A 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.
The Story of Late Night (Season 1)
Inventing Late Night (Episode 1) 1.0
Air date: 2021-05-02
Runtime: 38 min
Overview: 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 (Episode 2) 1.0
Air date: 2021-05-09
Runtime: 38 min
Overview: Johnny Carson deftly navigates the turbulent 1960s to elevate “The Tonight Show” and become the undisputed king of late night.
Eyes on the Throne (Episode 3) 1.0
Air date: 2021-05-16
Runtime: 38 min
Overview: 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 (Episode 4) 1.0
Air date: 2021-05-23
Runtime: 38 min
Overview: 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 (Episode 5) 1.0
Air date: 2021-05-30
Runtime: 38 min
Overview: 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 (Episode 6) 1.0
Air date: 2021-06-06
Runtime: 38 min
Overview: 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.
