Carson's Cellar
A family friend intervened and recommended Johnny Carson for a staff announcer job at KNXT-TV in L.A. This opportunity was parlayed into a Sunday afternoon broadcast, budgeted at 25 dollars per show, called Carson's Cellar. Among the Cellar's avid fans was a fellow named Red Skelton, who hired the witty young man as a writer and supporting player on his CBS-TV program. While still writing for Skelton, Cason had a few other on air adventures at KNXT including the five minute 'Carson's Coffee Break'. Carson had invited Red as a guest for several weeks in a row, and Red came, but was never allowed to speak as they always ran out of time. Finally, Skelton tied Johnny up and took over. There used to be a standard practice in the TV industry, for a Non-Speaking talent, anyone who appeared but did not speak. They were paid far less than scale which was mandated for anyone appearing on TV having lines. Johnny convinced ButterNut he could get Red on the show as a regular, however by not allowing Red to say any lines. Thus he did not have to pay Red very much money and ButterNut sponsored Johnny's Show, agreeing that Red was going to appear.
- 1952-1953
- 1 season
- Moviecraft
- Comedy
A family friend intervened and recommended Johnny Carson for a staff announcer job at KNXT-TV in L.A. This opportunity was parlayed into a Sunday afternoon broadcast, budgeted at 25 dollars per show, called Carson's Cellar. Among the Cellar's avid fans was a fellow named Red Skelton, who hired the witty young man as a writer and supporting player on his CBS-TV program. While still writing for Skelton, Cason had a few other on air adventures at KNXT including the five minute 'Carson's Coffee Break'. Carson had invited Red as a guest for several weeks in a row, and Red came, but was never allowed to speak as they always ran out of time. Finally, Skelton tied Johnny up and took over. There used to be a standard practice in the TV industry, for a Non-Speaking talent, anyone who appeared but did not speak. They were paid far less than scale which was mandated for anyone appearing on TV having lines. Johnny convinced ButterNut he could get Red on the show as a regular, however by not allowing Red to say any lines. Thus he did not have to pay Red very much money and ButterNut sponsored Johnny's Show, agreeing that Red was going to appear.
Season 1 Episode Guide
21 Episodes 1952 - 1953
Episode 1
Episode #1.1
Sat, Oct 4, 1952
Johnny Carson gives his impressions of such famous programs as "Liberhotshots" and his sponsor, "Muggy Cigarettes," including his news cigarette test, "the hammer test."
Episode 2
Episode #1.2
Sat, Oct 11, 1952
Episode 3
Episode #1.3
Sat, Oct 18, 1952
Episode 4
Episode #1.4
Sun, Oct 26, 1952
"Carson's Cellar moves to Sundays at 5:30 pm, and Johnny Carson offers free charts of the freeway system and helps youngsters with their homework.
Episode 5
Episode #1.5
Sun, Nov 2, 1952
Comic Johnny Carson portrays what he says is a typical Russian TV program
Episode 6
Episode #1.6
Sun, Nov 9, 1952
Johnny Carson and guest Ransom Sherman explain our new freeway system.
Episode 7
Episode #1.7
Sun, Nov 16, 1952
Johnny Carson promises to give interviewing tips to Paul Coates on "Table at Schmiro's."
Episode 8
Episode #1.8
Sun, Nov 23, 1952
Episode 9
Episode #1.9
Sun, Nov 30, 1952
Episode 10
Episode #1.10
Sun, Dec 7, 1952
Episode 11
Episode #1.11
Sun, Dec 14, 1952
Episode 12
Episode #1.12
Sun, Dec 21, 1952
Episode 13
Episode #1.13
Sun, Dec 28, 1952
Episode 14
Episode #1.14
Sun, Jan 4, 1953
Episode 15
Episode #1.15
Sun, Jan 11, 1953
Episode 16
Episode #1.16
Sun, Jan 18, 1953
Episode 17
Episode #1.17
Fri, Jan 23, 1953
Episode 18
Episode #1.18
Fri, Jan 30, 1953
Episode 19
Episode #1.19
Fri, Feb 6, 1953
Episode 20
Episode #1.20
Fri, Feb 13, 1953
Johnny Carson gives tips on how to avoid holdups on the street, in the home, in places of businesses, and everywhere but at the income tax bureau.
Episode 21
Episode #1.21
Fri, Feb 20, 1953
This was the final original broadcast episode of the show.