Jay Leno Breaks From the Pack With Take On Colbert Cancellation originally appeared on Parade.
Jay Leno didn’t hold back when it came to his views on late night content, saying he believes political material can alienate audiences.
“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 cozying too much to one side or the other,” Leno, 75, said during an interview with the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation.
He continued, “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.”
While the interview took place nearly a week ago, Leno’s comments have been gaining traction following the cancellation of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. Many have speculated that Stephen Colbert’s outspoken criticism of Donald Trump, along with CBS’ recent settlement involving the president, may have contributed to the show’s cancellation.
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Several celebrities have weighed in on Colbert’s exit, including fellow former late night host David Letterman.
“The fact that they killed the franchise and told Stephen to go. Now, for Stephen, I love this. He is a martyr. Good for him,” Letterman, 78, said in a video posted to his YouTube channel. “Ten years ago, I quit and left. Then Stephen Colbert comes along, and pretty quickly established himself as a precise, crisp, witty political satirist, and often his target has been the current administration. I think the idea [is] that they’re hiding behind money and they’re giving him another 10 months. That’s a huge chunk of money they’re gonna lose.”
He concluded, “I think one day, if not today, the people at CBS who have manipulated and handled this are going to be embarrassed because this is gutless.”
Jay Leno Breaks From the Pack With Take On Colbert Cancellation first appeared on Parade on Jul 28, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 28, 2025, where it first appeared.