Johnny Carson: American Masters

Johnny Carson was seen by more people than anyone else in American history — a fixture of national life, a piece of the cultural furniture, a part of the Zeitgeist. In exploring the career, the complexities and contradictions of the biggest star television has ever produced, AMERICAN MASTERS had his estate’s first-time-ever cooperation and permission — unrestricted entree into his personal archives and, perhaps, Carson’s greatest legacy — all episodes of “The Tonight Show” from 1970-1992. Clues about his life, stories about his childhood and early days in the business can be found there — as well as in the expansive family albums and memorabilia. Original interviews with friends, colleagues, his wives and the many performers who appeared, or began, on “The Tonight Show,” offer additional texture and context — Carl Reiner, Mel Brooks, Jay Leno, David Letterman, Ellen DeGeneres, Jimmy Fallon, Jerry Seinfeld, Bill Cosby, Steve Martin, among others.