By Jeanni Ritchie
Here’s Johnny!
National TV Talk Show Host Day was chosen to be celebrated on October 23, The King of Late Night Television’s birthday. John William “Johnny” Carson was born on October 23, 1925 and served as the host of The Tonight Show for thirty years (1962 – 1992).
I remember watching episodes of The Tonight Show (called Johnny Carson by most) when I’d stay with my Aunt Connie and Uncle Ron in Kansas for summer vacations. Unlike my parents, they were night owls and I never had a bedtime when I visited. Of course, I was asleep within minutes but I always felt so grown up watching that monologue.
I didn’t make it through a whole episode until my firstborn was born in 1990 with her days and nights mixed up. We didn’t have cable so my evenings revolved around Johnny Carson and David Letterman before the national anthem signaled the upcoming snow on the tv as I desperately begged my daughter to sleep.
Four more kids followed in the next four years and television talk shows aired in between episodes of Sesame Street and Barney. I needed to hear dialogue that wasn’t brought to you by the letter “C” and the number “4.”
I discovered a few other talk show hosts over the years that enlightened, informed, and entertained as much as Carson and Letterman.
In honor of Dave’s infamous Top 10 countdown, I give you my own list.
10. Craig Ferguson, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson (2005-2014) Ferguson is brilliant, with a charming Scottish accent. Immediately after his talk show ended, he hosted three seasons of Celebrity Name Game.
9. Montel Williams, The Montel Williams Show (1991-2008) Montel exuded warmth and class, a true gentleman on the talk show circuit.
8. Andy Cohen, Watch What Happens Live (2009-current) I loved Cohen when he started out, an enthusiastic fan as well as host. There was something magical about seeing him light up with excitement when he managed to nab a guest he adored, like watching an elementary school boy meet his hero.
7. Regis and Kelly, Live with Regis and Kelly (2001-2011) Of all the combinations of this show (Regis and Kathie Lee, Kelly and Michael, Kelly and Ryan, Kelly and Mark) this was my favorite combo. At least in the early years when they played off each other, the stalwart and the hipster, each exaggerating their roles and genuinely enjoying each other’s company. It hasn’t been the same since.
6. Maury Povich, Maury (1991-2022) I debated adding this out of sheer shame but the truth is, in the mid-90’s when I was covered in spit up with piles of never ending laundry, it was quite the guilty pleasure to watch men squirm as they were deemed to be the father and insistent women who knew the paternity of their children beyond a shadow of doubt quickly come up with bachelor #2 when Maury uttered “You are NOT the father” to the men they’d been screeching at for half an hour.
5. Steve Harvey, Steve Harvey (2012-2017) This generation’s funny man du jour, Harvey exploded on the scene with stand up, radio shows, talk shows, game shows, reality shows, and a pageant competition where he infamously announced the wrong winner. In his trademark self-deprecation, he poked fun at the gaffe for months afterward. It’s precisely this humanization that makes him so popular.
4. Drew Barrymore, The Drew Barrymore Show (2020-current) Barrymore was America’s favorite child in the 80’s, a young star left largely to raise herself. Now in her domesticated era, the mom of two is both fangirl and popular kid as she interviews celebrities and everyday people on her eponymous show.
3. Wendy Williams, The Wendy Williams Show (2008-2022) Williams was every woman and produced a show that America’s women could relate to. Plagued by health issues, relationship drama, and courtroom battles, her current status remains a mystery.
2. Danielle Fishel, The Dish (2008-2011) Wholesome Topanga no more, The Dish provided Fishel with an opportunity to showcase her acerbic wit while making fun of reality tv that took itself a little too seriously in the late 2000’s.
1. Joel McHale, The Soup (2004-2015) Like The Dish, The Soup was snarky and satirical and poked fun at the week’s pop culture moments. McHale’s deadpan delivery was the perfect blend of wit and sarcasm. I discovered it during my first year as an empty nester and welcomed the distraction.
Who are some of your all-time favorite talk show hosts? Drop me a line and let me know at jeanniritchie54@gmail.com.