Tonight Show
The Tonight Show is NBC's long running nightly (Monday through Friday) hour-long comedic talk show. Originally 90 minutes and later 105 minutes long, the show features at least two or three guests each night, usually including a comedian or musical guest.
Hosts
During the later Steve Allen years, regular audience member Ms. Miller became such an integral part, she was forced to join AFTRA the television/radio performers union.
Music is provided by The Tonight Show Band, currently led by Kevin Eubanks. In 2004, the long-time announcer Edd Hall was replaced by John Melendez, who was many years on the "Howard Stern Show".
For most of Johnny Carson's run on the show, the Tonight Show Band was led by Doc Severinsen and the show's announcer was Ed McMahon. By the end of the Carson years, Severinsen had become the primary substitute announcer when McMahon was absent. When Serverinsen was absent or filling in for McMahon, Tommy Newsome would lead the band.
In 1989 Johnny Carson's guest host Joan Rivers jumped ship and abruptly left the Tonight Show for her own show on the new Fox Network, This move infurated Carson so that he permanently banned Rivers from the Tonight Show. Unfortunately for Joan Rivers her new show immediately flopped and was immediately cancelled and when she tried to call Johnny Carson he refused to speak to her.
The show's full name is currently The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. During the Carson years, it was known as The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
Recurring gags (Jay Leno)
Classic gags included
See also
