The late-night host’s monologue has become a cherished tradition in comedy. Since Johnny Carson perfected the art of the monologue in the early 1960s, Americans have looked forward to ending their day with a topical – and comical – accounting of current events delivered by a familiar face. Artists including David Letterman, Jay Leno, and Stephen Colbert have evolved the form to match the accelerated pace and tenor of the modern 24/7 news cycle. 

Archive Highlights
Archive Highlight | Johnny Carson

This video features exclusive interviews with Judd Apatow, Jen Kirkman, Wayne Federman, Jimmy Kimmel, Conan O’Brien, Elayne Boosler, Pete Holmes, and Danny DeVito.