The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Season 16 Episode 84 Jay Leno, Norman Fell

In this episode of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, which originally aired on January 27, 1978, Carson welcomes two guests to the couch: comedian and future Tonight Show host Jay Leno and actor Norman Fell.

The episode begins with Carson delivering his monologue, in which he jokes about topics such as the upcoming Super Bowl, political scandal, and the latest fashion trends. He then introduces Leno, who had been a rising star on the comedy circuit at the time, having recently appeared on several variety shows and comedy specials.

Leno joins Carson for a chat about his comedy career, including his experiences performing in clubs and on television. They discuss the challenges of breaking into the industry as a young comedian and the importance of finding one's unique voice. Leno also shares some of his favorite comedic bits and impressions, including his famous portrayal of Johnny Carson himself.

After Leno's interview, Carson welcomes Norman Fell to the show. Fell had gained fame as the co-star of the TV series Three's Company, which had premiered just a few years prior to this episode. Fell discusses his experiences working on the show, including his relationship with his co-stars and the challenges of portraying his character, Mr. Roper.

Carson and Fell also discuss some of Fell's other roles in film and television, including his work as a character actor in films such as The Graduate and Bullitt. They touch on the difficulties of working in Hollywood and the attitudes of some industry professionals.

In addition to his interview, Fell takes part in one of Carson's famous comedy sketches, in which he portrays a bumbling detective tasked with solving a crime that Carson has committed. The bit showcases Fell's comedic timing and range as an actor.

The episode wraps up with Carson bidding farewell to his guests and delivering his closing monologue, in which he shares some final jokes and thoughts on the day's news and events.

Overall, this episode of The Tonight Show offers a snapshot of the cultural landscape and entertainment industry of the late 1970s. With insights from both the up-and-coming comedian Jay Leno and the veteran actor Norman Fell, it provides a fascinating glimpse into the evolving world of comedy and television at the time.