I over the years may have watched from time to time "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson" on a rare occasion when I would set up perhaps from not having school or being on school break, yet mostly my mom made me go to bed. Still thru classic footage and clips and old rerun shows on digital TV I've saw some episodes of Johhny Carson. And his show was a delight a treat the man was very funny and wise as the skits on his show were thoughtful and well done and his sidekick Ed MacMahon was always a good buddy what more can you say Carson ruled the late night airwaves for right at thirty years. Johnny helped pave the way for Jay Leno and David Letterman as they made appearances on his show many times doing stand up and even guest hosting when Johnny was out or away. And the guests of Carson were always A list from Hollywood's best, and he had sports and political figures on and many of today's well known comedian's got their first light of the TV camera on his show. So anytime you see an episode your looking at TV history and pop culture entertainment at it's best.
21 Reviews
Here's Johnny
curtoon-748016 June 2021
A Living Legend
medrjel2 February 2002
As great as Steve Allen and Jack Paar were, Carson took the ball, reshaped it, and sent it in for a shot heard round the world. There is a reason he hosted the show for 30 years, 4 times longer than his 2 predacessors behind him. He was brilliant at making anyone seem interesting. Steve could do it, and so could Jack (though not as well from what I've seen), but Johnny really had a grasp of finding the way to question people to fit their response style. He really was the first true King of Late Night. If others say it's Paar or Allen, then I say Carson became Emporer!
The skits were done cheaply, but they were so much fun, you laughed with them, not at them.
Originally, the Carson's show was 90 minutes, and it was trimmed to 60 in the early 80's since he felt he could not keep the level up like he had in the past, which made the way for David Letterman. Thank You Johnny!
The skits were done cheaply, but they were so much fun, you laughed with them, not at them.
Originally, the Carson's show was 90 minutes, and it was trimmed to 60 in the early 80's since he felt he could not keep the level up like he had in the past, which made the way for David Letterman. Thank You Johnny!
Funny+Awesome+Classic=Johnny Carson
ajlposh4 December 2005
This show is downright hilarious! Johnny Carson is the funniest comedian ever! Period. You have to love Johnny. The moments on his show can't be beat. Ed Ames' tomahawk toss, Don Rickles breaks Johnny's cigarette box, Bob Hope's stand-up act about Johnny, the spoofs of Mr. Rogers, Walter Cronkite, and Tarzan, and many, many more. However, I wasn't even a year old when Johnny retired, so I didn't get to see him on NBC. But I have DVDs featuring highlights of his show which are hilarious. They ought to show reruns on E or TV Land or somewhere. I mean this is the King of Late Night, the Silver Fox,America's King of Comedy for 30 years. As my title of this review says, "Funny+Awesome+Classic=Johnny Carson." No matter what anyone says no one will be better than Johnny. No one! Not at all!
Here's Johnny!!! - What did the Pearly Gatekeeper say when...
DKosty12323 October 2005
Here's Johnny!!! - What did the Pearly Gatekeeper say when...Johnny arrived there? There will never be another Johnny Carson. The entertainment he provided with the help of thousands of guests over 30 years will never be equaled by anyone. I don't even know that anyone can ever do justice to comment on one of the rare things that rates more than a 10 on a scale of 10 in our lifetimes.
Even before Johnny Carson died, a greater loss was when NBC lost most of his Tonight Shows from the 1960's. If only somebody could find these shows because these are the shows which made him number 1. They were 90 minutes each of Carson arriving at the top of his career. It has been forgotten how hard nosed an interviewer he was during that decade. Also lost are some of the most famous guests in show business during that era & the fact that he would have controversial guests on & face them on any subject during that era.
The greatest thing was Carson arrived at his peak in the 1960's & then amazingly stayed there for three decades. Thank goodness NBC didn't lose any of those other shows. How they got lost makes me wonder if they didn't want the tough hard-nosed Carson who was not afraid to face any guest remembered or if they wanted to lose some of the early images of Johnny smoking on air. I mean, NBC managed to archive all the Original LET'S MAKE A DEAL programs in the same era. Why not the Johnny Carson's?
I have the set of clips of his & every so often I turn them on. I taped his last show, & keep it in my archives. I wish somewhere, somehow, someplace those 1960's shows would show up. At least now that I've seen the best, I can only wish to see it again. We were all blessed to have had Johnny Carson.
