Are the late night shows better now?

My friend Stace asks this provocative question. Now that the late night talk shows have to rely on people who can converse and aren't just there to sell something, seems like they are a lot more interesting. The pace is slower, for sure. But the discussions seem more relatable, since they have to take the time to tell a story or give us background. When the writers come back, lets hope the producers and bookers took some notes. And the hosts have to be funny, not just rely on the schtick. Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert are killing themselves every night, but its funny and on target.

PBS is running a series on Great Performances of Pioneers of Television. Last nights episode was on late night talk shows. Upcoming episodes feature variety and game shows.

Pioneers of Television
Nearly 100 stars from TV's formative years bring their stories to PBS in the revealing 4-part documentary series Pioneers of Television. Each episode melds compelling new HD interviews with irresistible archival clips to offer a fresh take on TV's founding celebrities.

Late Night
The distinct contributions and unique personalities of Steve Allen, Jack Paar and Johnny Carson headline this episode. This episode features many of the most important figures to emerge on the late-night scene. Merv Griffin gives his last interview before passing away, and Regis Philbin offers revelations about his years as a late night sidekick to Joey Bishop. Dick Cavett and Arsenio Hall provide insight into how their shows broadened the late-night audience.

It was amazing to see the different personalities of the hosts and the broad range of guests who were BIG stars AND BIG thinkers. John Lennon and Yoko Ono guest hosted a week of Dick Cavett and invited Abbie Hoffman on, while Johnny Carson's Tonight Show was the rat pack live, 5 nights a week, complete with chain smoking and booze.

It was the nations good night call and a barometer for everything from the economy to politics. It was fun and provocative and damned funny. But in the end it was about the conversation.

And the fashion. In Part 1, skip to about 2:32 for Sinatra and Don Rickles making mafia jokes that kill. Part 2 is TV history. Of course the jokes and style are so dated, but when was the last time you saw any spontaneity in the late night shows?