The Late Shift: Letterman, Leno, & the Network Battle for the Night

When Johnny Carson announced his retirement after thirty years as host of The Tonight Show, the television industry erupted into competition. Two comedians with different styles—Jay Leno and David Letterman—both sought to succeed him. The two had once shared a friendship while working comedy clubs together, but now found themselves in a fierce competition for the role. For NBC, the decision carried millions of dollars in stakes. Based on in-depth reporting and interviews with those involved, The Late Shift documents the behind-the-scenes battle that followed as stars, agents, and executives maneuvered for control of television's most profitable program. The book includes a new introduction by the author, who is a producer of the CNN series The Story of Late Night.