Late Night

Late night can mean three things:

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• the block of television programming usually airing at 11:30 PM,
• the particular genre of talk show airing during that time period,
• the T.V. shows Late Night with David Letterman (until 1993) or Late Night with Conan O'Brien (1993-present).

Popular shows of the late night genre in the U.S. include The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Show with David Letterman, and Late Night with Conan O'Brien. Famous former late night hosts include Johnny Carson of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and Steve Allen, the father of the late night show.

Related Topics:
The Tonight Show - The Late Show with David Letterman - Late Night with Conan O'Brien - Johnny Carson - The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson - Steve Allen

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These shows mostly follow the same cannonical format:

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• a stand-up comedy segment, called the monologue in which the host makes jokes on current events,
• a musicalintrelude called the walkover, wherein the host walks over to the desk where he interviews guests,
• several skits, sketches, or other comedy bits,
• interviews with one or two celebrity guests,
• a guest musical or comedy act.

Most shows have an in-house band, led by a band leader. Popular late night band leaders in the U.S. include Paul Shaffer, leader of The CBS Orchestra on The Late Show with David Letterman; Kevin Eubanks, leader of the Tonight Show Band; and Max Weinberg, leader of the Max Weinberg Seven on Late Night with Conan O'Brien. Usually the band leader is a major part of the show, and the band leader and host often exchange playful banter during the monologue and comedy segments. Paul Shaffer is well-known for this. However, Max Weinberg rarely speaks during the show, and his interactions with Conan are often short and awkward--a recurring gag on the show.

Related Topics:
In-house band - Band leader - Paul Shaffer - The CBS Orchestra - Kevin Eubanks - Tonight Show Band - Max Weinberg - Max Weinberg Seven

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Often, the show's announcer is also a major part of the show. Famous announcers include Ed McMahon from The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.

Related Topics:
Announcer - Ed McMahon - The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson

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Not all late night talk shows air late in the night; for example, The Ellen DeGeneres Show follows the format of a late night talk show, but airs in the daytime.

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Late Night: See also ►