Watch Johnny Carson: Tonight Show

Name: Johnny Carson: Tonight Show
Genre: Comedy
Released: 1974-02-20
Cast: Ernie KovacsJack Lescoulie

TV-PG
1974
2 Seasons
7.2 (229)

Johnny Carson: Tonight Show from NBC was a late-night talk show that aired on NBC from 1953 to 1957. The show was hosted by legendary comedian and television host Johnny Carson, who would later become synonymous with late-night entertainment. The show, which was a precursor to The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, allowed audiences to experience Carson's comedic talents, and gave him a platform to showcase his interviewing and hosting skills.

During its run, Johnny Carson: Tonight Show from NBC featured a variety of guests, ranging from musicians and entertainers to politicians and athletes. Some of the most notable guests included Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, and President John F. Kennedy. The show also featured live musical performances, often showcasing up-and-coming artists in the music industry.

In addition to his interviews and performances, Carson was known for his comedy sketches. These sketches often featured recurring characters, such as Aunt Blabby and Floyd R. Turbo, and were a staple of the show's format.

One of the most memorable moments of Johnny Carson: Tonight Show from NBC occurred in 1955, when Carson and his team traveled to New York City to film a special episode from the top of the Empire State Building. The episode featured performances by singer Tony Bennett and comedian Don Rickles, and was considered a groundbreaking moment in late-night television history.

Despite its popularity, Johnny Carson: Tonight Show from NBC came to an end in 1957, as NBC decided to rebrand the show as The Tonight Show. However, the show's legacy continued to live on, as Carson would go on to host The Tonight Show for 30 years, becoming one of the most beloved and respected figures in the entertainment industry.

Overall, Johnny Carson: Tonight Show from NBC was a groundbreaking show that helped to establish the late-night talk show format that is still popular today. It allowed viewers to experience the comedic genius of Johnny Carson, who would later become an icon of American culture, and featured some of the most memorable guests and performances of the era. While it may have been short-lived, its impact on the entertainment industry is still felt today.

Johnny Carson: Tonight Show is a series that ran for 2 seasons (16 episodes) between February 20, 1974 and on NBC

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Seasons

16. Lea Johnson, Tom Wilson, 11/23/1989

November 23, 1989

For this Thanksgiving show, Johnny's monologue jokes about Thanksgiving holiday traditions, traveling to see relatives, and the first football game at Plymouth Rock. Guest star and local Louisiana legend Lea Johnson charms Johnny as he discusses his landmark restaurant 'Lea's Lunchroom' in Lecompte, Louisiana, and presents Johnny with a special gift. Back to the Future actor and musician Tom Wilson gets the crowd clapping and howling with his special brand of tuba comedy. Episode has been edited from original broadcast.

15. Eddie Murphy, Ellen DeGeneres, 5/21/1987

May 21, 1987

Johnny welcomes guest comedian and actor Eddie Murphy who promotes his upcoming movie, "˜Beverly Hills Cop II'. Eddie jokes with Johnny about his interesting childhood antics and recent fame. Ellen DeGeneres, relatively new to the national stage, performs her quirky style of stand-up comedy. Episode has been edited from original broadcast.

14. David Letterman, Judge Wapner, 6/27/1986

June 27, 1986

Johnny travels down memory lane in his monologue reminiscing about his prom dates, and has fun with the 100th anniversary of the Statute of Liberty and the 50th anniversary of the classic film "˜Gone With the Wind'. Johnny's special guest is David Letterman who has a surprising accusation. Ultimately Judge Wapner from "˜People's Court' is called to settle the dispute. Episode has been edited from original broadcast.

13. Robert Blake, Louie Anderson, 11/20/1984

November 20, 1984

Johnny's monologue covers Michael Jackson's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Hollywood legend Helen Hayes, President Reagan, and Marie Osmond. Johnny and Ed McMahon share fast food trivia facts in honor of McDonald's selling its 50 billionth hamburger. Guest Robert Blake discusses his upcoming TV pilot and making his national TV debut, comedian Louie Anderson performs a gut-busting stand-up routine. Episode has been edited from original broadcast.

12. Albert Brooks, Brooke Shields, 5/17/1983

May 17, 1983

Doc is feeling really good during Johnny's monologue which covers Johnny's uncomfortable meeting with Vice President Bush, the mounting $1 trillion national debt, and New York Mayor Ed Koch's appearance on Saturday Night Live. Comedian and actor Albert Brooks discusses his new comedy school and his "˜Home Comedy Kit'. A teen-aged Brooke Shields shares stories of being an intern at the San Diego Zoo and turning eighteen. Episode has been edited from original broadcast.

11. Dom DeLuise, Jerry Seinfeld, Betty White, 11/12/1981

November 12, 1981

In his monologue, Johnny provides his funny take on the new Trickle Down Theory, the space shuttle's early return home, and the nicer restaurants in beautiful downtown Burbank. Guest Dom DeLuise keeps Johnny and the audience in stitches with stories about working with Dolly Parton. The Mighty Carson Art Players entertain the audience with their performance of "˜The Video Untouchables' featuring Betty White. Up-and-coming comedian Jerry Seinfeld is true to form, questioning the every day aspects of life. Episode has been edited from original broadcast.

