Best Late night show host - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

pan6467 · 03-18-2005, 12:15 AM

Another thread has me curious as to who people think is the funniest of the late night hosts:

Personally, there will never be another Johnny, and Dave was great for a long time, today I love Conan..... but Johnny will always be the king........

There are several, Jack Paar, Steve Allen, Dick Cavett, Chevy Chase, Joan Rivers etc.... that I did not include because I don't think they would recieve votes, be remembered, or just didn't have room.

Craig Ferguson, is still new at the job and may supplant someone on that list someday but for now those I believe are the big 10.

Suave · 03-18-2005, 12:22 AM

For me, Conan. Jon Stewart is at least equal to Conan, but he's in a completely different category than most of the late night talkshow hosts and their shows, and I notice he's not on this list.

pan6467 · 03-18-2005, 12:26 AM

Well, John Stewart really isn't what I would call "Late Night" because they have a different feel to them.

What John does is more an SNL type "Weekly News Update" and while he's good the best of that sort was the very sarcastic and funny Dennis Miller. He made that genre his.

n0nsensical · 03-18-2005, 12:47 AM

Conan is great. We also have the same birthday (April 18). I can't wait until he replaces Leno; I just hope NBC doesn't try to mass-marketize his material.

macmanmike6100 · 03-18-2005, 12:48 AM

My problem with Conan is that I think he's overrated. People who I think are getting more credit than they deserve lose points in my mind.

K-Wise · 03-18-2005, 02:46 AM

I'm too young to know Johnny Carson really so of course I'd pick Conan with Arsenio coming in a VERY close second.

Asta!!

God of Thunder · 03-18-2005, 04:06 AM

Johhny Carson.

There will never be another. All those who came after are just imitators.

warrrreagl · 03-18-2005, 05:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by K-Wise

I'm too young to know Johnny Carson really so of course I'd pick Conan with Arsenio coming in a VERY close second.

Precisely the problem with this poll; asking a decidedly young crowd to compare Johnny Carson to a slate of pretenders.

Bacchanal · 03-18-2005, 05:59 AM

I'm only 26, but I remember a bit about Carson (which is why he got my vote). Those Time-Life DVDs aren't all so bad!

If I had to pick one now, it'd either be Dave or Conan.

hambone · 03-18-2005, 07:40 AM

Conan. I love the Bush impression

Bill O'Rights · 03-18-2005, 07:57 AM

I don't believe that Conan is actualy pulling ahead of Carson.

thatoneguy · 03-18-2005, 08:50 AM

Although I'm sure Carson was much better, since he was the original, I'm only 22, so I never actually saw Carson. My vote went to Conan, I think he's the best one out there right now, I used to like Letterman more, but I feel like Conan's a bit better as it stands.

Suave · 03-18-2005, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill O'Rights

I don't believe that Conan is actualy pulling ahead of Carson.

Not enough of you old fogeys in here.

I honestly don't think he should be included in this poll either, since it's taking one dude from over a decade ago and comparing him to a bunch of newer hosts.

Dingo2879 · 03-18-2005, 12:04 PM

I'm surprised that Letterman is not getting much love.. He is the closest thing to the next Johnny Carson.. I have been watching him since the 80's, and his comic genius and understanding how to keep us entertained amazing. I do love Conan, but I see it more like first there was Carson, and from Carson came Letterman, and soon from Letterman comes Conan.

Grancey · 03-18-2005, 12:20 PM

I love Johnny and Dave. There is no better. And since I wish to see Conan sunk in this pole I will vote for Johnny.

sgn43 · 03-18-2005, 01:36 PM

I definitely have to give Johnny Carson his credit, as he will always be known as the king of late night. But, it's obvious this is a generational thing and a lot of people are operating off of the "out of sight out of mind" mentality so for us youngsters (I'm 21), it's hard to vote for Johnny when his reign of late night ended when most of us were too young too be allowed to even stay up to see his monologue.

