The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson

FavoritedFavorite 4
NBC (ended 1992)
EDIT

Show Summary

  • Ended
Six months after Jack Paar made a stormy departure from "The Tonight Show" (over jokes about Communism, among other issues) and viewers enduring a succession of "substitute" hosts (and an ill-fated attempt at a magazine-type show), NBC (and middle America) finally got the comedian they were waiting for. ''''Johnny Carson who had honed his craft on radio and daytime television, and to that point was best known as host of Who Do You Trust made his debut as host of "The Tonight Show" on October 1, 1962. Thus began a love affair with America that lasted 30 years, not only making Carson wealthy and powerful, but earning him the title, "King of Late Night."''''It started out shaky. NBC built Carson a cheap set on the sixth floor of 30 Rockefeller Center, not thinking the show would last. Ed McMahon was less confident; he still lived in Philadelphia and commuted for the next three years.''''In 1962, "Tonight" began at 11:15 pm ET and lasted 105 minutes. By then, most NBC affiliates had inflated their late-evening newscasts to half an hour. It meant that, unless viewers tuned in on the NBC owned-and-operated stations in New York, Washington, DC, Chicago, Philadelphia, or Los Angeles, chances are they missed Carson's monologue. NBC quickly moved the start time of Johnny's show to 11:30 pm ET to ensure everyone could see the best part of his domain. In 1972, the show moved from New York to NBC's West Coast headquarters, thus setting up countless gags about "beautiful downtown Burbank."''''For a number of years, NBC reran "Tonight" on weekends at 11:30 pm ET. These reruns, of course, didn't score nearly the ratings as the originals maintained. By the end of 1974, Carson told NBC to turn their late weekends to another program. NBC hired a young Canadian performer and writer named Lorne Michaels to develop (what would quickly become) the "Tonight" antithesis -- Saturday Night Live.''''Carson became the man with whom millions of Americans ended their day with a relatively simple formula: an opening monologue of topical (sometimes corny) humor. Johnny's stock in trade became his down-home, glib sense of humor and his natural wit. He possessed the knack of being equal parts L.A. hip and Midwest backward. However, he never mocked people or resorted to mean-spirited or cheap, off-color jokes; instead, he often poked fun at human nature and events of the day in such a way that made America know it was OK to laugh at themselves. The Carson Monologue became "must see TV," and to miss a night was leave one's self less than "in the know" at the water cooler the following day. On one occasion, a Carson joke about toilet paper shortage actually led to hoarding of the product by thousands of consumers. Following the monologue, viewers saw either a "desk bit" between Carson and McMahon, or a more elaborate, produced skit. Then, interviews and performances by a wide range of celebrities followed (some reports have Johnny's guest list at more than 20,000). Carson was often at his best while interviewing the "everyday" person, especially young children.''''Some of the notable skits and features:'''' Carnac the Magnificent Debuting in 1964, Carson (wearing a jeweled and feathered turban) would "divine" answers to questions from "hermetically sealed" envelopes, a standard gag from Vaudeville. Example: "The answer is...Chicken teriyaki! The question..."What is the name of the last surviving Japanese kamikaze pilot?"'''' The Mighty Carson Art Players Starting in 1967, this catch-all title featured parodies of movies, TV shows and commercials. Classic skits included a tongue-twisting take-off on Dragnet (1968, with Jack Webb); commercial