The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Season 19 Episode 24 David Letterman (guest host), Rich Hall

David Letterman takes over as guest host of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson for this episode. The late-night legend welcomes comedian Rich Hall as his guest.

In his opening monologue, Letterman takes aim at a range of topics, including the national debt, the proliferation of superheroes in movies and television, and the latest news from the world of sports.

Hall, who is known for his deadpan delivery and acerbic wit, joins Letterman for an interview segment. The comedian, who got his start performing stand-up in New York in the 1970s, shares stories from his career in comedy, including his time writing for Saturday Night Live and his experience performing on The David Letterman Show.

The conversation turns to politics as Hall discusses his views on the current state of affairs in Washington and his thoughts on the upcoming presidential election. He also shares his thoughts on the role of comedy in society and the importance of speaking truth to power.

In addition to his interview with Hall, Letterman welcomes a number of other guests to the show, including members of the studio audience who are invited to participate in a series of sketches and games.

One such game involves a blindfolded audience member who is tasked with guessing the identity of a mystery guest based only on nonverbal cues. Another game pits two audience members against each other in a trivia contest, with the winner receiving a prize package that includes tickets to a taping of The Tonight Show.

Throughout the episode, Letterman demonstrates his trademark wit and charm, engaging with both his guests and the studio audience in a way that feels authentic and relatable. For fans of his own late-night talk show, this guest-hosting stint is a rare opportunity to see the comedic icon in a different setting, showcasing his talents as an interviewer and performer in a way that is sure to delight and entertain.