However, I do remember watching some of last shows when I was in about 3rd grade. I was too young to understand every joke, but I still found it funny. I've also seen lots of archived footage of his "greatest moments" such as several of his best jokes from his monologues, many of his clips as Carnac and an assortment of his most memorable interviews--and also the time he stopped his show to go across the hallway to yell at Don Rickle.

Johnny was without doubt, the class of late night, and set a standard for hosts that will be very hard to be match, let alone raise. However, the poll asked who was the funniest late night host, and for that I'd have to give it to either Conan or Letterman (and Jon Stewart also deserves some recognition, despite being of a slightly different format). I know it may come off as a generational thing, but my humor has always been more about absurdity and just plain silliness (with intelligence too, of course...but the "weirder" the better). Carson's style of humor seemed to be much more traditional, kind of like what Leno tries to do, except without the comedy. Letterman brought a new, goofier sensibility to the comedy, and Conan just took that a step further (and has even been referred to as "Baby Letterman").

Carson was and still is the standard for late night talk show hosts. Without him, the entire genre would be nothing like it is today. But, just purely for the humor and comedy in the shows, I'd give my vote to Conan or Letterman.

1slOwCD8 · 03-18-2005, 01:57 PM

Id say of todays time Conan, but of all time, probably Johnny.

Onions · 03-19-2005, 08:26 AM

In the same way that carson isn't getting a lot of votes because some haven't seen him or were too young to appreciate him, he's also getting a lot of votes from people who don't want to seem young or "uneducated" in late night history.

snowy · 03-19-2005, 11:34 AM

Conan. Hands down. He's cute, he's funny, and he knows when to be wacky.

Though I do love watching reruns of the Dick Cavett Show...this interview he does with George Harrison is PRICELESS. Oh, boy. Hilarious.

lordpoopshank · 03-19-2005, 12:07 PM

Glad to see the Conan support as well. The dude is on another level sometimes.

Suave · 03-19-2005, 12:37 PM

Calling Conan "baby Letterman" is an insult to Conan. Conan may use similar humour, but he's so much better. Letterman has no charisma.

EbolaVirus · 03-19-2005, 01:22 PM

Its nice to see that Conan is kicking ass in the poll (so far). You have to love the characters he comes up with.

View Poll Results: Who is the best of the best Late night hosts.
David Letterman	8	15.09%
Conan O'Brien	33	62.26%
Jimmy Kimmel	0	0%
Bill Maher	0	0%
Tom Snyder	0	0%
Johnny Carson	11	20.75%
Jay Leno	1	1.89%
Craig Kilborn	0	0%
Arsenio Hall	0	0%
Ted Koppel (and Nightline for those comically impaired)	0	0%
Voters: 53. You may not vote on this poll

03-18-2005, 12:15 AM	#1 (permalink)
pan6467 Lennonite Priest Location: Mansfield, Ohio USA	Best Late night show host Another thread has me curious as to who people think is the funniest of the late night hosts: Personally, there will never be another Johnny, and Dave was great for a long time, today I love Conan..... but Johnny will always be the king........ There are several, Jack Paar, Steve Allen, Dick Cavett, Chevy Chase, Joan Rivers etc.... that I did not include because I don't think they would recieve votes, be remembered, or just didn't have room. Craig Ferguson, is still new at the job and may supplant someone on that list someday but for now those I believe are the big 10. __________________ I just love people who use the excuse "I use/do this because I LOVE the feeling/joy/happiness it brings me" and expect you to be ok with that as you watch them destroy their life blindly following. My response is, "I like to put forks in an eletrical socket, just LOVE that feeling, can't ever get enough of it, so will you let me put this copper fork in that electric socket?" Last edited by pan6467; 03-18-2005 at 12:23 AM..

