The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Season 8 Episode 22 Joan Rivers (guest host)
- February 13, 1970
Joan Rivers, one of the most iconic female comedians of all time, took over as guest host on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in season 8 episode 22. Known for her sharp tongue and irreverent humor, Rivers brought her unique perspective to the late-night talk show, earning praise for her wit and charm.
As the show began, Rivers entered to thunderous applause from the audience, clearly excited and energized to be taking the reins of such a legendary program. In her opening monologue, she poked fun at the usual topics of the day, such as politics and celebrities, with her trademark sharpness and agility. Rivers’ comedy was on full display as she riffed on everything from the latest fashion trends to the idiosyncrasies of American culture.
Throughout the evening, Rivers welcomed a series of guests to the show, including a mix of established celebrities and up-and-comers. Among her guests were actor James Caan, who discussed his upcoming film The Godfather, and comedian David Brenner, who shared his unique brand of topical humor with the audience.
As always with these shows, musical performances featured prominently, and Rivers was no exception. In season 8 episode 22 of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, the guest host invited singer Billy Preston to perform his hit song “Outa-Space.” Accompanied by a live band, Preston gave an energetic and soulful performance that had the audience dancing and swaying along to the beat.
One of the standout moments of the show came when Rivers welcomed former first lady Betty Ford as a guest. Ford, who had recently opened her own addiction treatment center, shared her insights on the issue with the host and audience. The interview was poignant and deeply personal, as Ford opened up about her own struggles with addiction and how she hoped to help others through her work.
Throughout the episode, Rivers’ star power was on full display, as she brought her own unique comedic voice to the proceedings. Her style was a perfect fit for The Tonight Show, and it’s clear that both she and the audience were having a blast throughout the hour-long program.
By the time the credits rolled, it was clear that Joan Rivers had masterfully taken over The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. With her quick wit, acerbic humor, and natural charisma, she had proven that she was more than capable of filling the legendary host’s shoes. Fans of the show undoubtedly left impressed and entertained by the comedic prowess of one of the most beloved comedians of all time.