X

Join or Sign In

Sign in to customize your TV listings

Continue with Facebook Continue with email

By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy.

The Story of Late Night

Carson, Leno, Letterman - legendary hosts that changed late-night television. Through good times and bad, they gained America's trust and kept the country laughing. But it wasn't all laughter all the time. From secret deals to broken promises, some of the most dramatic stories were the ones that didn't play out in front of the television cameras. The Story of Late Night is a six-part docuseries, produced by Cream Productions, that will take viewers on a journey back in time through present day of late-night television's most memorable moments. Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Chelsea Handler, Trevor Noah, Conan O'Brien, Seth Meyers, Amber Ruffin, Lorne Michaels, Desus + Mero, Whoopi Goldberg, along with countless industry insiders give first-hand, behind-the-scenes accounts of an art form that changed the face of television forever.

Loading. Please wait...

Content not available in your region? ExpressVPN can help you stay connected wherever you are. Get 4 extra months FREE with TV Guide's exclusive offer.

Cast & Crew See All

Billy Crystal
Self
Conan O'Brien
Self
Jimmy Fallon
Self

Season 1 Episode Guide See All

Episode 1

Inventing Late Night

Sun, May 2, 2021

Steve Allen's zany spontaneity turns Tonight into an unexpected hit, but it's Jack Paar and Johnny Carson that transform late night into an enduring television staple.

Where to Watch
The Story of Late Night, Season 1 Episode 1 image

You May Also Like See All

D-Day: The Unheard Tapes
Blue Planet II
Planet Earth II
The U.S. and the Holocaust

Popular Shows See all shows

American Prince: JFK Jr.

1 Season
A three-part series about John F. Kennedy Jr.'s life, legacy, and his creation of George magazine.
2025 Documentary

1968: The Year That Changed America

1 Season
A four-part series that looks back at 1968, a year marked by seismic shifts in American politics, social movements, and global relations, including cultural icons who forever changed the landscape.
2018 Documentary

The 2000s

1 Season
A TV documentary miniseries chronicling the trends, pop culture, and important events that took place from 2000 to 2009.
2018 Documentary

Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy

2 Seasons
Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy is a six-part CNN Original Series that follows Academy Award nominee Stanley Tucci as he travels across Italy to discover the secrets and delights of the country’s regional cuisines. Follow along as Tucci explores how Italian cooking offers a glimpse into the country’s rich history and culture.
71   Metascore
2021 Documentary, Action & Adventure

Chicagoland

1 Season
61   Metascore
2014 Documentary

The Movies

1 Season
A look at the history of movies and their impact on our culture.
2019 Documentary