The Tonight Show (TV)
"The Tonight Show" is a long-running American television program that has been a staple of late-night entertainment since its debut in 1954. Originally hosted by Steve Allen, the show transitioned through various notable hosts, including Jack Paar and Johnny Carson, before Jay Leno took the reins in 1992. The program began in New York and later relocated to California in 1972. Each host brought their unique style, with Paar known for his emotional expressiveness and Carson for his casual, comedic approach that defined the show's format. Carson's tenure from 1962 to 1992, featuring monologues, celebrity interviews, and comedy sketches, established "The Tonight Show" as a dominant force in late-night television, consistently attracting millions of viewers and significantly contributing to NBC's profits. Carson's final episode in 1992 was a historic event, drawing approximately fifty-five million viewers. The show's influence continues, being a cultural touchstone for late-night programming and a launching pad for many entertainers.
The Tonight Show (TV)
Date: Produced 1954-
The longest running and most successful talk show in television. It was hosted in the 1960’s by Jack Paar and Johnny Carson.
The Work
The Tonight Show has been seen nationally since 1954. The program originated in New York and was hosted live by Steve Allen (1954-1957), followed by Jack Paar (1957-1962), who began producing the show on a tape-delayed basis, then Johnny Carson (1962-1992), and Jay Leno beginning in 1992. In 1972, the show moved to California.
Paar was an outspoken, witty, and emotionally explosive host whose guests included John F. Kennedy, Richard M. Nixon, and Robert F. Kennedy. He is remembered for telling a bathroom joke that he considered appropriate but was edited from the program by the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) censors. An enraged Paar walked off the set the following night but returned to the show a month later.
A more casual and spontaneous Johnny Carson took over what became The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in 1962. Viewers soon became accustomed to his nightly monologue, comedy skits, studio audience games, informal celebrity interviews, and humorous manner that became characteristic of the show. One of Carson’s most memorable shows was the wedding of entertainer Tiny Tim and “Miss Vicki” in 1969. Although numerous rivals such as Joey Bishop, Merv Griffin, and Joan Rivers challenged Carson for late-night programming dominance, he maintained rating superiority for thirty seasons.
Impact
The Tonight Show has entertained tens of millions of late-night viewers for more than four decades and accounted for approximately one-fifth of NBC network profits through the years.
Subsequent Events
Carson’s last appearance, May 22, 1992, culminated more than forty-five hundred shows hosted by the comedian. His final show attracted approximately fifty-five million viewers.
Additional Information
A book tracing the early history of The Tonight Show is Terry Galanoy’s Tonight! (1972).