With the upcoming switch in NBC's late night line-up, this is a pertinent time to discuss what has gone on in past late night programming.
Late night television started out in the 1950's with variety shows such as a show hosted by Steve Allen called--you guessed it--"The Variety Show." Others would include the Ed sullivan show, these shows hosted popular celebs of their day, but weren't on as late as todays late night talk shows.
Steve Allen Host the first late night talk show called, "Tonight". This is the show that evolved into "The Tonight Show" Which Johnny Carson hosted for thirty years making the show a staple of network programming.
Jay Leno was a frequent guest host on Carson's show, meanwhile, David Letterman hosted the program following Carson, "Late Nite" with David Letterman--now hosted by Conan O'Brian who will, very soon, pass it off to Jimmy Fallon.
Carson Wanted Letterman to replace him & Letterman expected this to happen; however NBC announced that Leno was to fill in the "Tonight Show" void, causing a well known fued between Leno & Letterman.
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Cool video. NBC has two of the longest running shows on TV, "Meet The Press" and "The Tonight Show" both of which have been staples in pop culture.
ReplyDeleteIm not a fan of the Tonight Show, but the shows have definitely come a long way. My friends watch it all the time, so Im forced to watch it. Its nice to learn the history of the shows you see all of the time. Good choice of words to explain it!
ReplyDeleteThat's pretty interesting! I didn't know about the reasons behind the rivalry of Leno and Letterman. I personally don't care for either. Leno is okay but boring, and Letterman's sense of humor doesn't strike me at all. I love Conan O'Brien though, I'm looking very forward to him taking over the Tonight Show!
ReplyDeleteLate night talk show TV has really become an important part of our culture. It's almost always on these programs that new acts are broken and careers kick started. Can't wait for Conan to take over for Jay!
ReplyDeleteWho is Steve Allen? Was his show, "Tonight" only aired in the '50's ? I'm not up-to date on television, as I don't watch much of it.
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