Jay Leno Blasts Late Night Hosts For Partisan Jokes That Alienate Viewers

Jay Leno is pushing back against the rise of partisan politics in late-night comedy, saying hosts today are dividing audiences with one-sided jokes.

In a Saturday conversation with Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation President David Trulio, the former Tonight Show host explained why he intentionally kept his political humor balanced over his 22-year run. (RELATED: Jay Leno Survives Terrifying Rollover Crash [VIDEO])

“I’d get letters saying, ‘You and your Republican friends,’ and others saying, ‘You and your Democratic buddies,’ over the same joke,” Leno recalled. “And I’d think, that’s perfect. That’s how you get a whole audience.”

Jay Leno criticizes modern late-night comedy for alienating half the audience with partisan politics

Leno sad, “And I love political humor, don’t get me wrong, but it’s just what happens when people wind up cozying too much to one side or the other.” pic.twitter.com/M1zQuhQ0du

— Election Wizard (@ElectionWiz) July 27, 2025

Leno, 75, criticized the current direction of late-night TV, noting that many comedians have become comfortable playing to just half the country. “Now you have to be content with half the audience because you have to give your opinion,” he said.

Leno emphasized the power of neutrality and connecting through humor, invoking his late friend Rodney Dangerfield’s approach: “Funny is funny… We just discussed jokes.”

“I like to bring people into the big picture,” Leno added. “I don’t understand why you would alienate one particular group. Just do what’s funny.”

His remarks come amid CBS’ decision to cancel The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in May 2026, citing financial reasons. However, the move has sparked speculation, especially following a $16 million settlement that CBS and Paramount paid to Donald Trump over a 2024 interview dispute. Colbert, known for his frequent criticism of Trump, publicly slammed the settlement and fired back at the former president during a recent monologue.

Several prominent comedians — including Jon Stewart, Jimmy Fallon, and John Oliver — have voiced their support for Colbert. Former host David Letterman also blasted CBS, calling the cancellation “pure cowardice.”

Leno, meanwhile, says he’ll stick with what always worked for him: reaching both sides of the aisle with a good punchline.