Ep 168. Jay Leno (guest host), Michele Lee, Deidre Hall

Jay Leno takes over as guest host of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in season 24 episode 168. Leno, who would later go on to host the show himself, brings his own brand of humor to the desk as he engages with his guests and the live audience.

Actress Michele Lee joins Leno on the couch to talk about her upcoming projects and her experiences in the industry. The two share anecdotes and jokes, displaying a comfortable rapport. Lee, known for her roles on shows like Knots Landing and The Love Boat, is charming and personable in her interview.

Next up is Deidre Hall, who is perhaps best known for her role as Dr. Marlena Evans on the soap opera Days of Our Lives. Hall also talks about her other work, including her time spent as a game show host. Leno and Hall banter back and forth, with Leno teasing Hall about her on-screen romances and Hall returning the quips with ease.

Throughout the episode, Leno also integrates some of his signature comedy bits. In one segment, he brings out a series of oddball inventions, including a device that allows one to brush their teeth while eating breakfast and a pair of shoes with built-in flashlights. Leno's exaggerated enthusiasm for these contraptions is infectious, and the audience can't help but laugh along.

In another recurring segment, Leno takes to the streets to interview average Americans on various topics. In this episode, he asks people to name the seven dwarves from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The responses are hilarious and sometimes unexpected, showcasing the everyday humor that Leno would become known for.

As the show wraps up, Leno thanks his guests and acknowledges the legacy of Johnny Carson, who had retired from the show a few years earlier. Leno's guest-hosting stint would be one step in his eventual takeover as the permanent host of The Tonight Show, a position he would hold for over two decades.

Overall, season 24 episode 168 of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson is a fun and entertaining hour of television. Leno brings his own energy and style to the proceedings, while still honoring the tradition and format of the show. With two charismatic guests and plenty of laughs, it's easy to see why The Tonight Show was such a beloved staple of American entertainment for so many years.