The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Season 17 Episode 6 David Brenner (guest host)
- October 23, 1978
David Brenner guest hosts The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in season 17 episode 6. Brenner, a comedian and frequent guest on the show, takes the reins for the evening and welcomes a variety of guests to the couch.
The show opens with Brenner delivering a monologue filled with his signature observational humor. He jokes about current events, pop culture, and his own life experiences, drawing laughter and applause from the studio audience.
Brenner then introduces the first guest of the night, actor Michael Landon. Landon, best known for his roles in Bonanza and Little House on the Prairie, discusses his latest projects and shares stories from his long career in show business. The conversation is lively and engaging, with Brenner bantering back and forth with Landon.
Next up is actress Debbie Reynolds, who talks about her new memoir and reflects on her legendary career in Hollywood. Brenner and Reynolds have a fun rapport, with Brenner joking about Reynolds' various marriages and Reynolds playfully teasing Brenner about his love life.
Musical guest Hank Williams Jr. takes the stage to perform his hit song "All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight." Brenner introduces the performance with a few jokes about Williams' wild reputation, and the crowd cheers as Williams delivers a high-energy performance.
The final guest of the night is comedian Jay Leno, who at the time was known primarily for his stand-up work and occasional appearances on The Tonight Show. Brenner and Leno chat about the world of comedy, with Leno sharing stories from his time on the road and discussing his own comedic style. Brenner, in turn, tells tales from his own career and offers Leno advice and encouragement.
Overall, the episode is a fun and entertaining showcase of some of the biggest names in entertainment at the time. Brenner's guest-hosting duties are seamless and natural, and he brings his own unique wit and personality to the proceedings. Fans of classic late-night television will undoubtedly enjoy this episode of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.