Jimmy Fallon’s signature laugh was directly called out by country star Blake Shelton during a March 2025 episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. While promoting his album For Recreational Use Only, Shelton referenced his collaboration with Post Malone on the 2024 hit Pour Me a Drink and praised Malone’s enthusiasm. Shelton said:
I had the song with him. You’ve been around him. I mean, you can’t be around that guy without having a good time, and he’s so excited about everything.
Shelton then turned to Fallon and said, “You guys are a lot alike now that I think about it.” Fallon, mid-laugh, asked, “We are?” prompting Shelton to respond sharply:
Except, he’s genuine about his excitement.
The comment was met with audible gasps and laughter from the audience. Fallon laughed harder, slapped the desk, and eventually pulled a straight face, apparently stunned.
The clip, now widely circulated, has reignited public scrutiny of Fallon’s perceived tendency to exaggerate reactions, particularly his laugh. This moment marks a direct on-air confrontation of a long-standing criticism about Fallon’s hosting style that his laughter appears insincere and overly performative.
Jimmy Fallon’s Laugh Criticized for Years but Does He Care?
The critique surrounding Jimmy Fallon’s exaggerated laugh is not new. For years, viewers and critics alike have accused the host of overreacting to guests’ comments and using laughter as a tool to ingratiate himself with celebrities. He has publicly addressed the criticism in past interviews.
In a 2015 interview, Fallon defended his approach, saying:
My job is, again, is to make everyone look good, no matter who it is, whether you’re a politician or whatever it is. We have people on that people don’t like. I know that. But that’s not my job. You make your own opinion. I can just show you the best person that they are and try to bring out their more personal side and play with them
Speaking with media journalist Bill Carter, Fallon was asked whether he’s too soft on guests and if he tries too hard to be liked. “I do!” Fallon replied when told he seemed like he loved everybody.
Despite criticism, Fallon’s format continues to attract high-profile celebrities who participate in lighthearted interviews and sketches.
Jimmy Fallon Says He’ll Steer Clear of Politics Following Jimmy Kimmel Suspension
Jimmy Fallon recently made it clear that his show intentionally avoids political commentary, particularly in light of recent events involving fellow late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. Kimmel was temporarily suspended by ABC in September 2025 after making comments about the death of conservative figure Charlie Kirk, prompting broader concerns about censorship on network television.
Asked by CNBC on September 30 whether he felt pressure while preparing The Tonight Show, Fallon said:
Our show has never really been that political, you know. We hit both sides equally, and we try to make everybody laugh, and that’s really the way our show works. Our monologues are kind of the same that we’ve been doing since Johnny Carson was hosting the Tonight Show.
Fallon stated that his monologue style hasn’t changed since the days of Johnny Carson, and emphasized his focus remains on humor, not commentary. “I just keep my head down and make sure the jokes are funny,” he said, while praising his staff of writers.
He briefly referenced Kimmel’s situation during his September 18 monologue, opening with:
The big story is that Jimmy Kimmel was suspended by ABC after pressure from the FCC, leaving everyone thinking WTF? What’s going on?
Fallon added:
This morning I woke up to 100 text messages from my dad saying, ‘I’m sorry they canceled your show.’ And I go, ‘That’s not me! That’s Jimmy Kimmel!’
He went on to describe Kimmel as “a decent, funny, and loving guy” and said he hoped he would return. On the September 23 episode, Fallon joked again about being mistaken for Kimmel, telling viewers they were “watching the wrong Jimmy” if they were looking for controversial takes.
Blake Shelton’s comment on The Tonight Show has pushed Fallon’s laugh back into public scrutiny, reinforcing a long-standing conversation about authenticity in late-night television. Fallon’s own responses make it clear: he knows the criticism, and he stands by his approach. His show is not meant to confront; it’s meant to comfort.
However, do you think Fallon’s style is out of date or a necessary break from political tension? Sound off in the comments below.
