
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


The Late-Night Talk Show scene of the 1980s was a smaller space than today, but it was even more powerful. It was an era filled with drama, ratings wars, and legendary hosts. From Johnny Carson and the Tonight Show to the rise of David Letterman, it was a defining era in 1980s television history.
Today, we look at the origins of the late-night talk show, the creation of the format that is still followed to this day, then the rise of the Tonight Show.
Then, we'll look at the Johnny Carson era, which spanned three decades, that quickly made him one of the most powerful people on television. Could anyone give Johnny a run for his money? Many would try and fail, but a former weatherman from Indiana was about to give it his best shot.
The late-night talk show battles of the 80s would continue, which included Johnny's battle and falling out with a legendary comedian, the battle to take over the Tonight Show, and the actor and comedian from Cleveland, who would also change late-night forever...
By Jamie Logie | 1980s Pop Culture & Nostalgia4.8
343343 ratings
The Late-Night Talk Show scene of the 1980s was a smaller space than today, but it was even more powerful. It was an era filled with drama, ratings wars, and legendary hosts. From Johnny Carson and the Tonight Show to the rise of David Letterman, it was a defining era in 1980s television history.
Today, we look at the origins of the late-night talk show, the creation of the format that is still followed to this day, then the rise of the Tonight Show.
Then, we'll look at the Johnny Carson era, which spanned three decades, that quickly made him one of the most powerful people on television. Could anyone give Johnny a run for his money? Many would try and fail, but a former weatherman from Indiana was about to give it his best shot.
The late-night talk show battles of the 80s would continue, which included Johnny's battle and falling out with a legendary comedian, the battle to take over the Tonight Show, and the actor and comedian from Cleveland, who would also change late-night forever...

32,278 Listeners

2,600 Listeners

872 Listeners

1,441 Listeners

566 Listeners

13,995 Listeners

2,068 Listeners

4,756 Listeners

73 Listeners

556 Listeners

391 Listeners

139 Listeners

168 Listeners

3,358 Listeners

97 Listeners