The Tonight Show is a late night talk and variety show, airing Monday-Friday at 11:30pm on NBC. It has been on the air since 1954, with comedian Johnny Carson serving as the longest host of the program from 1962-1972. The current host of the program is Jay Leno (pictured right). Leno has been host of the program since 1992. In just a matter of months though, Leno will leave the program to comedian Conan O'Brien (pictured left). The shows typical format over the years (though segments have changed with the hosts) is a short stand-up routine, or monologue, of topical news items, most usually from the world of politics or celebrity. After the monologue, a celebrity guest or two will have a comical chat with the host and then a musical act or stand-up act will follow. In the Johnny Carson days of the show, many famous comedians, including Ellen DeGeneres and Jerry Seinfeld, got their starts from performing stand-up routines on The Tonight Show. It was considered a high honor if Carson liked your act enough to invite you over to the couch to talk after the routine. The Tonight Show has been an integral part of American culture since its inception, fusing all forms of entertainment with humor. This what has led to its popularity over the years. It covers many of the things Americans would have been talking about that day, whether it be world news, politics, or the lives of celebrities. In taking a humorous look at all the days events, plus mixing in talking to celebrities or other news makers (even recently, a president), The Tonight Show gives people a way to end their days laughing. Though each host has taken a new approach to making people laugh, it is consistent in the way of pointing out absurdities in the world around us.
Leno, Jay, prod. The Tonight Show. NBC. Burbank, CA.
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