The BEST episodes of The Story of Late Night

Every episode of The Story of Late Night ever, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of The Story of Late Night!

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 grown into a thriving entertainment phenomenon and vitally important cultural institution.

Last Updated: 10/18/2024Network: CNNStatus: Ended
Late Night Makes The News
star
8.05
19 votes

#1 - Late Night Makes The News

Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 5/30/2021

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.

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Eyes on the Throne
star
7.81
21 votes

#2 - Eyes on the Throne

Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 5/16/2021

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.

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Reinventing Late Night
star
7.56
18 votes

#3 - Reinventing Late Night

Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired 6/6/2021

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.

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Inventing Late Night
star
7.45
22 votes

#4 - Inventing Late Night

Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 5/2/2021

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.

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Carson: King of Late Night
star
7.43
21 votes

#5 - Carson: King of Late Night

Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 5/9/2021

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

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Letterman vs. Leno
star
7.39
18 votes

#6 - Letterman vs. Leno

Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 5/23/2021

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

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