s exit has been swift and loud.
Fellow hosts and fans alike voiced their frustration, with many questioning whether his outspoken political commentary ultimately cost him the show.
Jimmy Fallon was among the first to show support.
“I don’t like what’s happening,” he said, joking that CBS might lose “millions of viewers—plus tens of hundreds watching on Paramount+.”
David Letterman, the original creator of The Late Show, also weighed in.
Although he noted that Colbert’s version leaned more into political satire than his own did, he still stood by his successor.
Letterman didn’t mince words: “This is gutless,” he said of CBS’s decision.
A Comedy World Split Down the Middle
Leno’s broader message echoes what many are starting to feel—late-night TV has become less about comedy and more about politics.
And while some viewers cheer that shift, others long for the days when hosts could poke fun at everyone and still win laughs across the board.
“It doesn’t mean you can’t talk politics,” Leno added.
“But don’t let it take over the whole show. Just be funny—that’s the whole point.”
What’s Next for Late-Night Television?
With Colbert’s show ending and Leno speaking out, the future of late-night feels more uncertain—and more debated—than ever.
Will the next wave of hosts double down on political commentary? Or will someone step in to revive the balanced, joke-first style Leno made famous?
Whatever direction it takes, one thing’s for sure: the conversation around comedy, politics, and entertainment is just heating up.