Veteran comedian and former late-night talk show host Jay Leno has long stood by his belief that comedy should bring people together—not drive them apart. In a recent interview with David Trulio for The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, Leno opened up about the dangers of diving too deeply into political humor, especially in today’s divided world.
“I like to think that when people come to a comedy show, they’re trying to escape the daily pressures,” Leno said. “Whether it’s work, family, or politics—comedy is a release.” While he emphasized his appreciation for political humor, Leno made it clear that leaning too heavily to one side often comes at a cost: audience unity.
The Risk of Taking Sides
Leno explained that the real challenge with political jokes lies in their tendency to isolate parts of the audience. “I don’t understand why a comedian would want to cut their audience in half,” he said. “Why cater only to one side? The goal should be to make everyone laugh.”
His philosophy is simple: focus on what’s genuinely funny, not what sends a message. “It’s not about endorsing a side or pushing a viewpoint. Comedy should be about making people laugh—period,” he said.
For Leno, the purpose of the stage is not to preach or push agendas but to entertain. “I don’t think anybody shows up to a comedy show hoping to hear a lecture,” he added.
A Changing Late-Night Landscape
Leno’s comments came at a time when the late-night comedy world is seeing big shifts. CBS recently announced it would end “The Late Show” in spring 2026, bringing Stephen Colbert’s tenure to a close. The show has been a late-night staple since David Letterman debuted it in 1993. Colbert took over in 2015 and has since become known for his politically charged monologues and interviews.
CBS cited budget concerns as a factor in its decision, though some speculated on other possible influences—including Colbert’s frequent critiques of former President Donald Trump. Others pointed to timing, as the announcement followed the resolution of a lawsuit involving CBS’s parent company and the Trump administration.
The decision also came during Skydance Media’s massive $8 billion acquisition of Paramount, which required approval from U.S. regulators. Whether these events are connected or simply coincidental remains a topic of debate.
Comedy Without Boundaries
Leno, who hosted “The Tonight Show” on NBC from 1992 until 2009 (with a brief return before Jimmy Fallon took over in 2014), has always maintained a neutral stance in his humor. While modern late-night hosts like Jimmy Kimmel, John Oliver, Seth Meyers, Jon Stewart, and Stephen Colbert have embraced political satire—often with a clear perspective—Leno prefers a broader approach.
In the wake of CBS’s announcement, many of Colbert’s fellow hosts expressed public support for him, regardless of political tone.
Still, Leno’s stance stands out: in an era where comedy increasingly intersects with commentary, he remains an advocate for humor that reaches across the aisle.
“Funny is funny,” Leno concluded. “That’s always been my rule.”
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