Even before Johnny Carson died, a greater loss was when NBC lost most of his Tonight Shows from the 1960's. If only somebody could find these shows because these are the shows which made him number 1. They were 90 minutes each of Carson arriving at the top of his career. It has been forgotten how hard nosed an interviewer he was during that decade. Also lost are some of the most famous guests in show business during that era & the fact that he would have controversial guests on & face them on any subject during that era.
The greatest thing was Carson arrived at his peak in the 1960's & then amazingly stayed there for three decades. Thank goodness NBC didn't lose any of those other shows. How they got lost makes me wonder if they didn't want the tough hard-nosed Carson who was not afraid to face any guest remembered or if they wanted to lose some of the early images of Johnny smoking on air. I mean, NBC managed to archive all the Original LET'S MAKE A DEAL programs in the same era. Why not the Johnny Carson's?
I have the set of clips of his & every so often I turn them on. I taped his last show, & keep it in my archives. I wish somewhere, somehow, someplace those 1960's shows would show up. At least now that I've seen the best, I can only wish to see it again. We were all blessed to have had Johnny Carson.
At one time, the only hit TV show NBC had!
AlsExGal13 October 2018
Johnny Carson was a trailblazer on late night TV. There were other talk show hosts before and during his tenure. Carson, though, had true charisma, a dry sarcastic wit, and perfect timing. You would be cheered up just by him walking on stage. When a joke bombed, he could find a way to make it the funniest part of the monologue. There has never been a late night host since Johnny Carson who would ask a guest an open ended question, and then just sit back and let the celebrity be brilliant on their own. Every other late show host interrupts guests with their own "funny story" or "punchline" and it is unfortunate. Carson could always do a great set up and then just let the celebrity go with it. I think the recurring guest I enjoyed the most was Joan Embery from the San Diego zoo, bringing animals both creepy and cuddly to crawl all over Carson. Carson always rose to the occasion.
It's probably good Johnny retired when he did. He would have been uncomfortable among most of the talk show hosts who were on the air by the end of the 1990s. Everything became cruder, more political. more of a coliseum. There will never be another Carson.
As an interesting aside, Saturday Night Live came into existence because Carson wanted an extra night off. NBC was already running "The Best of Carson" one day a week, but doubted they could get away with doing that two nights a week. And Carson was going to get his way because he was NBC's only hit TV show in the mid 1970s. Thus Saturday Night Live was born.
Carson is still around on DVD, maybe on Netflix, most definitely on youtube. If you've never seen him at work I suggest you study him for awhile. When he was on we were truly living in a golden age of charm and wit and grace.
It's probably good Johnny retired when he did. He would have been uncomfortable among most of the talk show hosts who were on the air by the end of the 1990s. Everything became cruder, more political. more of a coliseum. There will never be another Carson.
As an interesting aside, Saturday Night Live came into existence because Carson wanted an extra night off. NBC was already running "The Best of Carson" one day a week, but doubted they could get away with doing that two nights a week. And Carson was going to get his way because he was NBC's only hit TV show in the mid 1970s. Thus Saturday Night Live was born.
Carson is still around on DVD, maybe on Netflix, most definitely on youtube. If you've never seen him at work I suggest you study him for awhile. When he was on we were truly living in a golden age of charm and wit and grace.
America's Best Talk Show Host
brian_m_hass31 January 2016
Warning: Spoilers
For three decades, Johnny Carson hosted the long-running "Tonight Show" on NBC. He performed monologues, interviewed guests, and performed comedy sketches. Carson wasn't the first host of "The Tonight Show" (he was the third); but, he was certainly the best.
Johnny Carson was remembered for his opening monologues. He told jokes about current events and poked fun at well- known media figures. Johnny Carson always managed to be funny during the monologues, even when the jokes themselves didn't work. Carson often used misfired jokes as a source of laughter and was often at his best when things on the show went unpredictably wrong.
Johnny Carson was a skilled interviewer. Many famous people had the privilege of being interviewed on Carson's couch. He gave many stand-up comedians their first breaks on his show. If a comedian's stand-up routine went particularly well, Carson would invite the comedian to his couch for a visit. Some of the funniest moments on Carson's show occurred whenever he was interviewing a small child. The child would innocently say something which was unintentionally insulting; and, Carson would respond by staring into the TV camera.
Johnny Carson served as the model for all other American talk show hosts who followed him. Carson's "Tonight Show" established the talk show format which has been imitated numerous times.
