X

Join or Sign In

Sign in to customize your TV listings

Continue with Facebook Continue with email

By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy.

Alec Baldwin Slams John Oliver, Stephen Colbert for Turning Talk Shows into "Grand Juries"

The slam comes as Baldwin is being considered for his own show

biop-ic.jpg
Amanda Bell

Alec Baldwin might be a fixture of the most recent seasons of Saturday Night Liveas the show routinely lampoons Donald Trump, but that doesn't mean he appreciates all aspects of late night TV getting roundly political.

On Wednesday, Baldwin chided late night hosts John Oliver and Stephen Colbert -- of Last Week With John Oliverand Late Night with Stephen Colbert, respectively -- of turning their programs into "grand juries."

Baldwin wrote on Twitter, "Talk shows were once promotional pit stops for some blithe chit chat about movies, etc. Now the likes of @iamjohnoliver and @StephenAtHome have flipped that and they are beginning to resemble grand juries."

Baldwin's words closely follow Michael Rappaport's criticism of Oliver's decision (a video which Baldwin re-tweeted before making his own remarks) to bring up sexual misconduct allegations against actor Dustin Hoffman at an anniversary screening of Wag the Dog. Rappaport dinged the host for not discussing the matter privately and instead initiating the conversation during the cast panel.

As for why Colbert was included in Baldwin's criticism, well, some suspect the inclusion may have to do with Colbert's many segments covering the #MeToo movement, including asking Ben Affleck about accusations lobbied against him during what would've otherwise been a mere puff promotional interview for Justice League.

"I'm pro for people being punished through a due process of law. I'm against people asserting that the process begins and ends with accusations only," Baldwin added on Twitter.

Reactions to Baldwin's comments have been mixed, but many take issue with what he may or may not be advocating for, in terms of late show styles:


Considering Alec Baldwin himself is reportedly in contention for his own talk show at ABC, perhaps Baldwin was simply making a pitch for his own prospective program to steer clear of such weighty subjects.