Jay Leno criticized the recent political-heavy conversations on late-night talk shows and why they've been alienating "half the audience."
Fans of late-night TV are aware that hosts have been leaning heavily on political conversations in recent years, particularly criticizing the US President Donald Trump's administration and policies. The genre was put in the spotlight again recently when CBS made the shocking decision to cancel The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and end its run early next year.
What Does Jay Leno Think of the Political Trend on Late-Night Television?
In a recent interview with David Trulio (via Variety), Leno shared that he believes late-night talk shows have become too politicized, and the hosts risk losing half of their audience.
"To me, I like to think that people come to a comedy show to kind of get away from things, you know, the pressures of life, whatever it might be. Now you have to be content with half the audience because you have to give your opinion," he said.
Leno didn't mention the late-night show hosts by name, but he criticized how they are cozying up to one political side rather than making their shows accessible to a wider audience.
"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. Why shoot for just half an audience all the time? You know, why not try to get the whole. I mean, I like to bring people into the big picture," he said.
It should be noted that the interview was conducted before CBS canceled The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and it was only published publicly just recently.
What is the Future of Late-Night Television Following The Late Show Cancellation?
One of the biggest questions that fans have is the future of late-night television following the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
While it remains to be seen whether other shows will follow suit, Jon Stewart has already commented on the potential fate of The Daily Show, especially as their parent company is in the middle of a corporate merger.
"Unfortunately, we haven’t heard anything from them. They haven’t called me and said, ‘Don’t get too comfortable in that office, Stewart.’ But let me tell you something, I’ve been kicked out of sh*ttier establishments than that. We’ll land on our feet," Stewart said.
"I’d like to believe that without The Daily Show… I don’t know. Comedy Central is kind of like Muzak at this point. I think we’re the only sort of life that exists on a current basis other than South Park."
Stewart continued, "But it’s the only thing on there. I’d like to think we bring enough value to the property. If they’re looking at it as purely a real estate transaction, I think we bring a lot of value. But that may not be their consideration. They may sell the whole f**king place for parts, I just don’t know. We’ll deal with it when we do."
Other late-night talk show hosts have also shown solidarity with Colbert following the cancellation of his show.
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