Old episodes of "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" are as entertaining today as they were when they were originally broadcast decades ago. Repeats of the show are often aired under the title, "Johnny Carson." Viewing of the show is highly recommended!
Johnny Carson was remembered for his opening monologues. He told jokes about current events and poked fun at well- known media figures. Johnny Carson always managed to be funny during the monologues, even when the jokes themselves didn't work. Carson often used misfired jokes as a source of laughter and was often at his best when things on the show went unpredictably wrong.
Johnny Carson was a skilled interviewer. Many famous people had the privilege of being interviewed on Carson's couch. He gave many stand-up comedians their first breaks on his show. If a comedian's stand-up routine went particularly well, Carson would invite the comedian to his couch for a visit. Some of the funniest moments on Carson's show occurred whenever he was interviewing a small child. The child would innocently say something which was unintentionally insulting; and, Carson would respond by staring into the TV camera.
Johnny Carson served as the model for all other American talk show hosts who followed him. Carson's "Tonight Show" established the talk show format which has been imitated numerous times.
Old episodes of "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" are as entertaining today as they were when they were originally broadcast decades ago. Repeats of the show are often aired under the title, "Johnny Carson." Viewing of the show is highly recommended!
Leno, Letterman, Etc Have NOTHING on Carson!
ShelbyTMItchell21 March 2013
Warning: Spoilers
The late and great Johnny Carson is still and always has been and always will be the late night talk show king. As you can replace him thousands and thousands of times over and still nobody can compare to him.
Not even Leno, Letterman, O Brien, and possibly Fallon have nothing on Carson. As Carson is a true original. As we miss people like him. As he really told good and clean jokes.
Along with his golf swing and all of that. He had a straight man sidekick in the late great Ed McMahon and a great band leader in Doc Svenson.
The original is THE original. That is Johnny Carson! RIP Johnny and Ed!
Not even Leno, Letterman, O Brien, and possibly Fallon have nothing on Carson. As Carson is a true original. As we miss people like him. As he really told good and clean jokes.
Along with his golf swing and all of that. He had a straight man sidekick in the late great Ed McMahon and a great band leader in Doc Svenson.
The original is THE original. That is Johnny Carson! RIP Johnny and Ed!
I remember watching
onelonedolphin-3838919 December 2018
Nobody comes close today
pjkpa-1506619 March 2024
The Johnny Carson Show had a class not existing today.
I watched his show throughout the 30yrs it was on and never saw the garbage that is routine today. Johnny held the show to a standard that is non existent today... maybe that's why his reruns are still in demand today.
If one of his guests went below this standard ... you never saw them on the show again. Guests like Jimmy Stewart were always warmly welcomed by Johnny and would be welcomed back.
Johnny was patriotic, polite, energetic and very intelligent and entertaining. The Johnny Carson Show was a good way to end the day. It was routine to 'see what's on the show tonight'.
I watched his show throughout the 30yrs it was on and never saw the garbage that is routine today. Johnny held the show to a standard that is non existent today... maybe that's why his reruns are still in demand today.
If one of his guests went below this standard ... you never saw them on the show again. Guests like Jimmy Stewart were always warmly welcomed by Johnny and would be welcomed back.
Johnny was patriotic, polite, energetic and very intelligent and entertaining. The Johnny Carson Show was a good way to end the day. It was routine to 'see what's on the show tonight'.
None better
orthogonal619 August 2005
Carson the best at what he did. Enigmatic off camera, from what I understand, but absolutely brilliant on camera. His easy interview style and ability to let his guests be the focus stands in contrast to so many pretenders to his late night throne. His jokes and skits, even the ones that flopped, made you feel like you were "in" on the jokes. I don't remember all of his tenure, but I remember over half of it and can still quote from long ago evenings. Example Doc Severinson wearing a loud jacket with flowers on it. Johnny: "That's some jacket Doc. Put some fertilizer on it and it might bloom". Doc: "We could dip it in your monologue". Johnny: "I'll suggest that to the new band leader". Spontaneous? Probably not. Hilarious? Absolutely! As fun and nostalgic as it is to see current superstars early in their careers as Johnny gave them their first big break, it is even more of a treat to see so many legendary stars, many still in their heyday. Bob Hope, Lucy, Dean Martin, etc. Like Johnny, they are gone now. And like Johnny, they don't make'm that way any more. Sad, but thank God for DVD and video.