10. Robin Williams, Patton Sketch, 10/14/1981

October 14, 1981

In this hilarious episode, Johnny starts the show with his monologue that covers the famous Karpov-Korchnoi chess match, Nancy Reagan buying expensive new china for the White House, and a unique look at TV shows for the new season. Guest Robin Williams treats the audience to a frenetic rapid-fire dose of his impressions and stories of his childhood. The Mighty Carson Art Players are also on hand to perform the famous "˜Patton' sketch. Episode has been edited from original broadcast.

9. Richard Benjamin, Garry Shandling, 3/18/1981

March 18, 1981

Johnny opens the show by poking fun at the 20th anniversary of the Pillsbury Doughboy, some of the mundane sights to see in beautiful downtown Burbank, and St. Patrick's Day. Guest star Richard Benjamin visits to chat about his new film "˜My Favorite Year' and future star comedian Garry Shandling makes his television debut. His dry, deadpan humor is a huge hit with the audience. Episode has been edited from original broadcast.

8. David Brenner, Walter Cronkite Sketch, 3/4/1981

March 4, 1981

This 1980's episode begins with news about President Reagan, Walter Cronkite, Vincent Van Gogh's birthday, and Prince Charles' upcoming wedding. Stand-up comedian David Brenner performs and takes a funny look back at his first appearance on the Tonight Show. The Mighty Carson Art Players perform the fan-favorite Walter Cronkite sketch, "˜Last Day on the Air'. Episode has been edited from original broadcast.

7. Carnac the Magnificent, David Letterman, 11/11/1980

November 11, 1980

Celebrating the 200th birthday of Los Angeles, Johnny's funny monologue discusses the first LA Rams football game and newly-elected President Ronald Reagan. The all-knowing Carnac the Magnificent visits to divine the future, and a very young and funny David Letterman discusses his short-lived morning TV show. Jazz sensation Pete Fountain plays with the Tonight Show band. Episode has been edited

6. Steve Martin, The Mighty Carson Art Players, 9/26/1980

September 26, 1980

During the opening, Johnny skewers the Reagan-Carter presidential debates. Wild and crazy guest Steve Martin is in top form, makes a surprising order, and jokes about local commercials. The Mighty Carson Art Players perform the hilarious sketch, "Archaeologist" featuring a world-famous archaeologist. Episode has been edited from original broadcast.

5. Donna Pyle, Milton Berle, 3/24/1978

March 24, 1978

Johnny opens the show with a humorous monologue that covers Easter traditions, President Carter's order to demystify US regulations, and the California Gubernatorial race between Ed Davis and Jerry Brown. Guests include comedy legend Milton Berle who shares stories about performing live TV. Civilian guest Donna Pyle visits from Iowa with her rooster, a renowned crowing contest winner. Episode has been edited from original broadcast.

4. Alice Cooper, Jay Leno, Aunt Blabby, 6/14/1977

June 14, 1977

After the monologue, fan favorite Aunt Blabby makes one of her sidesplitting appearances. The show hits a high gear as a young promising comic Jay Leno performs. Rocker Alice Cooper unexpectedly introduces Johnny to a very surprising guest from his new concert tour and reveals the origin of his unique name. Episode has been edited from original broadcast.

3. Chevy Chase, Richard Pryor, 5/4/1977

May 4, 1977

Johnny kicks off the show with a monologue that touches on the historic interviews between David Frost and former President Richard Nixon. Funnyman guest Chevy Chase explains for the first time why he left the cast of Saturday Night Live, and cutting-edge comedian Richard Pryor sits down with Johnny for a memorable interview about getting divorced in California. Episode has been edited from original broadcast.

2. Don Rickles, Robert Blake, 9/19/1975

September 19, 1975

After one of his trademark raucous monologues where he mocks everything from the upcoming bi-centennial, singer Cher's censorship problems, and the Watergate scandal, Johnny welcomes his guest, the caustically funny Don Rickles - a virtual comic machine gun. Later, the Mighty Carson Art Players spoof the TV show "Columbo" featuring an appearance by Robert Blake. Episode has been edited from original broadcast.

1. Joan Embery, David Brenner, 2/20/1974

February 20, 1974

Johnny gets the laughs started with a monologue that pokes fun at an aging Smokey the Bear, the ongoing gasoline shortage, and the nominations for the upcoming Oscar awards. A favorite guest of Johnny's, animal handler Joan Embery pays a visit to the show from the San Diego Zoo, accompanied by a very loving baby gorilla and some other dangerous friends. Wry stand-up comedian David Brenner shares his funny views of the differences between LA and NYC. Episode has been edited from original broadcast.

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Where to Watch Johnny Carson: Tonight Show

Johnny Carson: Tonight Show is available for streaming on the NBC website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Johnny Carson: Tonight Show on demand at Google Play.