Letterman vs. Leno: The Network Battle for the Night

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

by Bill Carter

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2466 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	477 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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David Letterman and Jay Leno are two of the most iconic figures in late-night television history. Both men have hosted their own shows for decades, and they have both been inducted into the Television Hall of Fame.

But their paths to success were very different. Letterman started out as a stand-up comedian, while Leno was a magician. Letterman's show, Late Night with David Letterman, debuted on NBC in 1982. Leno's show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, debuted on NBC in 1992.

For years, Letterman and Leno were the undisputed kings of late-night television. But in 2010, Letterman announced that he would be retiring from Late Night in 2015. This news sent shockwaves through the industry, and it led to a bidding war between NBC and CBS for the rights to Letterman's show.

In the end, CBS won the bidding war, and Letterman's show moved to CBS in 2015. This move marked the end of an era for NBC, which had been the home of late-night television for decades.

The rivalry between Letterman and Leno has been well-documented over the years. Both men have made disparaging remarks about each other in the press, and they have even feuded over guests.

But despite their rivalry, Letterman and Leno have also had a lot of respect for each other. In a 2014 interview, Letterman said that Leno was "a great entertainer" and that he was "proud" of what Leno had accomplished.

The rivalry between Letterman and Leno is a fascinating chapter in the history of late-night television. It is a story of two men who both achieved great success, but who also had very different approaches to comedy.

Letterman's Style

Letterman's comedy is often described as "quirky" and "offbeat." He is known for his dry wit and his self-deprecating humor. Letterman's show is also known for its musical guests, who often perform live in the studio.

Leno's Style

Leno's comedy is more traditional than Letterman's. He is known for his clean jokes and his affable personality. Leno's show is also known for its celebrity guests, who often come on the show to promote their latest projects.

The Rivalry

The rivalry between Letterman and Leno began in the early 1990s, when Leno was chosen to replace Johnny Carson as the host of The Tonight Show. Letterman was reportedly upset by this decision, and he made several public comments criticizing Leno.

The rivalry between the two men escalated in 2010, when Letterman announced that he would be retiring from Late Night in 2015. This news led to a bidding war between NBC and CBS for the rights to Letterman's show. In the end, CBS won the bidding war, and Letterman's show moved to CBS in 2015.

The rivalry between Letterman and Leno has continued since then, with both men making occasional digs at each other in the press. However, it is clear that the two men have a lot of respect for each other, and they both have a deep love for late-night television.

The rivalry between Letterman and Leno is a fascinating chapter in the history of late-night television. It is a story of two men who both achieved great success, but who also had very different approaches to comedy. The rivalry between the two men has been well-documented over the years, and it is sure to continue for many years to come.

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

by Bill Carter

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2466 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	477 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE