The King of Late Night Television Still Reigns

Johnny Carson as Carnac the Magnificent

In light of the accelerating freefall of late night television at the hands of increasingly unfunny progressive democrat hosts and their managers it's a perfect time to mention Johnny Carson. He was born on this day in Corning, Iowa, in 1925. As an unbiased host - he was a liberal Republican in private life - of  The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson for thirty years (1962-1992) he brought celebrity, entertainment, and his own brand of wacky comedy to millions of viewers. He was a major influence in the entertainment world and widely recognized as the king of late night television but his impact may never be well understood or appreciated because he led a shy, guarded life beyond the studio lights. A PBS American Masters documentary film by Peter Jones did much to open Carson's world to the public when it was broadcast in 2012 seven years after his death.

Here is a look at the master at work with his usual cast members and a host of notable entertainers and comedians. It's a one hour clip of the best of his first 25 years as host  . If you watch the first ten minutes there's a good bet you'll watch the rest.

Without a doubt Johnny Carson does indeed remain the king of late night television. His final show in 1992 drew at least 55 million viewers. On an average night around 9 million tuned in, a number which exceeds today's top three late night shows (hosted by Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, and Jimmy Kimmel) combined.