Jon Lovitz Criticizes Late Night Comedy for Becoming Too Political
The renowned actor and comedian expresses his concerns about the politicization of late night comedy shows and the impact it has had on the entertainment value.
Late night comedy shows have long been a source of laughter and entertainment for viewers. However, in recent years, these shows have become increasingly political, with hosts like Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel, and Seth Meyers using their platforms to express their political views. Actor and comedian Jon Lovitz, known for his iconic roles on “Saturday Night Live” and in films like “A League of Their Own,” recently spoke out about the transformation of late night comedy and the negative impact it has had on the entertainment value of these shows.
The Evolution of Late Night Comedy
Jon Lovitz reflects on the evolution of late night comedy over the years. He fondly remembers the days when shows like “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson and “Late Show” with David Letterman focused primarily on providing entertainment through comedy. Lovitz highlights how Carson would incorporate a few jokes about the president or current events, but it was never the sole focus of the show. The emphasis was on providing a comedic escape for viewers.
Late Night Comedy Turns Political
Lovitz expresses his dissatisfaction with the current state of late night comedy, particularly with hosts like Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel, and Seth Meyers. He believes that these shows have become too political, with the hosts using their platforms to push their own agendas. Lovitz acknowledges that these hosts are talented and funny, but he feels that the excessive focus on politics has taken away from the comedic nature of the shows.
Jimmy Fallon’s Approach
Lovitz praises Jimmy Fallon for maintaining a more lighthearted and apolitical approach to his late night show. Fallon faced backlash from liberals after his friendly interview with then-candidate Donald Trump in 2016. Critics argued that Fallon’s interview humanized Trump and may have inadvertently helped his campaign. While Fallon has been criticized for not being more politically outspoken, Lovitz commends him for providing a much-needed escapism entertainment show.
The Impact on Comedy
According to Lovitz, the shift towards political content on late night comedy shows has come at the expense of traditional comedy. He laments the lack of comedians, stand-up acts, and comedic bits that used to be a staple of these shows. Lovitz believes that the focus on politics has overshadowed the comedic talent and entertainment value that these shows once provided.
Lovitz’s Career and Stand-Up Comedy
As a veteran in the comedy industry, Lovitz has had a successful career spanning nearly four decades. From his time on “Saturday Night Live” to his roles in films like “A League of Their Own,” Lovitz has brought laughter to audiences around the world. He continues to perform stand-up comedy regularly, showcasing his comedic skills and providing audiences with a much-needed escape from the political climate.
Conclusion: Jon Lovitz’s critique of the politicization of late night comedy sheds light on the changing landscape of these shows. While some hosts have embraced a more political approach, Lovitz believes that it has come at the expense of comedy. As viewers, we must consider whether the shift towards politics in late night comedy is beneficial or if it detracts from the entertainment value that these shows once provided.
