The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Season 16 Episode 186 John Davidson (guest host), Rob Reiner

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson was an iconic late-night talk show that ran for 30 years, from 1962 to 1992. Season 16, episode 186 aired on April 6, 1978 with guest host John Davidson, a popular singer and actor of the time, and actor and director Rob Reiner.

Davidson, who was filling in for Johnny Carson, kicked off the show with some stand-up comedy, poking fun at various news items and celebrity gossip of the day. He then introduced his first guest, Rob Reiner, who was promoting his latest film, "The End," a comedy about a man trying to commit suicide. Reiner, who had previously been a successful actor on the show "All in the Family," was now making a name for himself as a filmmaker and shared some behind-the-scenes stories from the set.

After the commercial break, Davidson chatted with Reiner some more and introduced a clip from "The End." The two also discussed Reiner's famous father, comedian Carl Reiner, and his influence on his career. Davidson then welcomed his second guest, Regis Philbin, who was co-hosting the popular morning show "The Morning Show" with Sarah Purcell at the time. Philbin and Davidson traded some good-natured jabs and chatted about their careers.

The musical guest for the night was country singer Lynn Anderson, who performed her hit song "Isn't It Always Love." Davidson then closed out the show with some more jokes and banter with his guests.

Overall, season 16, episode 186 of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson was a typical episode for the time, with a mix of comedy, celebrity interviews, and musical performances. Davidson did a good job filling in for Carson, who was out for the night, and the guests were all engaging and entertaining. Reiner in particular was a standout, with his wit and charisma making him a natural fit for any talk show. And of course, the highlight of the night was Anderson's performance, which showcased her powerful vocals and stage presence. All in all, a solid episode of a classic TV show.