The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
A NBC Original
Johnny Carson helmed The Tonight Show from 1962 until 1992, turning late-night television into a national ritual. Each episode combined a monologue, interviews with celebrities, and short comedy bits delivered in a relaxed, conversational tone. The show began in New York, with occasional... Read more
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About The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
Johnny Carson helmed The Tonight Show from 1962 until 1992, turning late-night television into a national ritual. Each episode combined a monologue, interviews with celebrities, and short comedy bits delivered in a relaxed, conversational tone. The show began in New York, with occasional broadcasts from Burbank, California, and in May 1972 production relocated to Burbank permanently. Over three decades the guest lineup ranged from established stars to emerging comedians, and Carson's steady presence helped make the program a nightly viewing habit for audiences across the United States.
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson debuted in 1962 under creators Sylvester Weaver and Steve Allen, with Johnny Carson taking over hosting duties. After a decade in New York the program moved permanently to Burbank in 1972.
Across its thirty-year run the show and its host received considerable industry recognition, with Carson honored for his role in shaping television comedy. Retrospective lists and tributes have cited the program's influence, and Carson's career was marked by lifetime acknowledgments from peers and media institutions across television and popular culture.
Carson's program helped define what late-night looked like for decades, shaping pacing, monologue structure and guest banter. It boosted the careers of many comedians and performers, and in 2002 TV Guide ranked The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson at number 12 among the greatest TV shows, creating moments that endured.
Critics and audiences often praised Carson's timing and the show's casual, conversational interviews, reflected in a 7.5/10 user vote average from 87 votes. The program emphasized humor, celebrity culture and variety elements, serving as a nightly barometer of American entertainment trends for decades. It remains a reference point for hosts.
Details
- Release Date
- October 01, 1962
- Episode Length
- 1h
- User Ratings
- 87 votes
- Type
- TV Series
- Seasons
- 31
- Episodes
- 3689
- Network
- NBC
- Status
- Ended
- Genres
- Talk
- Country
- United States
- Studio
- NBC Productions +1 more
- External Links
- View on IMDB
Official Trailer
Cast
Johnny Carson
Self - Host
Created by: Sylvester Weaver, Steve Allen
Seasons (31 seasons, 3689 episodes)
Season 1
64 episodes - 1962
Season 2
258 episodes - 1963
Season 3
257 episodes - 1964
Season 4
258 episodes - 1965
Season 5
256 episodes - 1966
Season 6
252 episodes - 1967
Season 7
258 episodes - 1968
Season 8
83 episodes - 1969
Season 9
66 episodes - 1970
Season 10
86 episodes - 1971
Season 11
94 episodes - 1972
Season 12
99 episodes - 1973
Season 13
95 episodes - 1974
Season 14
170 episodes - 1975
Season 15
260 episodes - 1976
Season 16
105 episodes - 1977
Season 17
94 episodes - 1978
Season 18
68 episodes - 1979
Season 19
197 episodes - 1980
Season 20
178 episodes - 1981
Season 21
36 episodes - 1982
Season 22
24 episodes - 1983
Season 23
37 episodes - 1984
Season 24
57 episodes - 1985
Season 25
24 episodes - 1986
Season 26
48 episodes - 1987
Season 27
132 episodes - 1988
Season 28
19 episodes - 1989
Season 29
30 episodes - 1990
Season 30
32 episodes - 1991
Season 31
74 episodes - 1992
