John Oliver has never been one to shy away from a sharp comeback, and his latest response to Jay Leno's critique of modern late-night television is no exception.
The Last Week Tonight host delivered a brutally succinct two-word retort after Leno suggested that today's late-night shows focus too much on politics. While appearing on CNN, Leno claimed that hosts like Oliver, Stephen Colbert, and Jimmy Kimmel have alienated half their audience by being overtly political.
Oliver, never one to mince words, fired back with a simple yet devastating response: "Oh Jay." The sarcastic dismissal quickly went viral, with fans praising Oliver's trademark wit.
This isn't the first time Oliver has clashed with Leno. The British comedian has long been critical of Leno's apolitical approach to comedy, arguing that late-night shows have a responsibility to address pressing societal issues.
Oliver's show, which airs on HBO, has built its reputation on deep dives into complex political and social topics, often blending sharp humour with rigorous investigative journalism.
Meanwhile, Leno has faced backlash in recent years for his handling of sensitive topics, including accusations of making tone-deaf jokes about marginalised communities.
The exchange highlights the growing divide between traditional late-night comedy and the more politically engaged approach favoured by newer hosts. As audiences increasingly expect their entertainers to take stands on important issues, Oliver's biting response suggests he has no intention of toning down his show's political edge.
