The Story of Late Night Season 1 Episode 2 Carson: King of Late Night

The Story of Late Night is a docuseries that explores the history of late-night television from its beginnings in the 1950s to the present day. In season 1 episode 2, titled "Carson: King of Late Night," the focus is on the life and career of the legendary talk show host Johnny Carson.

The episode begins with a montage of clips from Carson's time on The Tonight Show, including his famous opening monologues and interviews with celebrities such as Bette Davis and Richard Pryor. The narrator explains that in the 1960s, The Tonight Show became an essential part of American culture, thanks in large part to Carson's wit, charm, and ability to put his guests at ease.

The episode then delves into Carson's early life, including his upbringing in Nebraska and his early career as a radio announcer. We learn that Carson was a shy and introverted child who struggled to make friends, but that he developed a talent for comedy and storytelling through his work in radio.

From there, the episode explores Carson's rise to fame in the 1950s and '60s, including his stint as the host of the game show Who Do You Trust? and his eventual takeover of The Tonight Show in 1962. We see clips from some of Carson's most memorable moments on the show, such as his interviews with Muhammad Ali and Ed Ames (which famously led to a joke about "a tomahawk right in the middle of [Ames's] chest").

The episode also touches on some of the controversies that surrounded Carson during his time on The Tonight Show, such as his on-air feud with Joan Rivers, whom he felt had betrayed him by starting her own talk show. We hear from several of Carson's colleagues and friends, including Jay Leno (who eventually succeeded Carson as host of The Tonight Show), who share their thoughts on Carson's complex and sometimes difficult personality.

Throughout the episode, we learn about Carson's impact on the world of late-night television, from his innovations in the format of the talk show (such as his use of a monologue and a desk) to the enormous influence he had on the careers of comedians and actors. We also discover that Carson was a private person who guarded his personal life fiercely, even as his public persona became larger than life.

As the episode draws to a close, we see clips from Carson's final episode of The Tonight Show in 1992, which was watched by an estimated 50 million people. We hear from some of Carson's fans and colleagues, who reflect on his legacy and the impact he had on their lives. And we are left with a sense of the immense influence that Carson had on the world of entertainment, as well as the enduring legacy of The Tonight Show and the late-night talk show format in general.

Overall, "Carson: King of Late Night" is a fascinating and informative look at the life and career of one of the most iconic figures in the history of television. Whether you're a fan of Johnny Carson or just interested in the evolution of late-night television, this episode is definitely worth checking out.