03-18-2005, 12:22 AM	#2 (permalink)
Suave Twitterpated Location: My own little world (also Canada)	For me, Conan. Jon Stewart is at least equal to Conan, but he's in a completely different category than most of the late night talkshow hosts and their shows, and I notice he's not on this list. __________________ "Few people are capable of expressing with equanimity opinions which differ from the prejudices of their social environment. Most people are even incapable of forming such opinions." - Albert Einstein "Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something." - Plato

03-18-2005, 12:26 AM	#3 (permalink)
pan6467 Lennonite Priest Location: Mansfield, Ohio USA	Well, John Stewart really isn't what I would call "Late Night" because they have a different feel to them. What John does is more an SNL type "Weekly News Update" and while he's good the best of that sort was the very sarcastic and funny Dennis Miller. He made that genre his. __________________ I just love people who use the excuse "I use/do this because I LOVE the feeling/joy/happiness it brings me" and expect you to be ok with that as you watch them destroy their life blindly following. My response is, "I like to put forks in an eletrical socket, just LOVE that feeling, can't ever get enough of it, so will you let me put this copper fork in that electric socket?"

03-18-2005, 12:47 AM	#4 (permalink)
n0nsensical Junkie Location: San Francisco	Conan is great. We also have the same birthday (April 18). I can't wait until he replaces Leno; I just hope NBC doesn't try to mass-marketize his material. __________________ "Prohibition will work great injury to the cause of temperance. It is a species of intemperance within itself, for it goes beyond the bounds of reason in that it attempts to control a man's appetite by legislation, and makes a crime out of things that are not crimes. A Prohibition law strikes a blow at the very principles upon which our government was founded." --Abraham Lincoln

03-18-2005, 12:48 AM	#5 (permalink)
macmanmike6100 High Honorary Junkie Location: Tri-state.	My problem with Conan is that I think he's overrated. People who I think are getting more credit than they deserve lose points in my mind.

03-18-2005, 02:46 AM	#6 (permalink)
K-Wise It's All About The Ass!! Location: In a pool of mayonnaise!!	I'm too young to know Johnny Carson really so of course I'd pick Conan with Arsenio coming in a VERY close second. Asta!! __________________ "I love music and it's my parents fault (closing statement)." - Me..quoting myself...from when I said that...On TFP..thats here...Tilted Forum Project *It ain't goodbye, it's see ya later! I'll miss you guys!* - Asta!!

03-18-2005, 04:06 AM	#7 (permalink)
God of Thunder Talk nerdy to me Location: Flint, MI	Johhny Carson. There will never be another. All those who came after are just imitators. __________________ I reject your reality, and substitute my own -- Adam Savage

03-18-2005, 05:59 AM	#9 (permalink)
Bacchanal Laid back Location: Jayhawkland	I'm only 26, but I remember a bit about Carson (which is why he got my vote). Those Time-Life DVDs aren't all so bad! If I had to pick one now, it'd either be Dave or Conan.

03-18-2005, 07:40 AM	#10 (permalink)
hambone Zeroed In Location: CA	Conan. I love the Bush impression __________________ "Like liquid white from fallen glass, Nothing to cry over"

03-18-2005, 07:57 AM	#11 (permalink)
Bill O'Rights will always be an Alyson Hanniganite Location: In the dust of the archives	I don't believe that Conan is actualy pulling ahead of Carson. __________________ "I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do because I notice it always coincides with their own desires." - Susan B. Anthony "Hedonism with rules isn't hedonism at all, it's the Republican party." - JumpinJesus It is indisputable that true beauty lies within...but a nice rack sure doesn't hurt.

03-18-2005, 08:50 AM	#12 (permalink)
thatoneguy Crazy Location: Omaha, NE	Although I'm sure Carson was much better, since he was the original, I'm only 22, so I never actually saw Carson. My vote went to Conan, I think he's the best one out there right now, I used to like Letterman more, but I feel like Conan's a bit better as it stands. __________________ "Thank you for flying Church of England, cake or death?"

