NBC's talk program The Tonight Show has been entertaining late-night television (see entry under 1940s—TV and Radio in volume 3) viewers since 1954. Although the hosts have changed, the show retains the same mix of topical humor, comedy skits, and light-hearted talk that made it successful and inspired numerous imitators.

The focal point of The Tonight Show has always been its host. From 1954 into 2002, only four men sat behind the "big desk" on a permanent basis. Steve Allen (1921–2000), the first host of the program, emphasized outrageous comedy stunts like those later seen on the TV shows of comedian David Letterman (1947–; see entry under 1980s—TV and Radio in volume 5). Allen departed in 1956 after just four years as host. Jack Paar (1918–), a former game-show host, replaced Allen. Paar remade Tonight around intelligent interviews with celebrities and world leaders like Richard Nixon (1913–1994) and Robert F. Kennedy (1925–1968). Paar...