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The Late Shift

  • Watchlist
  • 1995
  • 1 hr 35 mins
  • Comedy, Drama
  • R
  • Watchlist

HBO movie about the behind-the-scenes network politics responsible for the changes in late-night talk-show hosts, after the retirement of Johnny Carson from NBC's "The Tonight Show." Jay Leno and David Letterman were both vying for the position, but Leno's tough manager Helen Kushnick got him the spot. In the wake of her 'stepping on the toes' of powerful network executives and 'playing hardball' tactics with guest bookings, she found herself being pushed out of her job as "Tonight Show" Executive Producer and Jay's manager. Letterman, devastated by his being passed over, brought in superagent Mike Ovitz to negotiate on his behalf, resulting in his move to CBS.

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Cast & Crew See All

John Michael Higgins
David Letterman
Daniel Roebuck
Jay Leno
Kathy Bates
Helen Kushnick

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The Late Shift
The Late Shift
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The Late Shift
2:55

Awards

  • 1997 - Golden Globe - Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television - winner
  • 1996 - Artios Award - Best Casting for TV Movie of the Week - nominated
  • 1997 - Actor - Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a TV Movie or Miniseries - winner
  • 1996 - Primetime Emmy - Outstanding Casting for a Miniseries or a Special - nominated

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