Bill Maher blasted Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert, accusing them of turning late-night comedy into partisan political talk shows.

In a recent episode of his HBO show “Real Time with Bill Maher,” the veteran comedian and political commentator Bill Maher launched a scathing critique of fellow late-night hosts Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert.

Maher accused them of transforming their shows into platforms that mirror the partisan narratives of CNN and MSNBC, rather than focusing on the comedic roots that once defined late-night television.

This assertion comes at a time when late-night TV is perceived to be struggling, with ratings declining and audiences becoming increasingly polarized.

The episode aired on a Friday night, and Maher did not hold back. He opened the discussion by lamenting the current state of late-night programming, which he believes has deviated significantly from its original purpose of providing light-hearted entertainment.

“Late night is languishing. It’s at the edge of collapse,” Maher stated emphatically, underscoring his concern that the genre has lost its way.

He reminisced about the days of iconic hosts like Johnny Carson, Jay Leno, and David Letterman, who, according to him, never explicitly shared their political beliefs on air.

“They managed to entertain without alienating half the audience,” he said, contrasting their approach with that of today’s hosts.

Maher’s comments were particularly pointed regarding Kimmel and Colbert, both of whom have been vocal about their political views in recent years.

He argued that their shows have become less about humor and more about delivering partisan commentary, effectively turning late-night television into an extension of cable news.

“It’s like watching a political rally disguised as a comedy show,” he remarked, expressing his frustration with what he sees as a lack of balance in their content.

Maher emphasized that the essence of comedy should be to unite people through laughter, not to divide them along political lines.

During the episode, Maher also referenced his own experiences in the late-night landscape. He recalled when he first started with “Politically Incorrect,” a show known for its provocative discussions.

“Everyone said you can’t share your opinions as a talk show host; you’ll alienate half the crowd,” he recalled. However, Maher believed that audiences could handle diverse viewpoints, a belief he feels has diminished in today’s politically charged environment.

He expressed concern that the current crop of late-night hosts seems more focused on signaling their political alignment than on delivering genuine comedy.

In a segment of his podcast, “Club Random,” Maher further elaborated on his views. He mentioned that Kimmel, Colbert, and other prominent hosts have increasingly parroted the narratives of major news networks, which he finds disappointing.

“They’re just echoing what MSNBC is saying,” he lamented, suggesting that this trend has contributed to the decline in viewership for their shows.

Maher praised the past era of late-night television, where hosts were able to entertain without overtly revealing their political leanings.

The backlash against the current state of late-night television is not limited to Maher’s critiques. Many viewers have taken to social media to express their dissatisfaction, calling for a return to a more inclusive and humorous approach to comedy.

Comments on platforms like Twitter reflect a growing sentiment that late-night shows have become too focused on political correctness and not enough on entertaining a broader audience.

“I miss the days when late-night was about laughing at ourselves, not just at the ‘other side,’” one viewer tweeted, echoing Maher’s call for a more balanced comedic landscape.

As Maher’s remarks gained traction, the question arose:

how will Kimmel and Colbert respond? Some speculate that they may dismiss Maher’s comments as merely a ploy for attention, while others believe there could be a backlash against him from the left, where he has previously enjoyed considerable support.

Maher’s shift towards centrist views has already drawn criticism from those who once hailed him as a champion of liberal causes.

“The leftist machine at this point despises Bill Maher,” one commentator noted, highlighting the irony of Maher’s evolving position in the political landscape.

Despite the potential fallout, Maher remains steadfast in his approach. He continues to invite guests from across the political spectrum onto his show, fostering discussions that challenge the prevailing narratives.

This willingness to engage with differing viewpoints has contributed to his staying power in a media landscape that often favors divisive rhetoric.

“He’s willing to have the conversation,” one of his supporters remarked, emphasizing the importance of dialogue in today’s polarized environment.

As late-night television grapples with its identity in a changing media landscape, Maher’s critique serves as a reminder of the genre’s roots.

His call for a return to a more balanced approach to comedy resonates with many who feel disillusioned by the current state of political humor.

Whether Kimmel and Colbert will heed this advice remains to be seen, but Maher’s words linger in the air, prompting reflection on the future of late-night television and its role in American culture.

As audiences continue to seek entertainment that unites rather than divides, the challenge for late-night hosts will be to navigate the fine line between political commentary and genuine comedy.