Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · October 1, 2025 · Entertainment

Jimmy Fallon's 'Both Sides' Strategy: Spineless or Savvy?

Jimmy Fallon was slammed online for saying his current gameplan to hosting The Tonight Show - amid an increasingly-divisive political landscape in the U.S. - was to 'hit both sides equally'

The Tonight Show's Jimmy Fallon Under Fire for "Bothsidesing" Approach

In a shocking move that has left fans and critics alike scratching their heads, The Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon has revealed his gameplan for navigating the increasingly divisive political landscape of the US – and it's got everyone talking. Appearing on CNBC's Squawk on the Street, Fallon, 51, dropped a bombshell: he plans to "hit both sides equally" with his comedy, sparking outrage and frustration online.

The news comes on the heels of a tumultuous summer for late-night TV, with fellow hosts Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel facing controversy over their own takes on politics. Colbert was fired from his CBS show amidst allegations that his left-leaning views were to blame, while Trump himself took to Twitter to declare that Kimmel would be next in line for the chopping block.

The Tonight Show host, 51, appeared Tuesday on the CNBC program Squawk on the Street

But Fallon seems determined to avoid the fray – at least publicly. Insisting that politics have never been a part of The Tonight Show's DNA, Fallon name-checked legendary host Johnny Carson as his inspiration for taking a nonpartisan approach to comedy. "Our monologues are kind of the same that we've been doing since Johnny Carson was hosting The Tonight Show," he said. "So really, I just keep my head down and make sure the jokes are funny."

But fans and critics aren't buying it – at least not yet. On social media, Fallon's comments have sparked a firestorm of criticism, with many accusing him of being cowardly and lacking the spine to tackle tough topics.

"Bothsidesing is NOT good comedy," one user tweeted. "It's weakness. It's neutral. It's meh. Change the channel."

Fallon was slammed for taking a lighthearted approach to an interview with President Donald Trump during his 2016 campaign

Another user added: "Jimmy Fallon has no love because he has no spine and refuses to read the room."

But others came to his defense, arguing that Fallon is simply doing what comes naturally – making people laugh. As one user pointed out, "Politics have never been his thing. You can tell he gets uncomfortable talking about it on his show."

The controversy surrounding Fallon's approach raises important questions about the role of late-night TV in shaping our cultural conversation. Can comedians truly remain neutral in a world where politics is increasingly becoming a proxy for social justice?

President Donald Trump tweeted in July that 'Fallon will be gone' from 'the untalented Late Night Sweepstakes' after Stephen Colbert's show was dropped

And what does this mean for The Tonight Show, which has historically been a hotbed of edgy humor and commentary? Will Fallon's decision to "hit both sides equally" lead to a new era of bland, middle-of-the-road comedy – or will he surprise us with a bold new direction?

One thing is certain: Jimmy Fallon's attempt to chart a middle course in the world of late-night TV has sparked a debate that's sure to continue for weeks to come.

The Fallout

As news of Fallon's comments spread like wildfire on social media, fans and critics alike weighed in – some fiercely defending the host, while others lambasted him as "cowardly" and lacking in conviction.

"Jimmy Fallon sounds like he's plotting out his strategy," one user quipped. "How much you guys wanna bet that Colbert, Kimmel, Meyers, Stewart, and Oliver have a secret group chat without him in it?"

But not everyone was ready to throw the book at Fallon – some argued that staying on the fence amid the turbulent times was a brave move.

"Why are people calling him a coward for not alienating half his audience?" one user asked. "That's just good old-fashioned common sense."

The Future of Late-Night TV

As the debate rages on, it's clear that Fallon's decision to "hit both sides equally" is more than just a personal choice – it's a reflection of the times we live in. With the world growing increasingly polarized and divided, can late-night TV really remain neutral?

Fallon's measured approach garnered an overwhelmingly frustrated response on social media

Or will Fallon's attempt to navigate this treacherous landscape ultimately prove to be a recipe for disaster? Only time will tell.

The Tonight Show: A Legacy of Comedy

With its rich history dating back to 1954, The Tonight Show has been a staple of American entertainment for generations. From Johnny Carson to Jay Leno and now Jimmy Fallon, the show has always pushed the boundaries of comedy and commentary – but never at the expense of good taste.

As Fallon continues to chart his course through the choppy waters of late-night TV, one thing is certain: The Tonight Show will remain a platform for humor, satire, and – above all else – entertainment. Whether or not that includes politics remains to be seen.