John Oliver Takes Jab At Jay Leno’s Reaction To Stephen Colbert’s Show Cancelation: ‘Comedy Can’t Be For Everyone’

John Oliver does not agree with Jay Leno’s ideas about involving politics in comedy. CBS’ cancellation of Stephen Colbert's “The Late Show” has sparked many reactions from the late-night world. 

TV hosts Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, and even Leno have commented on the topic. Leno, for his part, noted that some comedians were alienating the audience with political humor.

However, Oliver doesn’t see any sense in Leno’s opinions and isn’t buying it. 

In a recent interview, Oliver addressed Leno's views on comedy, making it clear that he has no interest in following his ideas. 

"I'm going to take a hard pass on taking comedic advice from Jay Leno," the 48-year-old candidly revealed. According to the British-American TV personality, "Comedy can't be for everyone, it's inherently subjective."

Oliver went on to point out that each standup performer is entitled to whatever way they chose to appeal to their audience.

"I guess I don't think it's a question of what you should do because I don't think comedy is prescriptive in that way. It's just what people want," the Emmy-winning host explained to THR.

Oliver continued his discussion, referencing his HBO show and the topics covered. "I think our show clearly comes from a point of view, but most of those long stories we do are not party political,” the former “Daily Show” correspondent stated.

He listed out some subjects touched on in his show, claiming it is all about systemic issues.

“Our last few shows were about gang databases, AI slop, juvenile justice, med spas, and air traffic control. l'm not saying that these don't have a point of view in them. Of course they do,” Oliver quipped.

He added, “But I hope a lot of them actually reach across people's political persuasions. You want people to at least be able to agree on the problem, even if you disagree on what the solution to it is."

Oliver’s blunt response comes a week after Leno’s remark about comedians’ nightly monologues leaning heavily on politics. As The Blast previously reported, the 75-year-old writer aired his beliefs during a talk with the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute.

"I like to think that people come to a comedy show to kind of get away from the things, the pressures of life, wherever it might be," Leno said before blasting comedians for pushing their agendas in their performances: 

"And I love political humor, don't get me wrong, but what happens [is] people wind up cozying too much to one side or the other."

He continued questioning, "Why shoot for just half an audience, why not try to get the whole (audience)?" 

"I mean, like to bring people into the big picture," he added. "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 or whatever, but just do what's funny."

When CBS surprisingly pulled the plug on “The Late Show,” many were in disbelief. Jimmy Kimmel took to his Instagram Stories, reposting the announcement while criticizing the TV network. 

Jimmy Fallon also joined in the conversation with a statement indicating shock over the news while praising Colbert. "I'm just as shocked as everyone. Stephen is one of the sharpest, funniest hosts to ever do it,” Fallon wrote in his message before admitting that he and his family would miss seeing Colbert on their screen. 

“But honestly, he's really been a gentleman and a true friend over the years - going back to The Colbert Report, and I'm sure whatever he does next will be just as brilliant,” Fallon concluded his statement, per ABC News.

As Colbert prepares to take a bow from his hit series, it seems he has his eyes set on podcasting. As The Blast reported, a week ago, he spoke of his interest in starting a podcast during a chat with Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers of “Las Culturistas.”

"I'm going to need a gig soon, so sell me on podcasting. Is it fun?" Colbert asked the pair. In response, Rogers joked that if the TV host toured that path, their broadcast would lose its spot on Time Magazine's list of the 100 all-time best podcasts.

Rogers and Yang advised the host on what it was like to run a podcast and had a laugh suggesting names for the broadcast to him.