Fallon vows to stick to Johnny Carson–style monologues — keeping the laughs nonpartisan and the show light.
Jimmy Fallon is making it clear: politics won’t be the focus of “The Tonight Show.”
In a recent interview on CNBC’s “Squawk on the Street,” Fallon said his long-running late-night program has “never really been political,” and he plans to keep it that way. “We hit both sides equally, and we try to make everybody laugh, and that’s really the way our show works,” he told the business-news program, stressing that his goal is simple entertainment.
“Our monologues are kind of the same that we’ve been doing since Johnny Carson was hosting ‘The Tonight Show.’ So really, I just keep my head down and make sure the jokes are funny.”
Fallon, who has built a reputation for friendly interviews and viral musical bits, said he’s focused on crafting a show that appeals broadly. “I have great writers,” he added. “And we’re just trying to make the best show we possibly can and entertain everybody.”
The comments arrive at a tense moment for late-night television, where politics and punchlines have increasingly collided.
The debate flared after Jimmy Kimmel’s Sept. 15 monologue addressing the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk prompted backlash from powerful station groups. Nexstar and Sinclair — two of the largest U.S. TV station owners — vowed to preempt Kimmel’s ABC late-night program following his remarks.
FCC Chair Brendan Carr also weighed in publicly, suggesting broadcasters should consider taking action against on-air commentary he viewed as problematic.
ABC briefly sidelined “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” amid the controversy, but reinstated the host on Sept. 22; Nexstar and Sinclair returned the show to their schedules days later.
The episode stirred fierce reactions online and off, with President Donald Trump posting a scathing message on Truth Social accusing Kimmel of pushing “99% positive Democrat GARBAGE” and even threatening to test ABC over the network’s decisions.
Fallon’s stance is intentionally low-key in that charged climate: stick to classic monologue structure, avoid partisan provocation, and aim for inclusive laughs. It’s a reminder that late-night hosts choose different paths — some embrace political commentary, others, like Fallon, prefer to keep the spotlight on comedy and celebrity.
Whether viewers crave politically charged satire or a lighter escape, Fallon’s message is clear: on his stage, the jokes come first.
What do you think — should late-night be political or purely entertainment? Share your thoughts.