He was just the BEST on LATE NIGHT TV
camprfdl20 December 2021
I watched Johnny Carson for more nights than any other show on TV. Even this "Flat" shows are better than many of the present "Top" shows. The only part I disliked was not being able to watch the Live Shows. The Tonight Show was better after it moved to LA. You couldn't ask for a better "Second Banana" than Ed McMahon. I always enjoyed his banter with Johnny! Johnny and Ed new how to reactively cover a goof up and keep the show seamless. The only years I missed watching the show was when I was in the Army between April 67 to April 70. The "Late Night" shows today are to "Opinionated" and just plain "Junk". They're only reason for exiting is.to promote some agenda not to entertain the audience. I really miss the Old Quality of The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. The stuff today is Canned.
Johnny Carson was the best at what he did.
TxMike23 January 2005
We all received the sad news today that Johnny Carson, in his 80th year of life, died today. Carson had long been retired from his Tonight Show, a show taken over capably by Jay Leno. But there never was anyone like Johnny Carson, and there may never be.
What I most liked about Johnny was his humble approach to his show. He opened with a monologue, he told his jokes plainly and simply, and waited for the laughter. It usually came. Some times it didn't. When the laughs did not come, he took on that familiar sad look of his, and that became the joke.
I was a working person during the run of his show, but Johnny Carson's tonight show was one that I often stayed up late for, it was that good. When the show was still in New York, he of course told New York jokes. One I remember vividly was during one particular cold winter, Johnny simply said, "It was really cold today." Ed McMahon, his trusty sidekick, asked, "How cold was it?" Johnny answered, "It was so cold today, a cab driver was saying something to a pedestrian and his middle finger froze." Another I remember was, when doing his 'Carnac' routine, the answer was "Four on the floor." The question was, "Describe two 80-year old topless go-go dancers."
Johnny of course went to Los Angeles, and there the show took on another dimension. Johnny was quite a prankster, and played a good one on Ed McMahon, not as part of the Tonight Show, but funny anyway. Ed was "set up" by placing some studio property in the trunk of his car. Leaving the studio, guards made a random trunk check, and "discovered" the stolen property. Johnny Carson actually dressed up as one of the guards, Ed McMahon was so flustered, declaring his innocence, it didn't even register to him that he was face to face with his boss!!
But the best thing I liked about Johnny Carson was his interview style. He was the best ever. He would ask a question then shut up and let the guest talk. He didn't have a big ego, like many current TV personalities, and try to show how much he knew. He simply let the other person talk.
Farewell and Godspeed, Johnny Carson.
What I most liked about Johnny was his humble approach to his show. He opened with a monologue, he told his jokes plainly and simply, and waited for the laughter. It usually came. Some times it didn't. When the laughs did not come, he took on that familiar sad look of his, and that became the joke.
I was a working person during the run of his show, but Johnny Carson's tonight show was one that I often stayed up late for, it was that good. When the show was still in New York, he of course told New York jokes. One I remember vividly was during one particular cold winter, Johnny simply said, "It was really cold today." Ed McMahon, his trusty sidekick, asked, "How cold was it?" Johnny answered, "It was so cold today, a cab driver was saying something to a pedestrian and his middle finger froze." Another I remember was, when doing his 'Carnac' routine, the answer was "Four on the floor." The question was, "Describe two 80-year old topless go-go dancers."
Johnny of course went to Los Angeles, and there the show took on another dimension. Johnny was quite a prankster, and played a good one on Ed McMahon, not as part of the Tonight Show, but funny anyway. Ed was "set up" by placing some studio property in the trunk of his car. Leaving the studio, guards made a random trunk check, and "discovered" the stolen property. Johnny Carson actually dressed up as one of the guards, Ed McMahon was so flustered, declaring his innocence, it didn't even register to him that he was face to face with his boss!!
But the best thing I liked about Johnny Carson was his interview style. He was the best ever. He would ask a question then shut up and let the guest talk. He didn't have a big ego, like many current TV personalities, and try to show how much he knew. He simply let the other person talk.
Farewell and Godspeed, Johnny Carson.
