LOS ANGELES — Former late-night host Jay Leno has reflected on the transformed landscape of late-night television, citing excessive commercials, the shift to on-demand viewing and the rise of podcasts as key factors in its decline.
In a recent interview with Deadline published this week, Leno, who hosted NBC's The Tonight Show for more than two decades until 2014, discussed changes in the format since his departure. He pointed to podcasts, particularly Joe Rogan's, as the new equivalent of traditional talk shows.
"I mean, podcasts really are the new talk show. Joe Rogan is the new Johnny Carson," Leno said.
Leno highlighted the impact of increased advertising time, noting that by the end of his tenure, commercial breaks had significantly reduced actual show content. He contrasted this with the uninterrupted, longer-form conversations available on streaming platforms and YouTube.
The veteran comedian, now 76, also addressed the role of partisan politics in modern late-night programming, reiterating earlier comments about hosts alienating portions of their audience. He advocated for balanced humor that appeals broadly rather than lectures from one side.
Leno described the end of appointment television, where viewers tuned in simultaneously at a fixed time, as a major shift driven by technology. "The idea that you have to turn the TV on at 11:30 p.m. ... that sounds ridiculous now," he said.
He noted that he continues to perform stand-up comedy extensively, with more than 200 dates a year, and produces Jay Leno's Garage on YouTube. Leno has hosted high-profile guests, including former President Joe Biden in a recent episode.
Details on specific ratings trends or corporate decisions affecting current late-night shows remain subject to broader industry reporting. Leno did not single out individual current hosts for direct criticism beyond general observations.
As of June 20, 2026, traditional late-night programs continue to face challenges amid evolving viewer habits, while Leno maintains an active career outside the nightly format. He emphasized focusing on what he finds enjoyable in his current work.
