Let’s set the way-back machine to 1962-1992. It may be difficult for most Americans born after this window to comprehend, but there was a time when we tuned in to late night television talk shows to come together, not have our politics either affirmed or mocked. If you don’t believe this, I invite you to go on YouTube and pull up any episode of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
You will find the format pretty much the same as today’s late night programs. A typical Carson show started off with side-kick Ed McMahon reading off the list of guests over the big band swing theme song played by Doc Severinsen’s great orchestra. Then he’d announce: “Heeeeeeere’s Johnny!” Carson would appear on stage to affectionate applause. After which he proceeded into one of his iconic monologues where he playfully lampooned the news stories of the day. Even when the jokes bombed it was funny, because Carson, sensing the crickets after a particularly bad punchline, would break into a self-deprecating soft-shoe to the tune of “Tea For Two.”
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