The Story of Late Night
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.
Seasons
1. Inventing Late Night
Air Date: 2021-05-02
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.
2. Carson: King of Late Night
Air Date: 2021-05-09
Johnny Carson deftly navigates the turbulent 1960s to elevate “The Tonight Show” and become the undisputed king of late night.
3. Eyes on the Throne
Air Date: 2021-05-16
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.
4. Letterman V. Leno
Air Date: 2021-05-23
Carson’s 1992 retirement touches a nation – and touches off an epic late-night war between Jay Leno and David Letterman.
5. Late Night Makes The News
Air Date: 2021-05-30
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.
6. Reinventing Late Night
Air Date: 2021-06-06
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.
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Rating
6.0/10
Release Date
2021-05-02
Episodes
6 (1 seasons)
Status
Returning Series
Cast
Videos
Production Companies
CNN Films