The Story of Late Night

Season 1

TV-PG

Tracking the history of late-night TV from its inception, featuring stories about hosts such as Johnny Carson, Jay Leno, David Letterman, O'Brien, Jimmy Fallon, Kimmel, Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert.

Where to Watch Season 1

6 Episodes

Inventing Late Night
E1
Inventing Late NightSteve Allen’s zany spontaneity turns “Tonight” into an unexpected hit, but it’s Jack Paar and Johnny Carson that transform late night into an enduring television staple.
Carson: King of Late Night
E2
Carson: King of Late NightJohnny Carson deftly navigates the turbulent 1960s to elevate “The Tonight Show” and become the undisputed king of late night.
Eyes on the Throne
E3
Eyes on the ThroneAs the 1980s dawn, David Letterman reinvents late night for a new generation and endless speculation begins on who will be Johnny Carson’s eventual successor.
Letterman V. Leno
E4
Letterman V. LenoCarson’s 1992 retirement touches a nation – and touches off an epic late-night war between Jay Leno and David Letterman.
Late Night Makes The News
E5
Late Night Makes The NewsAs the 2000s unfold, diverse voices like Chelsea Handler and George Lopez get their seat behind the late-night desk, while Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert take the news into their own hilarious hands.
Reinventing Late Night
E6
Reinventing Late NightJimmy Fallon, Stephen Colbert and Trevor Noah follow in Leno, Letterman, and Stewart’s footsteps and new hosts James Corden, Seth Meyers, Amber Ruffin, and Desus + Mero confront Donald Trump – and COVID-19.