The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Season 17 Episode 215 Michael Landon, Dinah Shore

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson was one of the most iconic talk shows in American television history. The seventeenth season of the show aired in 1979 and featured a wide variety of celebrity guests, musical performances, and comedic sketches. Episode 215, which aired on October 18th, 1979, was a particularly memorable installment of the show, featuring two legendary entertainers: Michael Landon and Dinah Shore.

Michael Landon was a beloved actor who had risen to fame in the 1960s with roles on popular TV shows like Bonanza and Little House on the Prairie. By the time he appeared on The Tonight Show, he had already become a household name and was one of the most sought-after guests in the entertainment industry. Landon was a natural on Carson's couch, effortlessly charming the audience with his wit and charisma.

During his interview, Landon discussed his experiences working on Little House on the Prairie, which was one of the most popular shows of the era. He talked about how he had initially been hesitant to take the role, as he didn't think he could convincingly play a pioneer. However, he quickly found the role to be a perfect fit, and Little House on the Prairie became a massive hit, earning Landon legions of fans around the world.

In addition to discussing his acting career, Landon also talked about his personal life, including his family and his hobbies. He was an avid fly fisherman and joked with Carson about his fishing techniques, earning laughs from the audience. Landon's easygoing nature made him a hit with both the studio audience and viewers at home, and his appearance on The Tonight Show helped cement his status as one of Hollywood's most beloved stars.

Dinah Shore was another hugely popular entertainer of the time, known for her smooth vocals and charismatic presence. She had hosted her own variety show in the 1950s and 60s, and had also appeared in a number of movies and TV shows. On The Tonight Show, Shore dazzled the audience with her wit and charm, performing a number of her hit songs and bantering with Carson throughout her interview.

During her appearance, Shore talked about her early days in show business, including how she had gotten her start as a radio singer in the 1930s. She also discussed her time as the host of The Dinah Shore Show, which was a groundbreaking program that featured an all-female production crew. Shore was a trailblazer in the industry, and her influence is still felt today.

Overall, episode 215 of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson was a classic example of the kind of legendary entertainment that the show was known for. With two iconic guests like Michael Landon and Dinah Shore, it was a must-see episode for fans of the era, and it remains a fascinating time capsule of the late 1970s. Whether you're a fan of classic TV shows, iconic entertainers, or just great conversation, this episode is definitely worth checking out.