8 Best Comedy Talk Shows That Haven’t Been Canceled as of 2025

Comedy talk shows are a wonderful middle ground between news and nonsense. It’s a place where sincerity meets satire and celebrity gossip can share airtime with political commentary. For decades, comedy talk shows have found a unique place in pop culture, and they’ve now become part variety hour, part therapy session for a nation that just needs to laugh. Whether it’s a desk monologue or a guest interview that turns unexpectedly profound, comedy talk shows thrive on wit, spontaneity, and the kind of casual intimacy that’s unmatched.

The format itself is quite simple. There’s one host, one desk, one audience, and a whole lot of freedom. And it’s this freedom to speak candidly, mock power, and riff on the silliness of modern life, is what makes them more than just entertainment. They’re an important part of culture because they say what others won’t. They laugh when things get serious and remind us, night after night, that humor is a defense mechanism.

Since the mid-20th century, comedy talk shows have evolved from the charm of Johnny Carson to the politically charged satire of John Oliver. It’s a genre that continues to reinvent itself, adapts to new platforms and new audiences, and isn’t scared of the changing social climates. And in 2025, with the rise of digital-first formats, staying on air is no small feat. Even legacy shows like Jimmy Kimmel Live! have felt the pressure.

But the good news is, several comedy talk shows have only thrived under pressure by sharpening their tone and consistently delivering the kind of smart comedy that audiences crave.

These 8 comedy talk shows are funny, fearless, and still very much alive in 2025.

‘Desus & Mero’ (2016 – 2022, Revived 2025 – Present)

Originally launched as a Bronx-born, low-budget YouTube series in 2013, Desus & Mero evolved into a full-fledged comedy talk show, first on Viceland, then Showtime, thanks to its unfiltered humor and whip-smart commentary on everything from politics to pop culture. The 2025 revival, now hosted solo by Desus Nice, still managed to retain the original’s energy while leaning more into a structured late-night format.

Voice Is Still Vital in Comedy

The premise of Desus & Mero is rooted in conversational comedy, with the hosts recalling viral moments, discussing trending topics, and interviewing guests with genuine curiosity. It is fast, funny, and proudly New York. Plus, the 2025 version feels more like a natural continuation rather than a reboot. After the 2022 split, Nice has brought a sharpness to the show by balancing his trademark wisecracks with thoughtful interviews. Guests range from hip-hop legends like Nas and Cardi B to political figures and viral internet personalities, and it’s fun for both fans and newcomers.

‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’ (2014 – Present)

The Tonight Show has always been the crown jewel of late-night television, and under Jimmy Fallon’s tenure since 2014, it has become an interesting stage for celebrity games, musical parodies, and viral sketches. Fallon’s version is all about light-hearted entertainment, and he prioritizes fun over hard-hitting commentary. The format combines traditional monologues with interactive segments like “Wheel of Musical Impressions” and “Thank You Notes,” while the guest list covers Hollywood A-listers, pop stars, athletes, and other important people.

When It’s All Games and Giggles

Jimmy Fallon’s hosting style is particularly warm and enthusiastic. He is not the most political or satirical voice in the comedy talk show landscape, but he’s arguably the most accessible. His rapport with stars like Tom Cruise and Zendaya feels genuinely playful and his musical collaborations with The Roots has become a mainstay in the show. That said, despite getting criticism for being too soft, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon remains a ratings powerhouse and a reliable source for feel-good comedy.

‘Real Time with Bill Maher’ (2003 – Present)

In a media environment that’s often dominated by ideological echo chambers, Real Time with Bill Maher is one of the few comedy shows that’s uncompromising when it comes to commenting on politics or critiquing culture. The format is part panel discussion, part monologue, and part stand-up. But it’s potent. Maher opens with a specific topic, then invites a mix of journalists, politicians, authors, and entertainers to debate current issues, and closes with a “New Rules” segment that’s quite witty.

Comedy but Make It Provocative

Real Time with Bill Maher thrives on confrontation and candor. It often dives into controversial territory with a raised eyebrow. Unlike traditional comedy talk shows, it doesn’t shy away from topics that make people feel uncomfortable, which is why the laughs feel earned. Maher has been hosting for over two decades now, and his voice is one of the most distinct in the genre. He’s polarizing, sure, but he’s consistently engaging, and the show allows him to dive deeper into topics with guests, who range from actors like Bryan Cranston and Sarah Silverman to political figures like Bernie Sanders and Andrew Yang.

‘The Daily Show’ (1996 – Present)

The Daily Show is the blueprint for modern satire. It was originally launched in 1996 and famously reshaped by Jon Stewart in the early 2000s, it delivers nightly doses of political satire, media critique, and absurdist takes on current trends. Format-wise, it is a mix of field reporting and interviews, all anchored by a host who plays both commentator and instigator. Since Trevor Noah’s departure in 2022, the show has had a rotating host model and featured voices like Roy Wood Jr., Dulcé Sloan, and Jordan Klepper. In 2024, Jon Stewart returned to host The Daily Show on Monday nights.