03-18-2005, 12:04 PM	#14 (permalink)
Dingo2879 Crazy Location: Lisle, IL	I'm surprised that Letterman is not getting much love.. He is the closest thing to the next Johnny Carson.. I have been watching him since the 80's, and his comic genius and understanding how to keep us entertained amazing. I do love Conan, but I see it more like first there was Carson, and from Carson came Letterman, and soon from Letterman comes Conan.

03-18-2005, 12:20 PM	#15 (permalink)
Grancey Life's short, gotta hurry... Location: land of pit vipers	I love Johnny and Dave. There is no better. And since I wish to see Conan sunk in this pole I will vote for Johnny. __________________ Quiet, mild-mannered souls might just turn out to be roaring lions of two-fisted cool.

03-18-2005, 01:36 PM	#16 (permalink)
sgn43 Insane Location: Los Angeles	I definitely have to give Johnny Carson his credit, as he will always be known as the king of late night. But, it's obvious this is a generational thing and a lot of people are operating off of the "out of sight out of mind" mentality so for us youngsters (I'm 21), it's hard to vote for Johnny when his reign of late night ended when most of us were too young too be allowed to even stay up to see his monologue. However, I do remember watching some of last shows when I was in about 3rd grade. I was too young to understand every joke, but I still found it funny. I've also seen lots of archived footage of his "greatest moments" such as several of his best jokes from his monologues, many of his clips as Carnac and an assortment of his most memorable interviews--and also the time he stopped his show to go across the hallway to yell at Don Rickle. Johnny was without doubt, the class of late night, and set a standard for hosts that will be very hard to be match, let alone raise. However, the poll asked who was the funniest late night host, and for that I'd have to give it to either Conan or Letterman (and Jon Stewart also deserves some recognition, despite being of a slightly different format). I know it may come off as a generational thing, but my humor has always been more about absurdity and just plain silliness (with intelligence too, of course...but the "weirder" the better). Carson's style of humor seemed to be much more traditional, kind of like what Leno tries to do, except without the comedy. Letterman brought a new, goofier sensibility to the comedy, and Conan just took that a step further (and has even been referred to as "Baby Letterman"). Carson was and still is the standard for late night talk show hosts. Without him, the entire genre would be nothing like it is today. But, just purely for the humor and comedy in the shows, I'd give my vote to Conan or Letterman. __________________ To be great is to be misunderstood. -Emerson

03-18-2005, 01:57 PM	#17 (permalink)
1slOwCD8 Psycho Location: chicago, illinois	Id say of todays time Conan, but of all time, probably Johnny.

03-19-2005, 08:26 AM	#18 (permalink)
Onions Upright	In the same way that carson isn't getting a lot of votes because some haven't seen him or were too young to appreciate him, he's also getting a lot of votes from people who don't want to seem young or "uneducated" in late night history.

03-19-2005, 11:34 AM	#19 (permalink)
snowy Kick Ass Kunoichi Location: Oregon	Conan. Hands down. He's cute, he's funny, and he knows when to be wacky. Though I do love watching reruns of the Dick Cavett Show...this interview he does with George Harrison is PRICELESS. Oh, boy. Hilarious. __________________ If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau

03-19-2005, 12:07 PM	#20 (permalink)
lordpoopshank Tilted	Glad to see the Conan support as well. The dude is on another level sometimes.

03-19-2005, 12:37 PM	#21 (permalink)
Suave Twitterpated Location: My own little world (also Canada)	Calling Conan "baby Letterman" is an insult to Conan. Conan may use similar humour, but he's so much better. Letterman has no charisma. __________________ "Few people are capable of expressing with equanimity opinions which differ from the prejudices of their social environment. Most people are even incapable of forming such opinions." - Albert Einstein "Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something." - Plato

03-19-2005, 01:22 PM	#22 (permalink)
EbolaVirus Insane Location: Michigan	Its nice to see that Conan is kicking ass in the poll (so far). You have to love the characters he comes up with. __________________ "The difference between a nice time and a great time is an extra finger." - Dave Attell