Jay Leno criticises political talk show hosts amid Stephen Colbert firing: “Don’t do it at all”
Amid CBS firing Stephen Colbert, Jay Leno has blasted late-night talk show hosts for using political humour that could isolate sections of their audiences, arguing that they should not “do it at all.”
The former host, who helmed The Tonight Show from 1992 until 2009, was speaking in a recent interview with The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation. His comments have since gained more traction since the announcement that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is being axed in May next year.
Leno said: “I like to think that people come to a comedy show to get away from the pressures of life. I love political humour — don’t get me wrong. But people wind up cosying too much to one side or the other.”
Criticising the fact that “you have to give your opinion” now, the comedian added: “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.”
It comes after the cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s long-running show has attracted outcry, with speculation suggesting that the reason behind it being axed is due to CBS’ need to get their merger signed off by Donald Trump’s administration, and the host’s outspoken criticism of the president.
Trump celebrated the downfall of the show at the time of the announcement, writing on his Truth Social platform: “I absolutely love that Colbert got fired. His talent was even less than his ratings.”
Colbert and many other talk show hosts hit back at this criticism, with the former addressing Trump directly by telling him: “Go fuck yourself.”
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