In the world of late-night comedy, everyone has an opinion on what’s “funny” and what’s “too political.”
But John Oliver? He’s not interested in taking notes from Jay Leno. In fact, he had just two blunt words in response to Leno’s critique of his fellow Strike Force Five hosts: “hard pass.”
Jay Leno Takes a Swing at Modern Late Night
Jay Leno, the 75-year-old former Tonight Show host, recently sat down with the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation’s CEO and shared his grievances about today’s late-night comedy landscape.
His gripe? That current hosts like Jimmy Fallon, Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver have become too political, pushing what he called a “Democratic agenda.”
“I don’t think anybody wants to hear a lecture,” Leno said.
“Why not try to entertain everyone? I just don’t get why you’d alienate one group.”
Oliver Has Heard Enough and He’s Not Budging
John Oliver, host of Last Week Tonight, wasn’t having it.
Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, the British-born comedian brushed off Leno’s unsolicited advice.
“I’m going to take a hard pass on taking comedic advice from Jay Leno,” he said, clearly unbothered.
And he didn’t stop there. “Who thinks that way? Executives?” he quipped.
“Comedy isn’t universal. It’s subjective. Some comics aim for a wide audience, and that’s fine. Others don’t, and that’s also fine.”
Old Wounds Still Linger for Some Comics
There’s still some bitterness in the comedy community over Leno’s infamous Tonight Show takeover from Conan O’Brien back in 2009.
After Conan’s short seven-month run, NBC handed the show right back to Leno — a move many never forgave him for.
It’s perhaps part of why Oliver and his peers don’t seem all that interested in Leno’s opinions on what late-night should look like.
Oliver Says His Comedy Isn’t About Politics — It’s About Problems
John Oliver made it clear that Last Week Tonight doesn’t push party politics but instead focuses on deeper, systemic issues.
“Our last few shows were about gang databases, AI slop, juvenile justice, med spas, and air traffic control,” he listed.
He admitted the show has a point of view — and that’s intentional.
“You want people to agree on what the problem is, even if they don’t agree on how to fix it,” he explained.
A Strong Show of Support for Colbert After Shock Cancellation
Back in July, when The Late Show with Stephen Colbert was unexpectedly canceled, Oliver and several of his peers quickly rallied around him.
He joined Jon Stewart, Fallon, Meyers, Andy Cohen, and Anderson Cooper on The Late Show to stand by their friend and colleague.
“Stephen called us, and of course we showed up,” Oliver recalled.
“It was a horrible time, and we just wanted to be there for him and his team.”
The Network Game Isn’t the Same for Everyone
Oliver acknowledged how lucky he and his team are at HBO.
While network shows face corporate and advertiser pressure, Last Week Tonight doesn’t deal with those constraints.
“We’re in a totally different position than commercial TV,” he said.
“We don’t have advertiser pressure, and that gives us freedom.”
Emmy Nominations Keep Coming for Last Week Tonight
Oliver’s show is once again getting recognition. Last Week Tonight has picked up six nominations at the upcoming 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, airing September 14 on CBS/Paramount+.
Among the nods: Outstanding Scripted Variety Series and Outstanding Writing.
With 16 Emmys and two Peabodys already under his belt, Oliver admits the success is partly thanks to the freedom HBO gives them.
“It’s a fantastic place to work — we’re insulated by golden armor. If that ever goes away, so might we.”
Oliver and Meyers Return to the Stage
Fans can catch John Oliver and Seth Meyers live when they resume their joint stand-up shows at the Beacon Theatre in Manhattan on September 21.
The five-night run promises the same smart, sharp humor fans know them for.
Meanwhile, Leno Heads Back to Stand-Up in California
As for Jay Leno? He’s sticking to what he knows best — the stage.
He’s set to perform at The Comedy & Magic Club in Hermosa Beach, California this Sunday.