Jimmy Fallon Deflects Criticism: "The Tonight Show" Not Politically Motivated

Jimmy Fallon Claims 'The Tonight Show' Is Not "That Political" Amid Late-Night Fray In a bid to distance himself from potential criticism, Jimmy Fallon asserted that his late-night program, "The Tonight Show," is not inherently political. This statement comes as the host navigates the complex landscape of late-night television, where opinions and satire often blur. During an appearance on CNBC's "Squawk on the Street" on Tuesday, Fallon was asked by host Carl Quintanilla about his approach to monologues and the challenges of broadcasting on a FCC-licensed platform. Fallon responded, "Our show has never really been that political. We hit both sides equally, and we try to make everybody laugh, and that's really the way our show really works." The Tonight Show host emphasized the importance of maintaining a neutral stance, stating, "I just keep my head down and make sure the jokes are funny." Fallon also credited his writers for their clever and smart work in crafting humorous monologues. This assertion from Fallon comes as no surprise, given his history of playing both sides on The Tonight Show. In 2016, he faced criticism for inviting Donald Trump on the show, where they shared a lighthearted moment that some interpreted as an endorsement. Similarly, Fallon has taken digs at former President Joe Biden during his tenure. The late-night television landscape is increasingly polarized, with hosts like Stephen Colbert and Trevor Noah frequently incorporating politics into their monologues. This shift has led to accusations of bias and partisanship from both sides of the aisle. Fallon's comments suggest an effort to avoid becoming a target for criticism from either side. Background context reveals that late-night television has long been a platform for satire and social commentary. Shows like The Tonight Show, with its rich history dating back to Johnny Carson's era, have traditionally aimed to entertain while occasionally tackling serious issues. Additional perspectives on the matter come from industry experts, who note that Fallon's approach may be an attempt to appeal to a broader audience. "By positioning himself as apolitical, Fallon is trying to maintain a middle ground in a polarized media landscape," said one expert. The current status of late-night television remains complex, with hosts continually navigating the fine line between humor and commentary. As for Fallon's claims about The Tonight Show, only time will tell if his approach will be effective in avoiding controversy. Who: Jimmy Fallon What: Claims "The Tonight Show" is not inherently political When: Tuesday on CNBC's "Squawk on the Street" Where: New York City Why: Effort to distance himself from potential criticism How: By emphasizing a neutral stance and focusing on humor *Reporting by Rollingstone.*