Behind the Desk: The Story of Late Night

CNN•www.cnn.com

More than 60 years ago, the creation of late night TV changed the face of television forever. From Johnny Carson, to David Letterman, to Arsenio Hall, the late night show format continues to endure, evolving to keep pace each new generation. In Behind the Desk: The Story of Late Night host Bill Carter takes us on a journey through late night television’s most memorable moments with first-hand, behind-the-scenes accounts from some of the most notable names in late night history. Behind the Desk: The Story of Late Night is a companion podcast to CNN’s Original Series, The Story of Late Night.

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Episodes

The Future

"Behind the Desk" examines the dramatic shift in late night television, historically dominated by white men, by showcasing the groundbreaking careers of figures like Amber Ruffin, Ziwe, and Desus & Mero. The episode delves into past challenges faced by women and people of color, from Joan Rivers' controversial exit to the underappreciated contributions of female writers and producers like Meryl Markoe. It emphasizes how technology and new platforms are dismantling old gatekeeping structures, creating unprecedented opportunities for diverse talent and redefining the very essence of late night entertainment.

May 20, 2021•52 min•Ep. 6

The Politics

This episode explores how late-night TV transitioned from escapist entertainment to a primary source of political satire and news. It chronicles the shift from Johnny Carson's

May 13, 2021•45 min•Ep. 5

The Comics

For as long as “late night” has been an institution, stand-ups, sitcom stars, and even future hosts have begun their careers as late night comics. With insights from Trevor Noah, Jimmy Kimmel, Ray Romano, Byron Allen, Carol Leifer, Jimmy Brogan, Brian Regan and Elayne Boosler, host Bill Carter explores how the genre has been a golden door for talent and how social media has created a new jumping off point that veers from tradition. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn...

May 06, 2021•47 min•Ep. 4

The Writers

Host Bill Carter pulls back the curtain for a peek inside the all-important writers’ room. In these four walls, the comedy elite put in long hours each week as they sift through hundreds of jokes, in search of the ones that will land the biggest laughs. Guests include Amber Ruffin, Jimmy Kimmel, Dick Cavett, Conan producer Robert Smigel and The Colbert Report's executive producer Alison Silverman. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ...

Apr 29, 2021•45 min•Ep. 3

The Format

The monologue, the desk, the guests, the band. The ingredients of the late night TV formula are familiar, yet fickle. Get them just right and a show can last for decades. Make one mistake and your career is over – fast. In this episode, we explore the alchemy that turns a late night TV show into ratings and social media gold. Jimmy Kimmel, Desus & Mero, David Letterman producer and co-creator of The Daily Show co-creator Madeleine Smithberg, Tonight Show regular Byron Allen and more give us ...

Apr 22, 2021•51 min•Ep. 2

The Host

Bill Carter speaks with legendary hosts Jimmy Kimmel and Dick Cavett, the genre's newest star Amber Ruffin, Conan O’Brien’s sidekick Andy Richter and many more to dissect one of TV’s hardest, most challenging jobs - the late night TV host. These individuals aren’t just the stars of the show: they’re writers, directors, and crisis managers. While they are everything from charming to difficult, inspiring to insecure, and even downright eccentric, their genius shines bright when they consistently m...

Apr 22, 2021•54 min•Ep. 1

Let's Go Behind the Desk

Mar 22, 2021•3 min

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