The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Season 22 Episode 15

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Season 22 Episode 15 Joan Rivers (guest host), James Coco, Joel Higgins

  • January 18, 1984

On the 15th episode of the 22nd season of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, Joan Rivers steps in as a guest host. Known for her brash humor and unfiltered commentary, Rivers brings her own spin to the show's format.

The first guest of the night is James Coco, a character actor best known for his work on Broadway in the 70s and for his roles in films like "Murder by Death" and "Only When I Laugh." Coco is jovial and charming, joking with Rivers about her outfit and her decision to wear fur. The two discuss Coco's recent work on "Emma's War," a film about an Australian woman who falls in love with an Italian prisoner of war during WWII.

Next up is Joel Higgins, an actor and singer who is perhaps best known for his role on the sitcom "Silver Spoons." Higgins speaks candidly with Rivers about his stint on the show and the challenges he faced transitioning from stage acting to television. He also talks about his recent foray into singing and his new album, joking that he's trying to become the "next Frank Sinatra."

Throughout the show, Rivers delivers her usual rapid-fire jokes and banter, taking shots at everyone from Hollywood celebrities to the show's own crew. Her energy is infectious, and Coco and Higgins seem to be having a great time riffing off of her.

As with many episodes of The Tonight Show, the highlight of the night is the comedy sketches. In one sketch, Rivers plays a television psychic who predicts Coco's future with hilarious results. In another, Higgins performs a musical number that is rudely interrupted by Rivers' heckling. The sketches are silly and over-the-top, but they're also evidence of the show's enduring popularity and its commitment to delivering quality entertainment.

Overall, this episode of The Tonight Show is a fun and engaging watch. Rivers proves that she's a capable and entertaining host, and Coco and Higgins are both enjoyable guests. Fans of classic late-night television will no doubt appreciate the show's timeless humor and format, and newcomers might find themselves drawn in by the performances and the lovingly-crafted absurdity of it all.

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Description
  • First Aired
    January 18, 1984
  • Language
    English