The Johnny Carson Show

Watch The Johnny Carson Show

  • 1974
  • 22 Seasons
  • 8.1  (147)

The Johnny Carson Show is a classic television variety show that originally aired from 1953 to 1956. The show stars legendary comedian Johnny Carson, who is perhaps best known for his 30-year tenure as the host of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Each episode of The Johnny Carson Show features Carson performing stand-up comedy, interviewing guests, and introducing musical acts. Carson is joined by his longtime sidekick and announcer, Ed McMahon, who provides comedic commentary and introduces many of the show's segments.

The show's format is typical of classic variety shows of the era. In addition to Carson's monologue, each episode features a mix of comedy sketches, musical performances, and interviews with a variety of guests. These guests include a mix of entertainment industry personalities, political figures, and ordinary people with interesting talents or experiences.

One of the defining features of The Johnny Carson Show is the comedic chemistry between Carson and McMahon. The two have a natural rapport and a knack for playing off of each other's jokes and quips. Their onscreen banter is an essential part of the show's charm, and it's clear that Carson and McMahon are having a great time working together.

The musical performances on The Johnny Carson Show are another highlight. Many famous musicians of the era make appearances on the show, performing their hits and engaging in playful banter with Carson and McMahon. Some of the musical acts featured on the show include Miles Davis, Pee Wee King, and Johnny Cash.

Another unique aspect of The Johnny Carson Show is its focus on ordinary people with unusual talents or hobbies. Carson frequently interviews people with unusual jobs, fascinating hobbies, or unique perspectives on life. These segments give viewers a glimpse into the lives of people from all walks of life, and provide a window into the cultural landscape of mid-20th century America.

Overall, The Johnny Carson Show is a timeless classic that showcases Johnny Carson's comedic talent and affable personality. The show's mix of comedy, music, and interviews is a throwback to a bygone era of television, and its easygoing charm is sure to appeal to viewers of all ages. Whether you're a fan of classic television or simply enjoy a good laugh, The Johnny Carson Show is well worth watching.

The Johnny Carson Show is a series that ran for 22 seasons (408 episodes) between February 20, 1974 and on Shout! Factory

