The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Season 17 Episode 87 George Carlin (guest host), Gary Coleman, Vincent Price, Paul Williams

George Carlin takes the guest-hosting reins on this episode of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson season 17 episode 87. Carlin is known for his edgy humor and no-holds-barred approach, so viewers are in for a wild ride. His first guest is the young actor Gary Coleman, who rose to fame on the hit sitcom Diff'rent Strokes. Coleman discusses what it's like to be a child star and how he manages to maintain some semblance of a normal life. Carlin and Coleman engage in some playful banter, and Carlin even gets Coleman to do a few impressions.

Next up is the legendary horror icon Vincent Price. Price talks about his career and shares some behind-the-scenes stories from his most famous films, like House on Haunted Hill and The Abominable Dr. Phibes. Carlin and Price have a surprisingly deep conversation about the nature of fear and how horror movies tap into our primal emotions. They also share a few laughs, of course, as Carlin is quick to find the humor in everything.

The final guest of the night is singer-songwriter Paul Williams. Williams is known for penning some of the biggest hits of the '70s, including "We've Only Just Begun" and "Rainy Days and Mondays" for The Carpenters. Carlin and Williams talk about the songwriting process and how to craft a catchy melody. Williams also performs a few of his biggest hits, including a touching rendition of "You and Me Against the World." Carlin even joins in on the fun, picking up a guitar and strumming along.

Throughout the episode, Carlin keeps the energy high with his irreverent humor and off-the-wall antics. He even does a few of his classic bits, like "A Place for My Stuff" and "Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television," although he has to bleep himself out a few times. Carson may be absent, but Carlin proves to be a worthy guest host who keeps the show running smoothly and entertainingly. Viewers won't want to miss this episode filled with laughs, insights, and a touch of the macabre.