Both Entertaining and Enlightening

Even after nearly 30 years, The Daily Show continues to evolve, continues to make people laugh while making them think. Because of the rotating host format, there’s a new energy flowing around, and that allows different comedic styles to shine. Additionally, interviews with activists and authors spark conversations that go beyond punchlines. Overall, with a legacy so strong, The Daily Show is one of the sharpest tools in the comedy talk show shed.

‘The Amber Ruffin Show’ (2020 – Present)

The Amber Ruffin Show is a late-night comedy talk show that blends musical numbers, sketch comedy, and social commentary into a format that is just as joyful as it is incisive. Created for Peacock in 2020, the show broke ground by placing an African-American female host in a space that’s long been crowded by white male voices. Ruffin’s style is playful and theatrical, and she uses song and dance to tackle serious topics like racism, sexism, and hypocrisy.

Makes Complex News Stories Feel Digestible

Recurring segments like “How Did We Get Here?” and “Amber Says What,” also impart history knowledge with punchy satire. With Ruffing bringing her own unique vibe to late-night, the format gets a breezy and confident addition. She’s not afraid to be silly, but she’s also not afraid to be sharp. And while it doesn’t chase trends or viral clips the way other shows do, The Amber Ruffin Show has built a loyal following and earned praise for its voice.

‘Late Night with Seth Meyers’ (2014 – Present)

Late Night with Seth Meyers has carved out a distinct identity in the landscape of comedy talk shows by being more inclined towards political satire and long-form monologues. The show’s signature segment, “A Closer Look,” is a nightly deep dive into current events, delivered with a mix of dry humor and genuine exasperation. Meyers, a former head writer for Saturday Night Live, brings a writer’s sensibility to the desk. His jokes are layered, his delivery is brisk, and his commentary sounds like a well-researched editorial in the costume of a stand-up.

The Thinking Person’s Late-Night Fix

Meyers is definitely a constant in this genre. His hosting style is conversational and self-aware, often poking fun at his own delivery or the ridiculousness of the news cycle. He’s gotten his guest seat filled by actors like Florence Pugh and Pedro Pascal in addition to authors, journalists, and fellow comedians. His vibe with all of them is relaxed, which keeps the show’s tone steady and thoughtful. Overall, Late Night with Seth Meyers is funny, yes, but it’s also quite radical in its clarity.

‘Last Week Tonight with John Oliver’ (2014 – Present)

Lastly, we have Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. A weekly comedy talk show that redefined what late-night satire could be, it trades nightly banter for deep investigative segments that tackle everything from infrastructure and immigration to fast food marketing and cryptocurrency. Each episode centers around a single topic, unpacked with meticulous research, piercing humor, and Oliver’s signature British incredulity. It often ends with a call to action or a surreal twist, and while Oliver makes it hilarious, he also ends up making people care.

So Incisive It’s Actually Made Waves

Since its debut in 2014 on HBO, Last Week Tonight has set itself apart from the competition thanks to Oliver taking over as the most trusted voice in comedy journalism. His background from The Daily Show gave him the chops, but this one gave him the space to hone his skills. The show’s impact is real too. Segments have led to policy changes, corporate apologies, and awareness of underreported issues. His delivery, while fast-paced, is punctuated by silly visuals or running gags (like Jeff the Diseased Lung). So, in 2025, it remains a comedy show that actually matters.

‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ (2003 – Present)

For over two decades, Jimmy Kimmel Live! has been the dependable middle sibling of comedy talk shows. It’s never the loudest, never the most radical, but always funny, always watchable, and always willing to poke fun at itself. The show’s format is classic late-night, complete with topical monologue, celebrity interviews, musical guests, and viral sketches. But what sets it apart is Kimmel’s dry, self-deprecating humor and his ability to make even A-listers feel like they’re just hanging out on camera. Segments like “Mean Tweets,” “Lie Witness News,” and “Unnecessary Censorship” have become synonymous with the show, and his long-running faux feud with Matt Damon is now part of the lore.

The MVP of Late Night

Jimmy Kimmel Live! knows how to entertain without trying too hard, and that’s part of its appeal. But September 2025 brought unexpected turbulence. After Kimmel made remarks about MAGA supporters in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s death. ABC suspended the show indefinitely. The backlash was pretty strong. Right wing media lit up, affiliate stations like Sinclair and Nexstar pulled the plug, and for a few days, it looked like one of late-night’s longest-running shows might be done for good.

But just six days later, Kimmel returned to the desk with a standing ovation and a monologue that was equal parts reflective and unapologetic. He didn’t backtrack, but he acknowledged the moment, the fallout, and the tension that surrounds every joke in the comedy talk show landscape. The return, on a wider angle, isn’t about ratings. It’s about Kimmel’s capacity to weather controversy without losing his comedic charm, and that’s exactly what has kept Jimmy Kimmel Live! relevant for over 20 years. The affiliate backout still limits its reach, but the core audience hasn’t budged. Overall, Jimmy Kimmel Live! is still clocking wins in the fractured media landscape by punching up and speaking out.