The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Season 11 Episode 198 Joan Rivers, Shelley Winters, McLean Stevenson
- July 6, 1973
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson season 11 episode 198 features three notable guests - comedian and talk show host Joan Rivers, actress Shelley Winters, and actor McLean Stevenson.
The episode opens with Johnny Carson introducing his guests and engaging in some light banter with his previous guest, actor Warren Beatty. Carson then welcomes Rivers, who is making her second appearance on The Tonight Show. Rivers is known for her caustic wit and irreverent humor, and she does not disappoint in this episode. She dishes on the latest Hollywood gossip, talks about her feud with another comedian, and even takes a few jabs at Carson himself. The audience eats it up, and Rivers' quick one-liners and rapid-fire delivery keep them laughing throughout her segment.
Next up is Shelley Winters, a Hollywood legend who has appeared in countless films and TV shows over the course of her career. Winters is known for her dramatic roles and larger-than-life personality, and in this episode, she does not disappoint. Carson asks her about her latest movie, and Winters responds with a quick quip that sets the tone for the rest of her segment. She then goes on to talk about her long career in Hollywood, sharing stories about some of the biggest names in the business. Winters is a consummate storyteller, and her anecdotes are both hilarious and touching. She also shows off her acting chops, performing a scene from her latest movie that earns her a standing ovation from the audience.
The final guest of the night is McLean Stevenson, a popular TV actor who is best known for his role on the hit sitcom M*A*S*H. Stevenson is charming and funny, and he shares some great stories about his time on the show. He also talks about his experience working with Johnny Carson on a previous TV project, and the two banter back and forth about their shared history. Despite his success as an actor, Stevenson never takes himself too seriously, and his easygoing demeanor makes for a fun and lighthearted final segment.
Throughout the episode, Carson shows why he was one of the most beloved late-night hosts of all time. He is at ease with his guests, effortlessly guiding the conversation and eliciting laughs from the audience. His quick wit and easy charm are on full display, and it's easy to see why so many people tuned in to watch him every night.
All in all, this episode of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson is a classic example of what made the show so great. With three engaging guests and Carson's unrivaled hosting skills, it's a must-watch for fans of classic late-night TV.