The Johnny Carson Show
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The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Robin Williams, Jonathan Winters (9/19/91)
50. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Robin Williams, Jonathan Winters (9/19/91)
September 19, 1991
Robin Williams has a raucous interview. Jonathan Winters appears in a general's uniform and worries about his pets falling down during an earthquake.
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Dudley Moore, Bob Uecker (9/23/87)
49. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Dudley Moore, Bob Uecker (9/23/87)
September 23, 1987
Ed shares his experience at the Emmy awards with Johnny. Dudley Moore got his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame then sings a song. Bob Uecker's nickname was "Stinko."
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Bette Davis, Pete Fountain (5/22/86)
48. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Bette Davis, Pete Fountain (5/22/86)
May 22, 1986
Johnny jokes about basketball. Bette Davis shares a medal she received in France and Johnny embarasses her with a photo from her early acting days. Pete Fountain performs.
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Billy Crystal, Lucille Thompson (3/27/86)
47. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Billy Crystal, Lucille Thompson (3/27/86)
March 27, 1986
Johnny pokes fun at Dynasty before getting a martial arts lesson from black belt Lucille Thompson. Billy Crystal regales the audience with celebrity impressions.
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Burt Reynolds, Dom DeLuise, Dr. Joyce Brothers (10/12/84)
46. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Burt Reynolds, Dom DeLuise, Dr. Joyce Brothers (10/12/84)
October 12, 1984
Art Fern has records to sell. Burt Reynolds recounts his painful kidney stone. Dom DeLuise keeps getting misstaken for Pavarotti. Dr. Joyce Brothers talks about love.
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd (6/6/84)
45. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd (6/6/84)
June 6, 1984
Johnny shares his voting experience. Dan Aykroyd is very passionate about psychic phenomena and his Ghostbusters co-star Bill Murray had fun at an industry dinner.
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Robin Williams, Phyllis Newman (4/3/84)
44. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Robin Williams, Phyllis Newman (4/3/84)
April 3, 1984
Johnny's monologue about baseball opening day is followed by Robin Williams crawling and imitating his infant son. Phyllis Newman shares that her mother was psychic.
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Gilda Radner, Walter Cronkite (11/15/83)
43. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Gilda Radner, Walter Cronkite (11/15/83)
November 15, 1983
Gilda Radner makes her one and only Tonight Show appearance promoting her book. Walter Cronkite misses doing the news.
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Buddy Hackett, William Shatner (2/3/83)
42. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Buddy Hackett, William Shatner (2/3/83)
February 3, 1983
Johnny is shocked at what local news airs. Buddy Hackett got served a suckling pig at a New York restaurant and William Shatner talks about presenting at an awards show.
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Jimmy Stewart, Garry Shandling (12/7/82)
41. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Jimmy Stewart, Garry Shandling (12/7/82)
December 7, 1982
Jimmy Stewart wasn't the greatest Boy Scout then reads a poem, Garry Shandling does standup about air travel.
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Tim Conway, Willie Nelson (5/18/82)
40. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Tim Conway, Willie Nelson (5/18/82)
May 18, 1982
Tim Conway went to one Hollywood party and his car got stolen. Johnny talks about filming a pet food commercial. Willie Nelson performs 2 songs.
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Jim Fowler, Tom Hanks (4/8/82)
39. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Jim Fowler, Tom Hanks (4/8/82)
April 8, 1982
Carnac the Magnificent needles President Reagan. Wild Kingdom's Jim Fowler brings several animals which terrify Johnny. Tom Hanks preps for fatherhood with lamaze classes.
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Jimmy Stewart, Steve Martin (12/29/81)
38. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Jimmy Stewart, Steve Martin (12/29/81)
December 29, 1981
Jimmy Stewart talks about visiting his daughter and going on an African safari before reading a poem. Steve Martin has Johnny read newspaper reviews of his acting.
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Angie Dickinson, Garry Shandling, Pilobolus (10/29/81)
37. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Angie Dickinson, Garry Shandling, Pilobolus (10/29/81)
October 29, 1981
Johnny does some card tricks for Angie Dickinson. Garry Shandling performs standup. Johnny joins Pilobolus in their dance routine.
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Candice Bergen, Doug Henning (10/9/81)
36. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Candice Bergen, Doug Henning (10/9/81)
October 9, 1981
Candice Bergen talks about developing a Southern accent for a role; Doug Henning does an illusion with a piece of paper and Johnny helps him with another trick.
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Ringo Starr, Barbara Bach, The Oak Ridge Boys, Jerry Seinfeld (5/6/81)
35. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Ringo Starr, Barbara Bach, The Oak Ridge Boys, Jerry Seinfeld (5/6/81)
May 6, 1981
Ringo Starr appears with his wife Barbara Bach. Jerry Seinfeld does his first Tonight Show standup. The Oak Ridge Boys perform.
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - David Letterman, Susan Sarandon (1/2/81)
34. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - David Letterman, Susan Sarandon (1/2/81)
January 2, 1981
David Letterman brings Johnny some party supplies to help ring in the new year; Susan Sarandon shares a story of being in a sensory deprivation tank.
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Steve Martin, Carl Sagan (9/26/80)
33. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Steve Martin, Carl Sagan (9/26/80)
September 26, 1980