Johnny Carson, His Work Will Live On
JTKBIZ5 February 2005
For thirty years Johnny Carson's tonight show defined main stream late night television. For thirty years main stream was a very good thing. I think that the fact that his show hasn't been on since 1992 makes us realize what we have truly missed. Fortunately a lot of his shows have been saved. In the beginning his guests included Groucho Marx, Jack Benny, George Burns, Buddy Hackett and many others too numerous to list. In the end he was discovering the talents of Jerry Seinfeld, Roseanne Barr, and Drew Carey. Bob Hope of course was pretty much on his show through out. Thirty years with thousands of quality guests and thousands of quality laughs, that is his legacy. An unmatched legacy indeed.
a university of comedy and entertainment
occupant-125 December 2001
Carson and company helped lay the foundation for contemporary topical humor in the US. From '62 to '92, the most significant pitches for movies, books and live appearances on the part of actors, authors, politicians and every other kind of luminary came before America and the world at Carson's desk. This show probably experienced an unrepeatable level of success.
A Late Night Pleasure
dougdoepke20 February 2022
For this now geezer, I hardly missed a Carson show from opening in '62 to close in '92. It was always an amusing way to top off a sometimes somber day. Sure, not every episode was top-notch, but still I could count on a few laughs, whether from guests, The Mighty Carson Art Players, or, of course, from Carson himself in his many hosting roles. Then too, I shouldn't exclude the reliable Ed McMahon, flashy Doc Severinson, or dead-pan Tommy Newsome -- all of whom contributed to that 30-year late-night reign. Carson's special ability, I think, was in salvaging a laugh from even the worst material or even the dullest guest, a saving grace that takes real talent. Anyway, mucho thanks Johnny and friends for 30-years of that off-to-bed good feeling.
maybe not the original, but certainly the best
jf2k31 July 2003
I haven't seen the movie itself but I understand it's an overall view of JC's 30 years on the show. I lived in FLA one year and watched it sometimes during the week. What I saw was funny, smart and bright. I always liked the "monologue" and I wonder who actually started that tradition, or was it JC himself? And the big guy on the settee-McMann? what exactly was his function? I was sorry to see JC finish his run and thought he could have lasted at least another 5-10 years. He was a brilliant host - the best ever. When he paid tribute to his late son, it was very poignant and reserved.
God bless Johnny Carson.
God bless Johnny Carson.
Dorothy Stratten
catnipsmile28 March 2002
Dorothy "Stratten" is said to be on this collection of tapes. I have the whole set and did not see her. Her name is spelled as "Stratton" on the Johnny web site-this is wrong. If I'm wrong please let me know. I was really looking forward to seeing her in some form on one of the collection tapes. Although I didn't get to see her I still enjoyed the whole collection. I grew up with Johnny and will miss him very much.
Funny
Lho33233702 August 2001
My dad is a Johnny Carson fan himself. He had great guests like Pearl Bailey, Don Rickles, Drew Barrymore, Joey Lawrence, Bob Newhart, And Dolly Parton. I saw an informercial of this program. There was this one time when they were playing Family Feud and the host said name something you find on a farm the contestant answered a well. Ed Mcmahon from Star Search was the announcer. Johnny had a lot of animal guests.
A stellar moment in the history of comedy.
fullerps200012 February 2001
The funniest line in the history of television was on this show. Johnny was interviewing Dolly Parton. They were discussing her healthy bustline. Out of the blue Johnny said "I'd give about a years salary to peek under there".
Always will be King of Late Night talk shows.
TxMike10 October 2019
When I was a young working professional I often stayed up late to see this show, at a minimum the monolog. Johnny Carson had a charm that none before or after him had or have.
You see Carson knew that he wasn't really special and he didn't act like he was special. He kicked around on various TV shows with moderate success but getting this long-running gig was his "holy grail" and he stuck with it.
What made Carson so effective was his interviewing technique. He would ask a question or introduce a topic and mostly sit back and let the guests talk. He rarely interrupted, he rarely tried to make a joke while they were talking, in other words he was a gracious host and it was very effective.
All those who have come after in similar shows pale in comparison.
You see Carson knew that he wasn't really special and he didn't act like he was special. He kicked around on various TV shows with moderate success but getting this long-running gig was his "holy grail" and he stuck with it.
What made Carson so effective was his interviewing technique. He would ask a question or introduce a topic and mostly sit back and let the guests talk. He rarely interrupted, he rarely tried to make a joke while they were talking, in other words he was a gracious host and it was very effective.
All those who have come after in similar shows pale in comparison.
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