Ep 14. Comic Legends Of The '60s - Joan Rivers (4/3/80)

The Johnny Carson Show season 6 episode 14 titled "Comic Legends of the '60s - Joan Rivers (4/3/80)" is a highly anticipated episode where the iconic comedian and talk show host, Johnny Carson, sits down with the legendary Joan Rivers as they reminiscence on their roots and early days on the comedy scene in the 1960s.

The episode opens with a shot of the bustling studio audience eagerly waiting for their favorite comedians to take center stage. The host, Johnny Carson, makes his iconic entrance to a roaring round of applause from the audience. He briefly introduces the theme for the night's show, which is to honor some of the most influential comics of the 60s and the impact they had on the comedy industry. Carson then introduces the guest of honor, none other than the queen of comedy herself, Joan Rivers, who walks out onto the stage to a thunderous applause from the audience.

Carson and Rivers begin by discussing the early days of their careers, sharing their experiences with different comedy clubs, making jokes on TV shows, and performing for various audiences. They delve into the off-color humor and risque jokes that were popular in the 60s, which often pushed the envelope and tested the limits of what was considered acceptable by mainstream society. Rivers talks candidly about the challenges she faced as a female comedian, with many audiences and club owners hesitant to book a female stand-up act. She shares her struggles with sexism and misogyny in the industry and how she managed to overcome them to become one of the most influential comedians of her generation.

Throughout the episode, Carson and Rivers reminisce on some of their favorite comedians of the 60s, including Richard Pryor, Lenny Bruce, and George Carlin, all of whom helped to shape the direction of comedy in the years to come. They also discuss the influence of television on the comedy industry during that period, with shows like The Ed Sullivan Show and The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson providing a platform for comedians to showcase their talent to a wider audience. Rivers shares some of her most memorable experiences appearing on these shows, including one particularly nerve-wracking appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show where she almost lost her balance wearing high heels.

The episode also includes some vintage footage of Rivers performing in the early days of her career, showcasing her razor-sharp wit and physical comedy skills that would later become her trademark. Carson and Rivers also engage in some playful banter, exchanging some of their favorite jokes and one-liners that had the studio audience in hysterics.

As the episode draws to a close, Carson and Rivers reflect on the impact that comedy has had on society and how it has evolved over the years. They discuss the importance of comedy as a means of social commentary, with comedians often using humor to tackle controversial issues and challenge the status quo. Rivers also reflects on the tremendous loss the comedy industry suffered with the untimely death of John Belushi, who passed away just a few weeks prior to the airing of this episode.

Overall, The Johnny Carson Show season 6 episode 14 is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of comedy and the impact that comic legends like Joan Rivers had on the industry. Carson and Rivers' candid and often hilarious discussion of their early days in the comedy scene, as well as their reflections on the state of comedy in the 60s, make for an entertaining and informative episode that is sure to leave viewers in stitches.