Network: NBC
Episodes: 4,531 (hour)
Seasons: 30
TV show dates: October 1, 1962 – May 22, 1992
Series status: Cancelled/ended
Performers include: Johnny Carson, Ed McMahon, Doc Severinsen, Tommy Newsom, Joan Rivers, Jay Leno, Garry Shandling, Bob Newhart, Joey Bishop, John Davidson, David Brenner, McLean Stevenson, Jerry Lewis, and David Letterman.
 |
TV show description:
Hosted by Johnny Carson, this late-night talk show follows a basic format that is almost always followed.
Ed McMahon is the announcer and Johnny’s sidekick. He begins each show by listing the night’s guests and announcing the host with a hearty, “Heeeeere’s Johnny!” Carson steps out from behind a multi-colored curtain and delivers a topical monologue of jokes to the audience. While Carson has expert comic taste, he’s also well known for delivering an occasional dud and somehow manages to make them work.
Following the monologue, Carson chats with McMahon from behind his desk and/or delivers a skit or two. Popular comic personas for Carson include clairvoyant Carnac the Magnificant; Art Fern, a fast-talking TV host who pushes inane products; cranky senior Aunt Blabby; and even President Ronald Reagan while he was in office.
Thes are followed by interviews. Guests on the show typically include movie and television personalities as well as authors, musicians, comics, and regular adults and kids with interesting talents. On occassion, Carson invites a rising comic to do stand-up on the show and has given many their first bit of national exposure. Musical artists are also often invited to perform.
The NBC Orchestra provides the music for the show’s opening, musical interludes, and sometimes accompaniment for musical guests. Doc Severinsen leads the band. When there’s a guest host, Severinsen fills in for McMahon and Tommy Newsom does double duty as a band member and bandleader.
Newer and/or Related Articles
-
Late Night with David Letterman: The NBC Show Debuted 30 Years Ago
Feb 1, 2012 -
The Oprah Winfrey Show: Commerical Uses Classic Last Episodes
May 16, 2011 -
Veterans of Cancelled TV Shows That We Lost in June 2009
Jul 6, 2009 -
Veterans of Cancelled TV Shows That We Lost in May 2009
Jun 7, 2009 -
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson: Watch Johnny’s Return to Late Night
May 30, 2009 -
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson: Watch the Legendary Host Say Goodbye
May 29, 2009 -
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Kevin Spacey Channels Johnny Carson
May 14, 2009 -
Where Are They Now? Some Greenroom Chatter for September 29, 2008
Sep 29, 2008 -
Celebrity Family Feud: Will It Be a Big Success or Three Strikes?
Jun 24, 2008
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Hey CBS can you do away with a reality show and bring The Unit back for its finale? Your military audience and the civilians who loved watching would appreciate it. How can you leave us hanging like that at the end of season 4? Molly walks out on Jonas; Col Ryan’s leadership ability is in question; Jonas’ health issues may force him to retire. Matt and his wife finally work things out; Bob; Baby Blue………………………the list goes on.
Rob C