Ep 8. Talk Show Greats - Jack Paar (11/18/86)

The Johnny Carson Show season 19 episode 8 features one of the most renowned talk show hosts of all time, Jack Paar. A pioneer in the genre, Paar's influence on the entertainment industry cannot be understated. In this episode, viewers are treated to a rare and insightful look at the career of this iconic figure, with Carson leading the conversation.

The interview opens with Jack Paar discussing his early career in radio. He details his experience working for NBC Radio and his eventual move to television. Paar talks about the challenges he faced in transitioning from radio to television and how the experience taught him to adapt and innovate in order to captivate his audience.

As the conversation progresses, Paar reflects on his memorable moments on The Tonight Show, including his famous walk-off in 1960. He shares candidly about the reasons behind the walk-off and the impact it had on his career. Paar also discusses his approach to interviewing and how he always sought to make his guests feel comfortable and at ease.

Carson and Paar also discuss the evolution of the talk show format over the years. Paar reminisces about his own experimentation with different formats and how he constantly sought to push the boundaries of what was expected from a talk show. The two hosts also discuss the rise of cable television and the impact it has had on the entertainment industry.

Throughout the interview, Paar's wit and humor are on full display. He regales Carson and the audience with stories about his early days in show business and his interactions with some of the biggest names in the business. He also shares his thoughts on the state of the entertainment industry and the challenges facing young performers today.

The interview is interspersed with clips from some of Paar's most memorable moments on The Tonight Show. Viewers are treated to clips from some of Paar's most iconic interviews, as well as some of his most hilarious and unexpected moments on the show.

Overall, this episode of The Johnny Carson Show provides a fascinating look at one of the true giants of the entertainment industry. Jack Paar's impact on the talk show format cannot be overstated, and this interview is a testament to his enduring influence. Whether you're a fan of classic television or simply interested in the evolution of the talk show genre, this episode is a must-watch.