The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Season 20 Episode 117 David Brenner (guest host), Dick Shawn, Nell Carter

David Brenner takes the reins as guest host for The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in season 20 episode 117. Brenner is in good company with guest stars Dick Shawn and Nell Carter.

The episode begins with Brenner's monologue, delivering jokes that touch on current events and everyday life. Brenner's humor, as always, centers on his own experiences, which he weaves into relatable anecdotes designed to make the audience laugh. Brenner then introduces the first guest of the night, Dick Shawn.

Shawn is a comedian and actor who has been performing since the 1950s. He's appeared on TV shows such as The Mary Tyler Moore Show and in films like It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. With Brenner as the host, Shawn talks about his career and jokes around with the two men. He also shares tidbits about his upcoming projects.

Next up is Nell Carter, an actress, and singer who's perhaps best known for playing Nell Harper on the sitcom Gimme a Break! She's also known for her Broadway performances, including her Tony-winning role in the musical Ain't Misbehavin'. Carter and Brenner have an animated conversation about her rise to fame, her work on Broadway, and her current projects.

More laughs and jokes come from Brenner, who continues his monologue and interacts with the two guests. At one point, Shawn and Carter team up to tease Brenner about his outfit and comedic style.

Throughout the show, viewers get a glimpse of Brenner's hosting style. While he doesn't stray too far from Carson's formula, Brenner adds his own spin to the show, bringing his unique brand of humor to the monologue and interviews.

The episode closes with the musical performance of "Thank You For Being a Friend" by Andrew Gold, which is the show's theme song. Brenner, Shawn, and Carter bid the audience adieu, and Brenner thanks them for being on the show.

Overall, season 20 episode 117 of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson delivers a night of light-hearted entertainment and humor. Brenner proves to be a capable guest host, and Shawn and Carter are engaging guests, providing insights into their lives and careers, and entertaining viewers with their wit and humor. For fans of this classic talk show, this episode offers plenty of laughs and engaging conversation.