parodies of E.F. Hutton (with a deceased Carson rising from a casket to "my broker is E.F. Hutton..."), American Express (with Carson as Karl Malden), Energizer Batteries (Carson as Robert Conrad), and various diarrhea commercial take-offs. Also under the "Mighty Carson" umbrella was the Tea Time Movie sketch, with Carson playing Art Fern, an oily afternoon movie host and commercial huckster. These sketches were full of double entendre humor, first featuring busty Carol Wayne as the straight foil, "the Matinee Lady." Following Wayne's drowning death in 1985, Teresa Ganzel was added. Other classic moments included Carson as President Reagan (and actor Fred Holliday) in a hilarious "Who's On First?"-style routine, and a duet with Julio Iglesias ("To All The Girls I've Loved Before"), with Carson giving a convincing Willie Nelson impersonation. '''' Floyd R. Turbo The super-patriot who gave over-the-top editorials. ''''Other memorable moments: '''' Falsetto-singer and ukulele player Tiny Tim on-air marriage to Miss Vicki (Vicki Budinger) on December 17, 1969. '''' Ed Ames infamous tomahawk throw demo, striking the outlined target squarely in the crotch. '''' The marmoset who relieved itself while poking around at Carson's head; plus other animals (brought on by frequent guests Joan Embery and Jim Fowler) who refused to behave or were just being themselves.'''' Potato chip collector Myrtle Young, who momentarily thinks Johnny has eaten one of her prized chips.''''Among the performers who owe (at least part) of the beginning of their careers to Carson: Joan Rivers, Roseanne Barr, Drew Carey, Jay Leno, David Letterman, Eddie Murphy, Jerry Seinfeld and Garry Shandling, plus many others.''''Ironically, Letterman (a frequent "Tonight" guest host in the late 1970's) was Carson's first choice as his successor. Leno, however, had already been given the seat as "permanent guest host," following Carson's professional breakup with Joan Rivers (who had joined the up and coming FOX Network to do her own late night show in 1986.) Leno, though seen by some at NBC as "too ethnic looking," had the favor of NBC's West Coast executives, and was chosen over Letterman, whom NBC West saw as "too cranky and edgy" to replace the mild-mannered Carson. This was perceived as a final snub to Carson, and prompted Letterman to defect to CBS, and compete head to head against the show he'd always wanted to host. The entire "Tonight" endgame saga would be the subject of Bill Carter's book The Late Shift: Letterman, Leno & the Network Battle for the Night (later turned into an HBO film, with Rich Little as Johnny).''''Carson's 30-year ride was hardly without its more tenuous moments, thanks to several contract disputes and his well-publicized failed marriages (he was thrice divorced during his run on the show). Carson's "alimony payment" jokes would become a staple of the show. Following much protracted negotiation (including talk of his leaving "Tonight"), Carson signed a new contract with NBC in 1980. Three stipulations in the deal: 1) "Tonight" was reduced from 90 minutes to 60; 2) Carson would dictate what kind of show NBC could run at 12:30 am ET. This meant replacing Tom Snyder's Tomorrow show with from Carson's stable. 