The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Season 8 Episode 57 Flip Wilson (guest host), Bernadette Peters

Flip Wilson, the famed comedian, takes the reigns as guest host for this episode of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Wilson takes to the stage with a typical bouncy energy, inquiring of the audience whether or not he'd make a good game show host. The audience offers enthusiastic support, prompting Wilson to quip, "Well, don't get excited, I just want work!"

The show's first guest, the lovely Bernadette Peters, is invited to join Wilson for a chat. They discuss the origins of her name (her mother was a fan of the 1935 movie version of "Lassie Come Home," in which a character is named Bernadette), as well as her start in the entertainment industry. Peters recalls getting her big break in a touring production of "Gypsy," in which she played a young stripper named Gypsy Rose Lee. She also talks about some of her recent roles, including a part in an upcoming Woody Allen movie. Throughout the interview, Wilson interjects with some classic one-liners, keeping the mood light and playful.

After Peters departs, Wilson is joined by the musician John Williams, who is conducting the NBC Symphony Orchestra for the evening. Williams is best known for his work scoring films, including the iconic music for "Star Wars" and "Indiana Jones." He discusses his work on those films, as well as his long history with the Boston Pops Orchestra. Wilson jokes that he'd love to do a mellow album with Williams, while Williams playfully offers to write him a song.

The next guest to take the stage is comedian Elayne Boosler. Boosler is known for her observational humor, and she doesn't disappoint, delivering a set filled with witty commentary on everything from airline food to the loneliness of being single. Wilson, for his part, seems delighted to share the stage with Boosler, laughing and clapping along with the audience.

As the show winds down, Wilson takes a moment to thank Johnny Carson for giving him the opportunity to host. He jokes that he's glad it wasn't the other way around, and that Carson probably wouldn't have been as much fun as a guest on his own show. Wilson then introduces the musical act for the evening, a group called Rose Royce. The band performs their hit song "Love Don't Live Here Anymore," to the delight of the audience.

The episode ends on a high note, with Wilson taking a bow and Carson's voice heard off-screen thanking him for a job well done. It's clear that Wilson was a hit with the audience, and his infectious energy and playful banter made for a fun and entertaining night of television.