The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Season 15 Episode 226 Steve Martin (guest host), Bill Cosby

Steve Martin takes a turn at hosting The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and welcomes guest Bill Cosby on the stage for an entertaining evening of jokes and laughs. As the episode opens, Martin takes the stage to a raucous applause, acknowledging the audience's enthusiasm for their "real" host, Johnny Carson, who was absent that evening. Martin remarks on how he "got the gig" as guest host, jokingly explaining that Carson told him he had to do it, as his show contract stipulates he can't go on vacation unless someone else hosts the show in his absence.

Martin starts off the night with a series of jokes about current events, including President Ronald Reagan's hiring of a new speechwriter, and the MLB's announcement to award a new baseball team to Miami. He then welcomes Cosby, who enters to the sound of roaring applause. Cosby opens by poking fun at Martin's five-day old beard, joking that perhaps Martin is undergoing a "dark period," referring to his recent film, "Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid." Cosby and Martin carry on a friendly back-and-forth, discussing their mutual love of the country and their homes. Martin jokingly shares that he has rats in the walls of his house and that a live chicken currently resides in his office.

Cosby then shares stories from his recent trip to Africa, describing the people and customs of the continent. He tells the audience about his experience of getting lost in a remote village and how a group of children saved him by guiding him back to his hotel. He jokes about their excitement over his skin color, humorously describing how they tried to scrape his skin, thinking it would rub off.

Next up, Martin asks Cosby about his experience with his children, which leaves Cosby with a slew of anecdotes detailing his kids' antics, particularly around food. Martin jokes that Cosby's kids must be "brilliant," as they are constantly able to outsmart their father.

In their final segment together, Cosby and Martin discuss their mutual admiration for the art of comedy and their appreciation for the audience as the backbone of their success. Martin closes out the show with a series of jokes and jabs at himself and Carson, and the two bid their audience farewell.

Overall, this episode of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson showcases the comedic talents of two iconic comedians, Steve Martin and Bill Cosby. Their playful banter, anecdotes, and jokes create an entertaining and enjoyable evening of television.