I think everyone with a brain realizes how smart a move Letterman made by going to CBS. Every star realizes that going on Letterman is a treat, and going on Leno is a chore. At least it looks like that when you watch the shows.
share[deleted]
Knowing what we know now, Letterman's very happy that he went to CBS.
shareI think everyone with a brain realizes how smart a move Letterman made by going to CBS.
Yes, he went where coming in second place to "The Tonight Show" didn't seem to matter to the network, and where the 12:35 guy was not going to make a deal that would prematurely end Dave's term as host at 11:35. CBS did turn out to be a good home for Dave, and (despite being #2 in the ratings) it helped him to outlast Jay.
Every star realizes that going on Letterman is a treat, and going on Leno is a chore.
No, I doubt that. Stars like Sandra Bullock and Leslie Mann were literally choked with emotion having to say goodbye to Jay.
Back at the time, Letterman thought being Johnny Carson's successor as host of "The Tonight Show" - being chosen by NBC as its next steward - would be the crowning achievement of his career.
But if you asked him today, or if you asked anyone in a similar circumstance (e.g., a child who was expected to take over a family business, but instead opted to start one of his own), they'd tell you: there's far more personal satisfaction to be attained in creating your own, original entity.
No matter how you perceive them, Jay Leno, Jimmy Fallon, and even Johnny Carson are each viewed differently than David Letterman will be. In each case, the former are seen as custodians of a franchise created by Steve Allen. In Letterman's case, he will be perceived by history as the "founding father" of not just one, but two late night television franchises: "Late Night" on NBC, and of course "Late Show" on CBS.
What you're saying is right, except that people don't think of Carson as the custodian of someone else's franchise. Kids (and most adults) don't know who Jack Parr & Steve Allen were, but all recognize Johnny Carson as the epitome of late night hosts, from whom today's generation has descended.
"Boy that was really exciting. I bet you're a big Lee Marvin fan aren't ya."
Kids (and most adults) don't know who Jack Parr & Steve Allen were, but all recognize Johnny Carson as the epitome of late night hosts, from whom today's generation has descended.