The Late Shift

Letterman, Leno, & the Network Battle for the Night

By: Bill Carter

Narrated by: Michael Butler Murray

New York Times best seller: A "gripping" true story of late-night comedy and behind-the-scenes drama (Los Angeles Times).

When beloved host Johnny Carson announced his retirement after 30 years on The Tonight Show, millions of Americans mourned. But inside the television industry, the news ignited a battle between two amazing talents - Jay Leno and David Letterman - who both yearned to occupy the departing legend's chair. For NBC, it would be a decision with millions of dollars at stake.

Soon these two comedians with strikingly different styles, who had once shared a friendship as they worked the clubs together, would be engaged in a fierce competition for the prize.

Based on in-depth reporting and interviews with those involved, and updated with a new introduction by the author, The Late Shift is a "vivid, behind-the-scenes, blow-by-blow account" of the fight that ensued, as stars, agents, and executives maneuvered for control of the most profitable program in TV history (Chicago Tribune).

©1995 Bill Carter (P)2020 Tantor

Well-played

Of course, it’s impossible to recap this “TV scandal“ without a whole lot of things that could be considered gossip or hearsay, but this does a good job of seemingly separating fact from fiction. Was a little surprised that they didn’t delve a little bit more into the aftermath – by also discussing Conan and the other potential competitors in succession – but I realize that the main focus was on Jay and Dave, and that’s where they kept it.

Highly detailed

For a story with so many moving parts, this was an in-depth and very well-explained story. I was born in 1995 and vaguely knew about some of the details around Letterman-Leno. This painted an entire picture, and I’m glad I picked it out! Narration was also great.

One of the best books about TV

The Late Shift is a classic book about the war between Leno and Letterman. I don’t think there’s very many books about TV, movies or music that’s better than this book. You get to see behind the curtains at a very tense time in the history of television. The late night God Johnny Carson was hanging it up, and thus began the squabble between Leno and Letterman for the show, with many other people pulling the strings and stoking this feud. There will never be another book like this. Epic!

Great book even if you’ve seen the Doc or Movie on HBO

I have seen the documentary HBO put out last year. I have seen the movie and this is hands down better than both put together! Great read and great performance by the narrator.

Fun if you remember

If you lived through the Letterman/Leno drama of who will take over for the King of late night READ THIS BOOK!