Johann H
Night shows have their own rhythm, and some hosts have dazzled us with their charm, wit, and irresistible charisma. These personalities have changed the evening hours into a prime time for laughter, insight, and unforgettable television moments. Here, we’re counting down the 15 best night show hosts who have redefined evening television.
Johnny Carson
The late-night TV legend Johnny Carson ruled NBC’s “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” and snagged a spotlight in the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 1987. Though he initially balked at the idea of 105-minute celebrity interviews and passed on the offer, NBC’s persistence paid off, and he finally joined the show in early 1962.
Conan O’Brien
From penning jokes for “Saturday Night Live” and “The Simpsons” to cracking up audiences on late-night TV, Conan O’Brien has done it all. He took over the late-night scene with “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” had a whirlwind stint on “The Tonight Show,” and wrapped it up with a decade-long run on “Conan.”
David Letterman
With his gap-toothed grin and razor-sharp wit, David Letterman shook up the late-night world like no other. Hosting “Late Night with David Letterman” and also “The Late Show with David Letterman,” he brought a sardonic humor and quirky sense of absurdity that flipped the traditional late-night script.
Jon Stewart
Jon Stewart didn’t just host “The Daily Show”—he established it into a late-night powerhouse of political satire for 16 years. Known for his wit, sharp insights, and unapologetically cynical take on current events, Stewart masterfully mixed humor with hard truths, which made audiences laugh while making them think.
Craig Ferguson
This Scottish-American comedian, with a flair for the unpredictable, brought a fresh spin to late-night TV on “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.” His offbeat humor and cheeky charm won him a Peabody Award in 2009 for his unforgettable chat with Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
Graham Norton
Imagine a show with British wit and raucous humor—that’s what you get with “The Graham Norton Show.” Hosting this high-energy spectacle, Graham weaves together celebrity interviews, stories, and games into a thrilling mix of entertainment. His flair for crafting eyebrow-raising moments has made his show a late-night favorite.
Ed Sullivan
Ed Sullivan was an American TV host behind “The Toast of the Town,” which later became “The Ed Sullivan Show.” He was a TV pioneer who brought everything from big acts to bold new talents into your living room. Running from 1948 to 1971, Sullivan’s show set the record as the longest-running variety show in US history.
Stephen Colbert
Starting as a satirical news guru on “The Daily Show,” he later brought his hilariously clueless conservative persona to “The Colbert Report.” Now, on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” he mixes clever political satire with sharp wit, keeping late-night TV both smart and entertaining.
John Oliver
With “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver,” this British-American comedian has turned late-night TV into a playground for sharp satire. His rise began as the Senior British Correspondent on “The Daily Show,” where he earned three Primetime Emmys and won hearts with a memorable guest-host stint in 2013.
Steve Allen
Steve was a pioneer of television and radio, known for his multi-talented career as a comedian, writer, and actor. He rocketed to fame in 1954 as the co-creator and first host of “The Tonight Show.” Before becoming a TV legend, Allen made waves as a guest host for “Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts.”
Dick Cavett
Starting as a copyboy at Time magazine, Cavett soon found himself in the limelight. His engaging interviews and sharp wit made him a favorite on talk shows. Today, he continues to captivate audiences with a New York Times column, DVDs of his classic shows, and replays of his memorable interviews.
Jack Paar
In his role as host of “The Tonight Show” (1957-1962), Jack Paar made a lasting impact on the talk show world. Time magazine’s obituary famously quipped that Paar was the man who divided talk show history into two eras: “Before Paar and Below Paar.” His blend of wit and charisma left a lasting impact on late-night TV.
Merv Griffin
Merv Griffin’s “The Merv Griffin Show” broke new ground in late-night TV by seamlessly integrating humor, sharp insights, and authentic conversations. Griffin’s talent for engaging guests and his energetic approach brought a fresh perspective to talk shows. Moreover, he used an innovative style and genuine interaction with viewers and guests.
Larry King
A towering figure in broadcasting, Larry interviewed over 50,000 people on radio and TV. His illustrious career earned him two Peabody Awards, an Emmy, 10 Cable ACE Awards, and a Lifetime Achievement Award. His impact on journalism and talk shows remains unmatched.
Jimmy Kimmel
Since 2003, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” has been a staple of late-night television. He’s hosted the Primetime Emmy Awards three times and the Academy Awards four times. Recognized among one of “The World’s 100 Most Influential People” by Time in 2018, he is now the longest-serving current late-night host in the US.
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