The Story of Late Night

I would have given 'The Story of Late Night' 10 stars because it's really good but I can't because they only mention Craig Ferguson very briefly to introduce James Corden... Ferguson killed after Letterman for 10 years, his show was amazing and even though the format wasn't very different than other shows, he really changed the way of talking to the audience.

In terms of information, the first three episodes are a nice introduction to late night history. The remaining 3, though, are very superficial.

Two very important points: First of all, except for the last episode, they do not even mention Craig Ferguson. There is only a 1 second still of his in the 3rd or 4th episode.

Second and most importantly, they do not understand why the audience turned to TV comedians for trusted journalism. CNN does not have any self-awareness or self-reflection on that matter. When Johnny Carson was the host of the Tonight Show, U. S. audience had outlets to get information from T. V..

However, in the time of "post-truth", the audience only had TV comedians. And today, as all the TV comedians have the same idea as if they were dictated with one script from one source, the audience runs from the TV comedians and to the online comedians and commentators. There is no longer time slots to fill. There is only content with insights to what is going on in the world and in the U. S. A.

The final episode of the CNN "programme" misses out on that point in quite an ironic way.

For basically as long as there has been television, there has existed the concept of "late night" programming hitting the airwaves after the local nightly news. A host, some jokes, a desk, a guest--the setup is now iconic. "The Story of Late Night" lives up to its moniker and does a wonderful job of telling that entire story.

When it comes to late night TV topics, there are three that will always garner the most attention (at least thus far): The institution in and of itself that Johnny Carson became, the David Letterman vs. Jay Leno feud to replace him, and the bungled plan--by network executives--to hand Leno's reigns over to Conan O'Brien. Each of those topics basically commands its own episode here, and are excellently approached in terms of historical context and new interviews with the key players.

Where "Story" really stands out, however, is its ability to "fill in the gaps", so to speak, outside of those main talking points. For example, the first episode was very informative on how the whole genre started and how certain lesser-known pioneers created tenets of the genre that still stand/work to this very day. Also, throughout each episode, context is given on how the late night genre treated people of color, women, and ultimately evolved into newer formats (current events-based, YouTube-driven, pandemic-surviving, etc.).

Overall, "The Story of Late Night" was a joy to watch each week. It made me reminisce, sure, but it also taught me many interesting nuggets about the hosts, producers, and network executives who were key players in the business for decades. Just an all-around, well-done examination of the topic as a whole.

"CNN" has once again done it well with a culture historical like look at entertainment this latest "The Story of Late Night", from the early days of the 1950's and "The Tonight Show" with Steve Allen till the modern day digital computer era these episodes show vintage clips that tell it all. Plus interviews are given with insights and takes from network and studio bosses on the backroom deals and plots to change the landscape. And media critic and author Bill Carter gives his knowledgeable thoughts. From Carson, Leno, Letterman, Conan, Fallon, and Kimmel this is one funny business with constant changes as the series documents in fine fashion. The series goes in depth with time and change with each decade and era, most I can all recall. Really a must watch for any pop culture history buff or late night TV show fan it will bring back memories of yesterday.

It's a fun little walk down the decades of late night TV shows. Most of it is non-controversial. There is a bit of lesser known side shows from the earlier years but it's mostly about the main stream. It's a CNN doc. The main spin happens in episode 4 & 5 where they take down Jay Leno. Obviously, Conan from sister company TBS is their man. This is a solid six hour long episodes. It's informative and a bit entertaining. There's also a healthy dose of nostalgia which leaves the last episode a bit less compelling.