The Story of Late Night

6.6

2021•38m

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.

Production

Available For Free On

Trailers & Videos

The Story of Late Night | Official Trailer

The Story of Late Night: The women behind Late Night laughter | Exclusive conversation

Seasons

6 Episodes • Premiered 2021

1. Inventing Late Night

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

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

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

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

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

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.