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Johnny Carson: King of Late Night

Season 26 Episode 5 | 2hr 00m 00s

Johnny Carson was seen by more people on more occasions than anyone else in American history. Over the course of 30 years, 4,531 episodes and 23,000 guests, he became a fixture of national life. Johnny Carson: King of Late Night explores his life, career, and complexities.

Aired: 05/13/12 | Expires: 12/14/15
Support for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Koo and Patricia Yuen, Lillian Goldman Programming Endowment, Seton J. Melvin, Thea Petschek Iervolino Foundation, Anita and Jay Kaufman, The Philip and Janice Levin Foundation, Kate W. Cassidy Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, The Ambrose Monell Foundation, Ellen and James S. Marcus, The Charina Endowment Fund, The Marc Haas Foundation and public television viewers.
Extras
Explore the life and legacy of notable Black scholar and civil rights pioneer W.E.B. Du Bois.
Musician Hannah Mayree organizes workshops and performances celebrating the banjo's Black history.
Actor John Goodman talks about his work on the film, "The Big Lebowski."
Follow Sudanese musician and ethnomusicologist Alsarah as she leads Alsarah and the Nubatones.
Follow the meteoric rise of firebrand politician and activist Bella Abzug.
In 1975, Bella Abzug went on the "Dinah!" show and questioned what was missing in our democracy.
While in Congress, Bella Abzug elevated feminist causes, including women's financial independence.
Follow the rise of politician and activist Bella Abzug. This contains Extended Audio Description.
Follow the rise of politician and activist Bella Abzug. This contains on-screen ASL interpretation.
Actress Lily Tomlin talks about campaigning for Bella Abzug and how she was inspired to fight.