Steve Martin does his Wild and Crazy Guy character and orders dinner from a waiter. Johnny and Ed do a sketch on archaeology. Carl Sagan promotes Cosmos.
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Sammy Davis Jr., Shelley Winters, Michelle Pfeiffer, Burt Reynolds (8/1/80)
32. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Sammy Davis Jr., Shelley Winters, Michelle Pfeiffer, Burt Reynolds (8/1/80)
August 1, 1980
Sammy Davis, Jr. is a fan of soap operas and Burt Reynolds surprises him. Shelley Winters talks about her book. Michelle Pfeiffer used to box groceries at a supermarket.
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Jimmy Stewart, Don Adams, The Manhattan Transfer (5/14/80)
31. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Jimmy Stewart, Don Adams, The Manhattan Transfer (5/14/80)
May 14, 1980
Carnac the Magnificent stops by. Jimmy Stewart reminisces about his film career. Get Smart's Don Adams has a new movie. The Manhattan Transfer performs.
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Dean Martin, Florence Henderson (2/22/80)
30. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Dean Martin, Florence Henderson (2/22/80)
February 22, 1980
Johnny mentions the U.S. hockey team winning Olympic gold and is joined by Rat Pack member Dean Martin, who has a clip from his famous roasts. Florence Henderson sings 2 songs.
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Lauren Bacall, David Steinberg, Eubie Blake (1/11/80)
29. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Lauren Bacall, David Steinberg, Eubie Blake (1/11/80)
January 11, 1980
Johnny jokes about the rain in his monologue before being joined by Lauren Bacall who gifts him a bookmark. David Steinberg recounts his travels with Dom DeLuise and Burt Reynolds.
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Joan Embery, Albert Brooks (7/25/79)
28. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Joan Embery, Albert Brooks (7/25/79)
July 25, 1979
Johnny wonders if "abhor" is safe to say on television. Joan Embery of the San Diego Zoo brings out a seal and a baby gorilla. Albert Brooks is looking forward to the 1980s.
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Martin Mull, Betty White, Barry Bremen (2/9/79)
27. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Martin Mull, Betty White, Barry Bremen (2/9/79)
February 9, 1979
Johnny talks about a trip to the butcher and is joined by athlete impostor Barry Bremen. Martin Mull sings and plays guitar, Betty White is intimidated by writers.
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Steve Lawrence, Rodney Dangerfield, Susan Sarandon, Christopher Reeve (1/31/79)
26. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Steve Lawrence, Rodney Dangerfield, Susan Sarandon, Christopher Reeve (1/31/79)
January 31, 1979
Steve Lawrence sings, Rodney Dangerfield cracks up both Johnny and the audience, Christopher Reeve is hot off Superman, Susan Sarandon has a strange fear of bananas.
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Dean Martin, Martin Mull (8/9/78)
25. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Dean Martin, Martin Mull (8/9/78)
August 9, 1978
Dean Martin sips on "apple juice" and Johnny samples it. Martin Mull plays a song in French and will be getting married soon.
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Rich Little, McLean Stevenson, Jean Marsh (5/12/78)
24. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Rich Little, McLean Stevenson, Jean Marsh (5/12/78)
May 12, 1978
Johnny does his own version of Mr. Rogers. Rich Little impersonates Johnny, McLean Stevenson is doing a new movie, Jean Marsh wakes early for work, Dr. Lendon Smith has a new book.
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - George Peppard, Jill Ireland, Frank Abagnale, Pete Fountain (4/6/78)
23. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - George Peppard, Jill Ireland, Frank Abagnale, Pete Fountain (4/6/78)
April 6, 1978
Pete Fountain performs with the band. George Peppard wants to be cast as a song and dance man. Jill Ireland is a new horse owner. Noted conman Frank Abagnale appears.
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Tim Conway (9/15/77)
22. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Tim Conway (9/15/77)
September 15, 1977
Johnny jokes about satellite findings before welcoming Tim Conway who talks about working on The Carol Burnett Show.
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Lucille Ball, Jay Leno, Erma Bombeck (4/28/77)
21. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Lucille Ball, Jay Leno, Erma Bombeck (4/28/77)
April 28, 1977
Lucille Ball and Johnny talk about their legacies. Jay Leno does standup and talks about getting his picture in the local paper. Erma Bombeck shares humorous family stories.
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Mel Brooks, The Smothers Brothers, Bob Uecker (7/29/76)
20. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Mel Brooks, The Smothers Brothers, Bob Uecker (7/29/76)
July 29, 1976
Mel Brooks remembers working in the Catskills and does the 2,000 Year Old Man with Johnny. The Smothers Brothers perform Yo-Yo Man. Bob Uecker talks athlete ailments.
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Don Rickles, Robert Blake, Desi Arnaz, Bob Hope (3/4/76)
19. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Don Rickles, Robert Blake, Desi Arnaz, Bob Hope (3/4/76)
March 4, 1976
Johnny sings Rhinestone Cowboy. Robert Blake talks Baretta, Don Rickles does his trademark insults, Bob Hope shares outtakes from his special, and Desi Arnaz promotes his memoir.
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Joan Rivers, Harvey Korman (9/17/75)
18. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Joan Rivers, Harvey Korman (9/17/75)
September 17, 1975
Johnny re-enacts the Hamilton and Burr duel. Joan Rivers admits to screaming during childbirth, Harvey Korman is a huge fan of his Carol Burnett Show co-star Tim Conway.
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Suzanne Pleshette, Don Rickles (5/15/75)
17. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Suzanne Pleshette, Don Rickles (5/15/75)
May 15, 1975
Suzanne Pleshette had some misadventures in Hollywood. Don Rickles accidentally makes a spill on Johnny's desk.
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Ann-Margret, Bruce Dern, Art Carney (1/22/75)
16. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Ann-Margret, Bruce Dern, Art Carney (1/22/75)
January 22, 1975
Ann-Margret gives Johnny a Swedish lesson then performs a musical number, Bruce Dern shares when he had his first kiss, and Art Carney shows up in his pajamas.
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Lucille Ball, The Jackson 5 (11/15/74)
15. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Lucille Ball, The Jackson 5 (11/15/74)
November 15, 1974
Lucille Ball says she never misses one of Johnny's shows and takes a Cosmopolitan magazine quiz. The Jackson 5 sing two songs and talk about their plans for their time off.
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Paul Williams, Freddie Prinze, Bob Uecker (10/16/74)
14. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Paul Williams, Freddie Prinze, Bob Uecker (10/16/74)
October 16, 1974
Paul Williams sings "You and Me Against the World" and "I Won't Last A Day Without You." Freddie Prinze does standup and Bob Uecker broadcast a game from a hot air balloon.
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Bob Hope, Joan Rivers, Michael Landon (9/24/74)
13. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Bob Hope, Joan Rivers, Michael Landon (9/24/74)
September 24, 1974
The audience corrects Johnny on when autumn began. Bob Hope has an anniversary special. Joan Rivers appears in a tiara. Michael Landon talks working with kids.
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Gene Hackman, McLean Stevenson, George Carlin (3/21/74)
12. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Gene Hackman, McLean Stevenson, George Carlin (3/21/74)
March 21, 1974
After a monologue touching on gas prices, Johnny welcomes MASH's McLean Stevenson. George Carlin makes his 2nd Tonight Show appearance and Gene Hackman promotes The Conversation.
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Michael Landon, Bill Withers, Suzanne Somers (2/21/74)
11. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Michael Landon, Bill Withers, Suzanne Somers (2/21/74)
February 21, 1974
Michael Landon talks about Bonanza and visiting Hawaii, Bill Withers performs "Ain't No Sunshine When You're Gone," and Suzanne Somers makes her first ever Tonight Show appearance.
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Jack Benny, Mel Blanc, Jim Henson & The Muppets (1/23/74)
10. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Jack Benny, Mel Blanc, Jim Henson & The Muppets (1/23/74)
January 23, 1974
Jack Benny has a lengthy visit, Mel Blanc explains the origin of his signature cartoon voices, Jim Henson and Kermit the Frog sing "It's Not Easy Being Green."
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Joan Embery, Buddy Hackett, Steve Martin (11/22/73)
9. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Joan Embery, Buddy Hackett, Steve Martin (11/22/73)
November 22, 1973
Joan Embery brings out baby orangutans for Johnny and Ed, Buddy Hackett talks golf and tennis before sharing some snacks, Steve Martin does a comedy routine and plays the banjo.
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Leo Durocher, Don Rickles, Olga Fikotová (11/14/73)
8. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Leo Durocher, Don Rickles, Olga Fikotová (11/14/73)
November 14, 1973
Leo Durocher talks retirement, Don Rickles accidentally bumps Ed but gives him a kiss to make up for it, Olga Fikotová arm wrestles Johnny and gives a stretching lesson.
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Landon, Johnny Mathis (9/28/73)
7. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Landon, Johnny Mathis (9/28/73)
September 28, 1973
Wilt Chamberlain is leaving the Lakers, Michael Landon talks Bonanza, and Johnny Mathis sings "I'm Going Home."
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Gunther Gebel-Williams, Sid Caesar, Art Carney, Christopher Plummer (5/18/73)
6. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Gunther Gebel-Williams, Sid Caesar, Art Carney, Christopher Plummer (5/18/73)
May 18, 1973
Gunther Gebel-Williams brings out some circus tigers, Christopher Plummer shares stories from the stage, Art Carney leads Sid Caesar and Johnny in a jazz song.
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Clint Eastwood, Robert Klein, Buddy Hackett, Telly Savalas (4/3/73)
5. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Clint Eastwood, Robert Klein, Buddy Hackett, Telly Savalas (4/3/73)
April 3, 1973
Clint Eastwood is on to talk Spaghetti Westerns and promote High Plains Drifter. Robert Klein does standup and Buddy Hackett drops in. Telly Savalas is about to do a TV series.
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Charles Grodin, The Amazing Randi (3/22/73)
4. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Charles Grodin, The Amazing Randi (3/22/73)
March 22, 1973
The Amazing Randi does a stunt involving a ladder. Charles Grodin details a recent harrowing plane flight.
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Muhammad Ali, Robert Blake (2/8/73)
3. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Muhammad Ali, Robert Blake (2/8/73)
February 8, 1973
Johnny ribs Burbank during the monologue, Muhammad Ali details his training regimen, Robert Blake was embarassed to do a nude scene.
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Joan Rivers, Jack Lemmon (1/3/73)
2. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Joan Rivers, Jack Lemmon (1/3/73)
January 3, 1973
Johnny and Joan Rivers admit to stealing hotel soap; Jack Lemmon appears with the legendary director Billy Wilder
The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Suzanne Pleshette, Dom Deluise, Bobby Fischer (11/8/72)
1. The Very Best of Johnny and Guests - Suzanne Pleshette, Dom Deluise, Bobby Fischer (11/8/72)
November 8, 1972
Suzanne Pleshette recites a poem. Chess champion Bobby Fischer does a numbers puzzle in just a few seconds. Dom DeLuise took a casserole into a sauna.
Description
Where to Watch The Johnny Carson Show
The Johnny Carson Show is available for streaming on the Shout! Factory website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Johnny Carson Show on demand at Prime Video, Amazon, The Roku Channel Free, Crackle and Tubi TV.
  • Premiere Date
    February 20, 1974
  • IMDB Rating
    8.1  (147)
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