3) Carson Productions was formed. Among its most heralded works was the show that followed "Tonight" -- Late Night with David Letterman. Carson Productions' other gift to NBC was a series of specials called Television's Greatest Commercials, hosted by Ed McMahon. McMahon was also a victim of a one-shot deal called Johnny Carson's Greatest Practical Jokes, in which Johnny had loaded the trunk of Ed's car with office equipment and taped Ed failing to get past NBC Security (and a guard named Carson). Both of these specials would merge with Dick Clark's running TV Censored Bloopers in January 1984, becoming TV's Bloopers & Practical Jokes. In 1983, Carson Productions produced and distributed "Carson's Comedy Classics," a somewhat low-budget, 30 minute repackaging of "Tonight" clips, culled mainly from the years 1972-1982. ''''Carson's lock on late night came into question in the late 1980's, likely precipitated by two events: the debut of The Arsenio Hall Show in 1989, and Dana Carvey doing a less-than-loving portrayal (with Phil Hartman as a one-note Ed McMahon) of Carson on Saturday Night Live. Carvey's "Johnny" was basically a dinosaur -- a relic clueless of pop culture and mired in "unhipness." In one of the more scathing takes, Carvey presented Carson as "Carsenio," giving his Johnny a wedge cut and Arsenio-styled suit. These less-than-flattening portrayals of Carson on SNL were seen by some as NBC giving tacit approval to the move to push Johnny out. Carson, during his last show, in thanking Doc and the band, would lament TV's loss of the "last big swing band," saying, "To say that this band is not 'hip' is to not know the meaning of the word."''''In 1991, as Carson was starting his 29th year, the "King of Late Night" announced in his usual no-big-deal style that he was retiring, expressing a desire to leave the show while still in his prime. His second-to-last show on May 21, 1992 featured just two guests: Robin Williams and Bette Midler, with Midler serenading Carson with "One for My Baby," a teary-eyed Carson taking in the moment. The final show on May 22, 1992 was a quiet and contemplative retrospective, featuring "a day in the life" on the Tonight Show set, and a tribute to his late son, Rick (who was killed in a car crash the previous June). Alone on a stool, in front of the familiar curtain, a tearful Carson bade his audience "a heartfelt good night," thus ending not only a show, but an era of television.''''With very few exceptions, Carson's "Tonight" departure was the last most people saw of their beloved late-night TV comic. Most notably: a voice appearance as himself on The Simpsons episode, 'Krusty Gets Kancelled,' and a pair of appearances on Late Show with David Letterman. Just prior to Carson's death, it was revealed that Johnny would occasionally give Dave an idea or two for his monologue, thus cementing the notion that Carson saw Letterman as his true late night heir.''''When Johnny Carson died on January 23, 2005, America mourned the passing of a late-night legend. Jay Leno devoted his January 24, 2005 show to his predecessor (though it should be noted, Leno read a prepared "tribute" from cue cards). On the show were Ed McMahon, Drew Carey and Carson's close friends Bob Newhart and Don Rickles, all providing their remembrances. Letterman's first new show following Carson's death featured longtime "Tonight" executive producer Peter Lassally and a performance of "Here's That Rainy Day" -- one of Johnny's favorites -- by bandleader Doc Severinsen, with NBC Orchestra mates Tommy Newsom and Ed Shaughnessy.''''Thanks to TV Tome contributors Brian Rathjen & doppelgnger.moreless
8.3
out of 10
Average Rating: Great
257 votes
  • Your Rating: 10
    "Perfect"
  • Your Rating: 9.5
    "Superb"
  • Your Rating: 9
    "Superb"
  • Your Rating: 8.5
    "Great"
  • Your Rating: 8
    "Great"
  • Your Rating: 7.5
    "Good"
  • Your Rating: 7
    "Good"
  • Your Rating: 6.5
    "Fair"
  • Your Rating: 6
    "Fair"
  • Your Rating: 5.5
    "Mediocre"
  • Your Rating: 5
    "Mediocre"
  • Your Rating: 4.5
    "Poor"
  • Your Rating: 4
    "Poor"
  • Your Rating: 3.5
    "Bad"
  • Your Rating: 3
    "Bad"
  • Your Rating: 2.5
    "Terrible"
  • Your Rating: 2
    "Terrible"
  • Your Rating: 1.5
    "Abysmal"
  • Your Rating: 1
    "Abysmal"
Rate It

