The Story of Late NightA six-part docuseries that takes viewers on a journey through late-night television’s most memorable moments. Spanning a more than 60-year history of engaging with, adapting to and influencing our rapidly changing society, late-night television has grown into a thriving entertainment phenomenon and vitally important cultural institution.
DirectorJohn Ealer
WriterJohn Ealer
Inventing Late Night
May 2, 2021
Steve 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
May 9, 2021
Johnny Carson deftly navigates the turbulent 1960s to elevate “The Tonight Show” and become the undisputed king of late night.
Eyes on the Throne
May 16, 2021
As 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
May 23, 2021
Carson’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
May 30, 2021
As 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
Jun 6, 2021
Jimmy 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.
