Why Are You Laughing? - Late Night Wars

 For those of you who want to learn about the Late Night wars of Leno vs. Letterman, there is no better resource than Bill Carter's book "The Late Shift."

But if you don't want to commit hours and hours of reading time, the "Why Are You Laughing?" podcast is perhaps the second best source of information.

The book was turned into a made-for-tv movie also (same name), for those of you who would prefer that. But that's a distant 3rd place, as the movie is less informative and a bit cheesy.

And for those of you who want to learn about the Late Night wars of Leno vs. Conan, there is no better resource than Bill Carter's book "The War for Late Night."

But, as above, if books aren't for you, the following podcast has you covered. There has been no made-for-tv movie about this topic, to my knowledge, but can you imagine?

If you'd like to read my book review of "The War for Late Night" see here.

As a self-proclaimed expert, I have my disagreements and differences with the podcast, just as I do with the TV movie. But they're mainly minor quibbles and who cares anyway? I enjoy their fresh perspective shedding light on my own.

Late Show - Dave On Jay Leno Vs. Conan O'Brien Supercut

 A montage of Dave talking about the "Jay vs. Conan" saga:

Tonight Show - Do Not Play List

Now, it's obvious that the true gem of the list is "Here Kitty, Kitty!". Objectively speaking, that's absolutely true. But I need a Wawa hoagie.

Tonight Show - David Blaine

David Blaine appears on the Tonight Show to do...uh(?)....magic(?).... magic tricks(?) Is this magic?

All I know for sure is that my impersonation of him and my impersonation of the host of "Cheaters" are pretty much the same person.

Tonight Show - Want It, Win It, Won It

Tonight Show - Peanuts

I'm just taking it by faith that this is funny...

The Tonight Show does a mashup of Riverdale with Peanuts. Now, I've never seen Riverdale and probably never will so I can only assume this is worth sharing. It's certainly carefully made.

Tonight Show - James Franco

What has the world come to when I'm posting a James Franco interview? EVERYBODY BETRAYED ME, I FED UP WITH THIS WORLD!

James Franco talks about his new movie where he plays Tommy Wiseau.

Tonight Show - Do Not Play List

Don't play these songs. Don't do it.

Tonight Show - Re-Axe

I really don't know what to say and can barely comment.



They know that lightning can strike twice, they're so clearly begging for it to happen... I'm sure Jimmy know about the original... How does he not have a joke prepared for the situation? In fact, don't even make a joke, just repeat Carson's.



There's no reason to be throwing axes with Jennifer Lawrence and it isn't a coincidence that the boards and cowboy drawing are exactly the same. They're trying to win the lottery, it completely pays off and they didn't bother to plan for what comes next.

I'm maybe being overly critical, perhaps my mood is affecting my judgement.... The only thing I can say for sure is I just don't understand.

Tonight Show - Will It Hot Dog?

Rhett, Link and Jimmy ask the age-old question, "Will it Hot Dog?"

First Drafts of Rock: Blowin' in the Wind

This is a cute one for all the old people. Peter, Paul and Mary's first draft of "Blowin' in the Wind".

I assume it's coincidental that Kyra Sedgwick is playing Mary Travers (being Kevin Bacon's wife) but man, she is a dead ringer. I would never have guessed.

Tonight Show - Norm

Norm Macdonald on the Tonight Show.

Tonight Show - Dramatic Yelp Reviews

Tonight Show - Freestylin'

The latest edition of Freestylin' with the Roots.

Tonight Show - Good Smore-ning

Tonight Show - Interview Gone Wrong

This is kind of fun. J.J. Abrams is producing a Broadway play and brings out some of the cast to help promote it.

Tonight Show - Do Not Playlist

If you don't like an unresolved mystery and need to hear who Big Jimmy is, here you go. But proceed with extreme caution.

Tonight Show - Head Swap!!!

It's been a long time but Head Swap is back!

Tonight Show - Freestylin' with The Roots

I'll be honest, this edition felt a little weak to me. That is, until yacht rock made an appearance. There's nothing like spontaneously created smooth music.

Tonight Show - Bachelor Reenactment

For those that missed the high drama that is "The Bachelor", Tariq and Questlove reenact the pivotal scene. Be warned: this is intense.



There's something else I'd like to see. Interspersed with all the scenes in these "reality" shows is always the participants speaking directly to the camera. They could incorporate those as Shakespearean soliloquies. One stands up, gets a spotlight and delivers their lofty dialogue.