Episode Guide

See All
S 30 :  Ep 120 Aired 5/22/92
S 30 :  Ep 119 Aired 5/21/92
S 30 :  Ep 118 Aired 5/20/92
S 30 :  Ep 117 Aired 5/19/92
S 30 :  Ep 116 Aired 5/15/92

Watch The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Clips

See All

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson News

See All
  • Blog Spotlight: TONIGHT WON'T BE JUST ANY NIGHT -- FOR SURE 0

    Blog Spotlight: TONIGHT WON'T BE JUST ANY NIGHT -- FOR SURE

    By TV.com Staff, Jul 02, 2009

    The TONIGHT SHOW is no more. I loved Johnny Carson and did not stay up often to see his show, but caught it when I could. Leno did an excellent job of stepping in and I have watched him for… more

  • RIP Ed McMahon, America's Right-Hand Man 26

    RIP Ed McMahon, America's Right-Hand Man

    By Stefanie Lee, Jun 23, 2009

    TV personality Ed McMahon died early this morning after months of ongoing health ailments, among them bone cancer and pneumonia, according to The New York Times. Though in his final years, he was plagued with a home foreclosure, he is… more

Cast & Crew

See All EDIT

Fan Reviews (9)

See All

  • Johnny was the best!

    10
    "Perfect"
    By chimaira23, May 24, 2009 Report Abuse
    His monologues were not to be missed. They were the nightly tv comedy of record. If a joke died he could make that the funniest moment of the night. His recurring characters including Carnac,Floyd R Turbo,Art Fern,and Aunt Blabby were one of my most anticipated moments of the show. His other bits like Stump the Band and Edge of Wetness were also very funny. The Mighty Carson Art Player sketches were very funny as well,especially when Johnny played President Reagen. I also enjoyed the animal segments with Joan Embery & JIm Fowler. My favorite guests on the show were Don Rickles and David Letterman. There will never be anybody like Johnny Carson on TV again.moreless

    DO YOU AGREE?

    1 0

  • Johnny Carson was such a great guy too bad he couldn't have lived to 200 years old.

    8.1
    "Great"
    By AtleeFan, Apr 10, 2008 Report Abuse
    I loved seeing the Johnny Carson show and it was so neat that Hollywood allowed people to view in live on his set Johnny Carson must have been a super nice guy and we'll miss him a lots and I love his shows and wish I was still seeing Johnny Carson and could go to Hollywood and see him and his guestshow live and wacth him onTV every night. Johnny Carson must be alive still in Heaven and can wacth over us like an Angel, I hope its all true and he enjoys being with the Angels alots. But we can only hope .moreless

    DO YOU AGREE?

    0 0

  • This was one of the best shows of all time, and is still if you own it on VHS or DVD.

    10
    "Perfect"
    By kevinb4444, Jan 25, 2007 Report Abuse
    I said it in my review of Carson himself I was only 13 1/2 when the show ended but I saw him enough to know how great and how funny he was. He had great guests, funny animal segments. Plus he had great skits like Carnac, and his personations of people like Willy Nelson. He killed, and even when he screwed up or if a joke wasn't funny, somehow he made it funny, he was great even when he bombed. The fact that he did that and was on that show for as long as he was is amazing. I like Jay Leno, but the Tonight show was never the same after Johnny Carson retired.moreless

    DO YOU AGREE?

    0 0

  • We will not likely see Johnny Carson's quality of entertainment come again. The 30 years of the NBC TONIGHT SHOW with Johnny were simply fantastic. His humor and humanity and rapid wit brightened every broadcast.moreless

    9.5
    "Superb"
    By bestec, Nov 07, 2006 Report Abuse
    Steve Allen got the show started on the right foot. Jack Paar gave it a more "newsy" flavor and Johnny Carson made it his own brilliantly funny program. Thankfully, many episodes exist on tape and "Best of" material is available on DVD today but nothing will match the experience of having lived through the Carson years. Even after a tough day at work, Carson could make us viewers forget our daily woes and put us to sleep each night with a smile on our faces. Carson was a gifted entertainer and there are none today that come close to his wit, charm, style and humor. He was a gem.moreless

    DO YOU AGREE?

    0 0

  • Even though I am not old enough to have seen a lot of em, Carson rocked.

    10
    "Perfect"
    By Darth-Revan45, Oct 28, 2006 Report Abuse
    Johhny Carson was the best host of The Tonight Show [Leno cant even fill his shoes]. He hosted Tonight Show for 30 years and was a comedic genius. I am glad Carson is still appreciated and I hope The Tonight Show stays on for a long time and that Conan con fill his shoes in 2009.

    DO YOU AGREE?

    0 0
 

Forums

See All
Last Activity
Replies

Photos

See All

Contributors

Become a contributor
More
Less

TV Listings

Full Listings

Themes

No themes available

BROWSE | Shows | Videos | News | Listings | Forums | People | Photos | TV.com Blog

CBS Entertainment | About TV.com | About CBS Interactive | Jobs | Advertise

© 2012 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Ad Choice | Terms of Use