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The Best Episodes of The Story of Late Night

Every episode of The Story of Late Night ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of The Story of Late Night!

Binge this in 3h 48m•Peaking at 8.4/10

A six-part docuseries that takes viewers on a journey through late-night television’s most memorable moments. Spanning a more than 60-year history of engaging with, adapting to and influencing our rapidly changing society, late-night television has

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    The Story of Late Night Season 1 Episode 3 - Eyes on the Throne
    8.4/10(87 votes)

    #1 - Eyes on the Throne

    S1:E3

    As the 1980s dawn, David Letterman reinvents late night for a new generation and endless speculation begins on who will be Johnny Carson’s eventual successor.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. The Story of Late Night Season 1 Episode 2 - Carson: King of Late Night
    8.1/10(90 votes)

    #2 - Carson: King of Late Night

    S1:E2

    Johnny Carson deftly navigates the turbulent 1960s to elevate “The Tonight Show” and become the undisputed king of late night.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. The Story of Late Night Season 1 Episode 1 - Inventing Late Night
    8.0/10(94 votes)

    #3 - Inventing Late Night

    S1:E1

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. The Story of Late Night Season 1 Episode 4 - Letterman V. Leno
    7.9/10(83 votes)

    #4 - Letterman V. Leno

    S1:E4

    Carson’s 1992 retirement touches a nation – and touches off an epic late-night war between Jay Leno and David Letterman.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. The Story of Late Night Season 1 Episode 5 - Late Night Makes The News
    7.9/10(81 votes)

    #5 - Late Night Makes The News

    S1:E5

    As the 2000s unfold, diverse voices like Chelsea Handler and George Lopez get their seat behind the late-night desk, while Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert take the news into their own hilarious hands.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. The Story of Late Night Season 1 Episode 6 - Reinventing Late Night
    6.2/10(78 votes)

    #6 - Reinventing Late Night

    S1:E6

    Jimmy Fallon, Stephen Colbert and Trevor Noah follow in Leno, Letterman, and Stewart’s footsteps and new hosts James Corden, Seth Meyers, Amber Ruffin, and Desus + Mero confront Donald Trump – and COVID-19.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 WORST Episodes of The Story of Late Night

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Best Episodes Summary

"Eyes on the Throne" is the best rated episode of "The Story of Late Night". It scored 8.4/10 based on 87 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 5/16/2021. This episode scored 0.3 points higher than the second highest rated, "Carson: King of Late Night".