Johnny Carson on "David Letterman Show" part 1. 1985

Johnny making an appearance on Letterman Show in Burbank CA @ NBC Studios

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• David
• Letterman
• Show

[mewiet]

"In twenty years you will have this desk."

I think that says it all right there. Johnny Carson wanted and expected Dave to inherit TTS when he retired.

[KaptKan1]

Johnny was a nervous guest! How ironic!

[TheWolfhond13]

what a great man Johnny Carson was he was the best

[xander7ful]

Johnny Carson should have insisted on Letterman taking over for him, instead of just expressing his wishes to a few people. Nobody respects Leno for the way he campaigned for the job or for his mediocre talent. It's a shame that the suits at NBC won't admit their mistake and make things right.

[zufgh]

@observer9670 Have you not read the book on the Late Night wars? Various people have vouched that Carson personally told them that Letterman was to follow, You're right that he wouldn't get involved though.

[sevadaj]

There will never be another Johnny Carson!

[poissonnoir]

i won't hit the "Like" button. Is there a "Love" or "Absolutely Adore" button?

Two comic greats who obviously like each other so much. 

[bensdadfrank]

Now that's entertainment.

[observer9670]

The similarities between Johnny and Dave are remarkable. Both were from the Midwest, both were from middle-class families, both were "middle" children, both had older sisters, both started out in local radio and TV and both had prime-time shows they were in cancelled and then went on to game shows before hitting it big.

[observer9670]

Nobody can ever say they heard Johnny Carson say "I want Dave to take over the show when I retire". He never said it to anyone. It's probably true, since Johnny was very complimentary to Dave. But Johnny would not get involved in the succession controversy. He sold back to NBC his post-retirement ownership rights to the Tonight Show a few years before he actually retired.

[TheHockeyCentral]

Johnny's laugh is infectious.