Late-Night Hosts Target U.S. in Jokes During Operation Epic Fury

A recent analysis by the Media Research Center (MRC) revealed that during the first week of Operation Epic Fury, a military initiative involving the United States and Israel against Iran, late-night television hosts overwhelmingly directed their humor at the U.S. and its allies. The study examined 20 episodes from popular shows, including "Jimmy Kimmel Live," "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," "The Daily Show," "Late Night with Seth Meyers," and "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," aired between March 2 and March 5, 2026. Out of 250 jokes related to the conflict, 235, or 94%, targeted the U.S. and its allies, while only 15 jokes were aimed at Iran.

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The study provided a detailed breakdown of how individual hosts approached the topic. Seth Meyers delivered the highest number of jokes about the U.S. at 52, with all his war-related jokes focusing on America. Jimmy Fallon aimed 36 of his 37 jokes (97%) at the U.S., while Jimmy Kimmel directed 51 of his 53 jokes (96%) at America or its allies. Stephen Colbert told 43 of his 48 jokes, approximately 90%, about the allied side of the conflict. Jon Stewart and Michael Kosta on "The Daily Show" combined to tell 53 of 60 jokes (88%) about the U.S. and its partners.

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The humor often revolved around political commentary and military operations. For instance, Kimmel quipped that the Pentagon's operation was originally titled "Operation Epsteino Distracto," while Colbert joked that "Epic Fury" was an anagram for "Forget Epstein." Meyers mocked President Donald Trump for announcing military operations at 3 a.m. from his private club, and Fallon referenced nuclear facilities in a mock interview.

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The findings have sparked discussions about the political leanings of late-night comedy. Critics argue that the overwhelming focus on the U.S. and its allies reflects a bias against American military actions. The study noted that in 2025, 92% of jokes made by these hosts targeted the political right, indicating a trend of liberal humor dominating late-night television.

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The MRC's analysis has been met with mixed reactions. Supporters of the study argue that it highlights a significant trend in late-night comedy, while critics suggest that humor should not be constrained by political correctness. The study's findings have reignited debates about the role of comedy in political discourse.

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While the MRC's findings indicate a clear trend in late-night humor, there is a lack of comprehensive data on audience reactions to these jokes. Additionally, the study does not explore the broader implications of such humor on public perception of military actions.

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• “Epic Fury? Is this a war or did the Paul brothers launch another energy drink?” — Jon Stewart, Host of "The Daily Show."

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• “I’m sorry, but if you’re gonna announce an illegal war that violates the constitution from your private club at 3:00 A.M., can you at least take the hat off first?” — Seth Meyers, Host of "Late Night with Seth Meyers."

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• “And just after midnight, the Pentagon launched what they are calling Operation Epic Fury, which is different from its original title, which was Operation Epsteino Distracto,” — Jimmy Kimmel, Host of "Jimmy Kimmel Live."

New York Post