The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Season 22 Episode 111 Joan Rivers (guest host), Brooke Shields, Gallagher

Joan Rivers assumes the role of guest host on this episode of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, season 22 episode 111. She sets the tone for the night with her outrageous and irreverent humor, immediately engaging with the audience and the guests.

Joining Joan on the couch are Brooke Shields and Gallagher. Brooke, who was just twenty-one at the time, is sweet, charming, and poised, a perfect foil for Joan's cutting wit. She talks about her film roles, including "Brenda Starr" and "The Blue Lagoon," and her experience working with the legendary George Balanchine in the "Nutcracker." She also discusses her modeling work and how she balances her career with finishing her degree at Princeton University.

Gallagher, the comedian famous for his explosive and messy prop comedy, is a more unpredictable presence on the show. He talks about his signature Sledge-O-Matic hammer and demonstrates its power on various fruits and vegetables, spraying the stage with debris in the process. Joan plays off his antics, teasing him about his distinctive hairstyle and catching him off guard with her quick quips.

Musical guest Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band close out the show with their hit song "Shakedown," the theme song from the film "Beverly Hills Cop II." Joan and Brooke dance along in the audience, demonstrating the infectious energy that Johnny Carson's show was known for.

Throughout the episode, Joan's talents as a seasoned comedian shine through. She pokes fun at the guests, the audience, and even herself, all with impeccable timing and an infectious sense of fun. Her irreverent humor is a refreshing departure from the more buttoned-up hosts of the time, and she proves herself a worthy successor to Johnny Carson's throne.

This episode of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson is a must-watch for fans of classic stand-up comedy and late-night talk shows. Joan Rivers's guest hosting is a rare treat, and the chemistry between her, Brooke Shields, and Gallagher makes for an unforgettable evening of entertainment.