BEA2026

Since the early 1950s, late night talk and entertainment shows have been a staple of network television. In today’s media saturated environment, the format may not succeed in the future. After a brief overview of late-night history, we will look at The Johnny Carson Show, the “Gatekeeper of Late-Night,” by examining how the show introduced America to new stand-up comics. The Tomorrow Show, a much different format, straddled the line between news and entertainment, providing an interesting counterpoint to Carson. While late night tv has been primarily a male dominated sphere, we examine women entertainers like Joan Rivers, Samantha Bee, Taylor Tomlinson and others who stand in contrast to the Carsons, Colberts and Kimmels. Finally, not all shows were successful, why and how did some succeed and others failed. Was it high Q-ratings or are there other skills needed for success? This panel will examine these issues.
Moderator: Fritz J. Messere, SUNY - Oswego
Panelists: Frank A. Aycock, Appalachian State University; The Tomorrow Show
Brian Sheridan, Mercyhurst University; Gatekeeper of Late-Night: Johnny Carson, The Tonight Show and the impact on stand-up comedy
Richard Vogel, retired from Culver Stockton College; What Makes a Successful Late Night TV Host?
Louise M. Benjamin, Kansas State University; The Women of Late Night Television