The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Season 23 Episode 58 Joan Rivers (guest host), Nell Carter, Gallagher, Joseph Wapner

Joan Rivers takes the guest host seat for this episode of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Rivers wasted no time in filling the set with her trademark humor, opening with a monologue that poked fun at current events and celebrity culture.

A highlight of the episode was the appearance of Nell Carter, the Emmy and Tony-winning actress, singer, and comedian. Carter spoke with Rivers about her recent weight loss and her upcoming theater projects. Carter also sang a few bars of her signature song, "Mean to Me," delighting the audience.

Comedian Gallagher, known for his prop comedy and smashing watermelons, also made an appearance on the show. The segment began with Gallagher smashing a watermelon with a mallet, much to the audience's delight. He went on to perform his famous Sledge-O-Matic routine, in which he smashes various objects with a giant mallet. Rivers and Gallagher bantered about his unique brand of comedy, with Gallagher jokingly referring to himself as "the cerebral comic of the world."

Judge Joseph Wapner, famous for his time on the TV show "The People's Court," also stopped by the show to chat with Rivers. The judge talked about his experience on the show and offered his opinions on various legal topics, including the O.J. Simpson trial that was currently ongoing at the time.

Throughout the episode, Rivers also interacted with the crowd and interviewed audience members. Her quick wit and playful banter kept the studio audience laughing and engaged. The show closed with Rivers thanking the audience and signing off with her trademark catchphrase, "Can we talk?"

Overall, this episode of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson was a lively and entertaining installment of the iconic late-night talk show. With guest host Joan Rivers at the helm and a lineup of talented and engaging guests, the show provided plenty of laughs and light-hearted fun.