In an unexpected twist of late-night drama, Jay Leno, a comedy legend and former late-night host, has launched a scathing critique of Stephen Colbert, accusing the talk show host of destroying late-night television as we know it. Leno’s outburst is just the latest in a growing wave of backlash against Colbert’s increasingly polarized brand of humor and the declining ratings of The Late Show on CBS. But the drama doesn’t end there—Leno’s comments are now being coupled with rumors that Colbert’s contract might be terminated early by Skydance Media, CBS’s new partner following their merger.

Leno’s Criticism: The Fall of Late Night TV

For decades, Jay Leno was the face of late-night TV, dominating The Tonight Show for over two decades with his humor that managed to entertain both liberal and conservative viewers alike. He had always maintained a careful balance of comedy that kept audiences of all political persuasions engaged. But the world of late-night television has shifted dramatically in recent years, with Colbert’s increasingly political commentary taking center stage.

In a recent interview, Leno didn’t hold back. He accused Colbert of alienating half of the late-night audience with a series of one-sided political jabs, particularly targeting former President Donald Trump. Leno pointed out that the late-night landscape had become increasingly divisive, with hosts choosing to cater to a narrow ideological group rather than offering universal humor that appeals to everyone.

“You don’t shoot for half the audience,” Leno said, “You’re supposed to make everyone laugh. Colbert has turned late-night into a political echo chamber, and that’s not what people tune in for. They want entertainment, not a lecture.”

This comment comes after Stephen Colbert’s ratings for The Late Show have been in a decline, with a loss of viewers especially following the highly political coverage of the Trump era. What Leno’s comments highlight is a fundamental shift in the late-night genre, one where politics increasingly takes priority over comedy.

The $20 Million Question: Skydance’s Role in Colbert’s Fate

But Leno’s criticism is more than just a plea for the good ol’ days of late-night comedy. According to industry insiders, Skydance Media—the company now co-owning CBS following its $8.4 billion merger—is considering a drastic move. The latest rumors circulating are that Skydance might fire Colbert before his contract ends in 2026, citing both declining ratings and internal **concerns about his increasingly polarized approach to comedy. According to sources close to the matter, Colbert might be let go even earlier than anticipated, given the fallout from his on-air decisions and CBS’s desire to align itself with a broader audience.

The fallout from Colbert’s early cancellation could send shockwaves throughout the late-night and television industries. With the media world already reeling from CBS’s sudden decision to end The Late Show, the possibility of Colbert’s early departure at the hands of Skydance Media could open the door for major changes in the industry, signaling a shift away from highly politicized late-night hosts.

If Colbert is indeed let go early, it will not just be the end of his popular late-night reign, but also a major rethinking of how late-night programming is structured and how much influence corporations are willing to give to TV hosts when it comes to steering public opinion.

Colbert’s Dilemma: Too Much Politics, Too Little Humor?

Colbert’s journey to primetime dominance has been built on his ability to take political commentary and make it humorous. However, as the political landscape became more divisive, many feel that Colbert’s humor shifted from universal comedy to sharply partisan jokes. His early success with The Colbert Report made him a media powerhouse, but now, some argue that his brand of humor is no longer resonating with a wider audience.

Colbert’s willingness to align with political viewpoints during the Trump era was initially well-received by viewers who shared his political beliefs, but as the years went on, it increasingly alienated viewers on the other side of the political spectrum. What was once sharp satire began to feel more like a political soapbox—a transition that many believe led to his declining ratings.

What’s perhaps most concerning for CBS executives is the financial toll Colbert’s increasingly divisive content has taken on the show’s advertisers. Reports show that Colbert’s heavy political commentary caused a significant drop in advertising revenue, with conservative sponsors pulling out of their deals, feeling alienated by Colbert’s stances.

The Road Ahead: Will Colbert Be Replaced?

If Colbert’s contract is indeed cut short by Skydance Media and CBS, the search for a new late-night host could open up a new chapter for CBS, one that potentially sees a return to non-political comedy. While no clear front-runners have emerged, the future of late-night programming could be drastically altered.

If CBS opts for a more mainstream, non-political late-night host, it could signal a shift away from divisive political satire in favor of humor that appeals to a broader audience. Some have speculated that CBS might bring back a host more in line with the traditional late-night format, someone who can unite audiences through humor without the sharp political edge that Colbert embraced.

Leno’s Warning: A Call for Unity in Late Night

Leno’s outspoken criticism of Colbert comes with a deeper message: late-night comedy needs to find a way to connect with the largest audience possible, without alienating half of the population. His appeal to return to universally appealing humor echoes a sentiment shared by many who feel that the increasing political focus in late-night television is pushing away audiences who want entertainment, not ideological battles.

Conclusion: A Time of Change for Late-Night TV

The future of Stephen Colbert’s career, and possibly the future of late-night television, remains uncertain. As CBS grapples with declining ratings, shifting political tides, and changing audience preferences, it seems that Colbert’s time in late-night could be nearing its end. Whether Colbert’s early exit will spark a new wave of late-night hosts, or simply signal the end of an era, remains to be seen.

The battle for late-night TV supremacy is far from over. As the Skydance merger continues to reshape CBS’s approach to content, ratings, and corporate power, the question remains: Can late-night comedy find its way back to a more unified, broad-reaching format? Or will it continue to fracture under the weight of politics and division? Time will tell, but one thing is clear—things are changing in late-night TV, and CBS may not be able to go back.