LATE-NIGHT LAUGHS
NBC’s “The Tonight Show” debuted in September 1954 and has provided viewers with a nightcap of levity and humor for over five decades. This late-night legend has featured three principal hosts. The first host was Steve Allen, followed by Jack Paar in 1957. Parr passed the reins on to Johnny Carson in 1962, and he reigned as the king of late night for 30 years.
2005 TV INDUCTEE
Accepting the torch after Carson’s retirement was Jay Leno, host of “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” who kept the torch burning brightly with its tradition of monologues about current events and politics, lively interviews and music. “The Tonight Show” has won 12 Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe, a Directors Guild of America Award and was the first late-night program to be produced in high definition.
“The Tonight Show” has defined the late-night television landscape and continues to reflect the essence of America’s contemporary culture.
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Johnny Carson with a guest.