The Story of Late Night

2021
Returning Series
Documentary
~38m / ep
1 season
6.6/10

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.

All seasons

Latest: Season 1 · 2021

View all seasons

E1. Inventing Late Night
May 2, 2021 · 38m
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.
E2. Carson: King of Late Night
May 9, 2021 · 38m
Johnny Carson deftly navigates the turbulent 1960s to elevate “The Tonight Show” and become the undisputed king of late night.
E3. Eyes on the Throne
May 16, 2021 · 38m
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.
E4. Letterman V. Leno
May 23, 2021 · 38m
Carson’s 1992 retirement touches a nation – and touches off an epic late-night war between Jay Leno and David Letterman.
E5. Late Night Makes The News
May 30, 2021 · 38m
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.
E6. Reinventing Late Night
Jun 6, 2021 · 38m
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.