Business Wars Late Night Wars | Late Night Explodes | 3
Mar 8, 2021
As Johnny Carson nears retirement, the race for the late-night throne heats up. Arsenio Hall's emergence shakes the landscape, challenging established stars like Leno and Letterman. A tense power struggle unfolds between CBS and NBC as they vie for top talent. Personal dramas and corporate maneuvering create friction among the hosts. Rumors and rivalries run rampant, revealing the behind-the-scenes complexities of comedy in the late-night world. It's a battle where humor meets high stakes.
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Arsenio Hall's Rise
- Arsenio Hall guest hosted on the Late Show after Joan Rivers' firing and impressed Fox executives.
- This led to him getting his own syndicated talk show, competing with Johnny Carson.
Arsenio Hall's Strategy
- Arsenio Hall's success stemmed from targeting a younger demographic.
- He didn't try to replace Carson but appealed to an audience craving a fresh approach.
CBS's Late-Night Struggle
- CBS struggled with Pat Sajak's low ratings and affiliate losses to Arsenio Hall.
- Rod Perth aimed to find a new host to compete, especially with Carson's potential retirement.
