Business Wars Late Night Wars | The Dawn of Tonight | 2
Mar 3, 2021
Dive into the origins of late-night television, where NBC dared to innovate with the iconic Tonight Show. Encounter the urgency surrounding Johnny Carson's rise as a legendary host, and feel the pressure of ambition as new hosts make choices that could redefine their careers. Experience the buzz of Johnny's historic debut, and watch as the landscape heats up with competition from David Letterman, setting the stage for intense rivalries. It's a captivating journey through the comedic world of after-hours TV!
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Late-Night Vision
- In 1953, Pat Weaver, NBC's president, proposed late-night programming, a radical idea then.
- Despite skepticism, Weaver persisted, envisioning a 90-minute show from 11:30 pm to 1:00 am.
National Concerns
- Steve Allen's final local show before hosting "Tonight" sparked worry in Louis Nye about its national appeal.
- Nye feared their New York humor wouldn't resonate with the rest of America.
Tonight's Dawn
- "Tonight" premiered on September 27, 1954, with Steve Allen as host, airing from 11:30 pm to 1:00 am.
- Allen's casual, spontaneous style, including stunts like wearing a teabag suit, quickly gained a loyal audience.
