The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Season 19 Episode 156 David Letterman, David Naughton
- September 4, 1981
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson was a popular late-night talk show that aired from 1962 to 1992. In the show's nineteenth season, episode 156, entitled "David Letterman, David Naughton," two Davids take the stage.
First up is David Letterman, who got his start in comedy as a weatherman in Indianapolis. Letterman's irreverent, off-beat humor made him a hit with audiences, and he went on to host his own late-night talk show, Late Night with David Letterman, which followed The Tonight Show on NBC. In this episode, Letterman chats with Carson about the recent news that he had been indicted on charges of disorderly conduct after a bit he did on Late Night in which he climbed up a billboard outside of the studio.
Next is David Naughton, an actor and singer best known for his role in the 1981 horror-comedy film An American Werewolf in London. Naughton performs the song "Makin' It," which was the theme song for a short-lived sitcom of the same name in which he starred. Naughton then talks with Carson about his experience working on the film and his transition from advertising to acting.
Throughout the episode, Carson engages in his trademark witty banter with his guests, making jokes and teasing them about their careers and personal lives. Audience members get a glimpse into the personalities of both Letterman and Naughton, as they share humorous anecdotes and engage in light-hearted conversation.
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson was a beloved program that set the standard for late-night talk shows, and this episode showcases the show's trademark blend of comedy, music, and celebrity interviews. Fans of the show and of the two Davids are sure to enjoy this classic episode.