The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Season 20 Episode 21 David Letterman (guest host), Rona Barrett, Dave Thomas
- December 1, 1981
In the 21st episode of the 20th season of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, the guest host is none other than David Letterman, who is known for his own late-night talk show. David is known for his witty style and interaction with guests, and he brings the same energy to The Tonight Show.
The first guest of the evening is Rona Barrett, a gossip columnist who is known for her opinions and insights into Hollywood. Rona talks about her career and how she got into the business of celebrity gossip. She also shares some of her thoughts on the current state of Hollywood and the biggest stars of the moment. David and Rona banter about some of the stories she's reported on in the past, and the audience laughs along with their witty exchanges.
Up next is Dave Thomas, a Canadian comedian who is known for his work on SCTV and his portrayal of the fast food icon Dave Thomas. Dave talks about his career and how he came up with the character of Dave Thomas, which is still recognizable to this day. He also shares some anecdotes about working with some of his colleagues on SCTV, including John Candy and Eugene Levy. David and Dave riff on some of Dave's most famous skits and characters, providing the audience with plenty of laughs.
Throughout the episode, David engages the studio audience, interacting and getting their reactions to the guests and segments. He also shares some of his own comedic bits, including a top ten list and a spoof commercial. David proves to be a worthy guest host, bringing his own unique blend of humor and wit to the show.
The episode wraps up with a musical performance from then-popular band Power Station. The audience dances and sways along to the upbeat music, ending the episode on a high note.
Overall, this episode of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson provides plenty of entertainment and laughter, with a mix of fascinating guests and comedic moments. David Letterman proves to be a capable and entertaining guest host, providing his own brand of humor and banter to the show.