Ep 1. Comic Legends Of The '70s - Steve Martin (2/15/73)

The Johnny Carson Show season 7 episode 1, titled "Comic Legends of the '70s - Steve Martin," takes viewers back in time to February 15th, 1973, when the iconic comedian and actor Steve Martin appeared as a guest on the show.

As the episode title suggests, this hour of television is dedicated to showcasing the comedic talents of Martin and his peers who were making waves during the 1970s. Martin, who had just released his debut album "Let's Get Small," was quickly becoming one of the most popular voices in comedy, and his appearance on The Johnny Carson Show only served to cement his status as a rising star.

Over the course of the episode, Martin and Carson engage in playful banter, riffing off each other's jokes and anecdotes. Their chemistry is immediately apparent and helps to set the tone for the rest of the show. But it's Martin's signature wit and absurd humor that really steal the spotlight. He performs several of his now-famous bits, including a parody of a French movie and a hilarious skit about "crap detection."

Throughout the episode, Carson introduces clips of other comedians who were dominating the 1970s comedy scene, including George Carlin, Flip Wilson, and Richard Pryor. These clips provide a nice break from Martin's zaniness and serve as a reminder of just how groundbreaking and influential these performers were at the time.

But ultimately, it's Martin who dominates the episode. His rapid-fire delivery, physical humor, and unique perspective on the world make for a truly unforgettable performance. Fans of Martin or comedy in general won't want to miss this classic episode of one of America's greatest talk shows.