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Honored Contributor
Posts: 10,620
Registered: ‎09-22-2010

A 6 part miniseries starts this Sunday.  On the previews they show Steve Allen and Johnny Carson.  I have seen a few different times listed so not sure on that but it is on CNN.  I am looking forward to it - I love those late night guys (at least a couple of them). 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 13,373
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

I am interested in watching this series.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 34,040
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Is it a bashing look back through todays eyes?  That is what I would expect.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 20,648
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

I have it scheduled but didn't know it was more than one episode.  Thanks for the information, so I can make sure I get the rest of them.   Smiley Happy

 

It should be interesting.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 9,739
Registered: ‎05-19-2012

Re: THE STORY OF LATE NIGHT

[ Edited ]

As a fan of Jack Paar, Steve Allen and -- above all others -- Johnny Carson, I am very grateful to you for drawing my attention to this, DiAnne.

 

Thank you so much! 

 

(It is an unfortunate thing that the only humor that makes me laugh in the latest crop now on TV is their material that has a political slant.  Sure, years ago there was poking political humor, too, but the strength of the comedy in the show did not depend on politics.  I just want to laugh at life, in general, not just political barbs.  And I am not a fan of those criticized; that is not the point.  My point is that I want regular, homogenized comedy again.)  

Honored Contributor
Posts: 10,620
Registered: ‎09-22-2010

@golding76 

 

When I was in high school I had a huge crush on Steve Allen.  Others liked Elvis, not me!

 

I was a big Letterman fan.  Of the group there now I like Jimmy Kimmel the best (self deprecating humor) followed by Seth Meyers. 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 9,739
Registered: ‎05-19-2012

DiAnne,

 

I found Steve Allen to be brilliant.  Remember the stable of talent he brought with him:  Louis Nye, Don Knotts and Tom Poston?  Allen was phenomenal, I agree.  Definitely one of a kind.

 

My favorite of all (and I admit to crushing on him although he was a terrible husband, from all reports) was Johnny Carson.  My late husband was an early bird, and when he'd say goodnight and see me settle in with Johnny, he'd say, "Okay, I'll leave you with your boyfriend."   How I miss those moments.

 

Like you, Jimmy Kimmel is my favorite now.  At times, when things were dreadful during the last several years, I 'd like to hear Stephen Colbert's jokes because they were cathartic.  But, that does wear thin after a while.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,275
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

I DVR'ed the whole series. Even though I haven't watched late night tv since Johnny Carson I'm still interested in it.  I'm an early bird sleeper as I get older and I guess it started when I started working over 40+ years ago and had to get up early. 

 

Looking forward to this. 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 10,620
Registered: ‎09-22-2010

I really enjoyed seeing Steve Allen (my fav) and Jack Paar.  Looking forward to the next one.  

Honored Contributor
Posts: 9,739
Registered: ‎05-19-2012

Re: THE STORY OF LATE NIGHT

[ Edited ]

I enjoyed seeing the first installment, too, DiAnne.  You know, I thought about it last night and realized that the Louis Nye, Tom Poston and Don Knotts feast took place on "The Steve Allen Show" and not on the "Tonight" show.  Sorry for the bad info.

 

It was a real kick for me to see Charley Weaver because my family has a bit of personal history with him.  Not me directly but my uncle.

 

My dear and enterprising uncle decided to produce "Charley Weaver Hats," thinking they'd sell well.  They didn't.  I don't recall if it was Steve Allen, Jack Paar or Johnny Carson who tossed a bunch of them at the audience during one show.  It was one way to get rid of the inventory, I guess.

 

p.s.  What I had a very clear reminder of was the sort of show I miss.  I enjoy thoughtful conversations and mindless comedy.  Fun jokes.  Nothing serious -- impromptu delights.  Clean but uproarious fun.  Miss that.