“The Tonight Show’s” tribute to Johnny Carson a week ago brought Jay Leno his best ratings since 1998 and his fourth-best ratings ever.
“Late Night With David Letterman” was in reruns last week, but finally mounts its own tribute to Carson tonight.
Most interestingly, Dave’s guests tonight appear to include only people who were sacked when Leno took over “Tonight,” including producer Peter Lassally and NBC Orchestra vets Doc Severinson, Tommy Newsom and Ed Shaughnessy.
It’s widely understood that Carson would have preferred Letterman over Leno as his “Tonight Show” successor. Carson did not mention Leno during his final “Tonight” telecast. Carson never appeared on Jay Leno’s “Tonight Show,” but did appear on Letterman’s show twice after retiring. And Carson, post-retirement, even ghost-wrote monologue jokes for Letterman.
Looking for bumper stickers, plush toys and girls’ underwear covered with cute cartoon double-amputees? Visit The Herc Store!
Most interestingly, Dave’s guests tonight appear to include only people who were sacked when Leno took over “Tonight,” including producer Peter Lassally and NBC Orchestra vets Doc Severinson, Tommy Newsom and Ed Shaughnessy.
It’s widely understood that Carson would have preferred Letterman over Leno as his “Tonight Show” successor. Carson did not mention Leno during his final “Tonight” telecast. Carson never appeared on Jay Leno’s “Tonight Show,” but did appear on Letterman’s show twice after retiring. And Carson, post-retirement, even ghost-wrote monologue jokes for Letterman.
Looking for bumper stickers, plush toys and girls’ underwear covered with cute cartoon double-amputees? Visit The Herc Store!
