Early TV Talk Shows
Instructions: From late-night laughs to daytime chat, early talk shows shaped television as we know it. Test your knowledge!
- 1.
Who was the first host of 'The Tonight Show' when it debuted in 1954?
AJack PaarBSteve AllenCJerry LesterDJohnny Carson - 2.
Who hosted 'The Tonight Show' from 1957 to 1962, known for his emotional on-air moments?
ASteve AllenBDick CavettCJohnny CarsonDJack Paar - 3.
What year did Johnny Carson take over as host of 'The Tonight Show'?
A1960B1966C1964D1962 - 4.
Who was Johnny Carson's longtime sidekick and announcer on 'The Tonight Show'?
AEd McMahonBDoc SeverinsenCTommy NewsomDDon Pardo - 5.
What was Ed McMahon's famous introduction of Johnny Carson each night?
A'Live from New York, it's Johnny!'B'Ladies and gentlemen, Johnny Carson!'C'Heeeere's Johnny!'D'And now, Johnny Carson!' - 6.
Which daytime talk show host was famous for the segment 'Kids Say the Darndest Things'?
AMerv GriffinBArt LinkletterCPhil DonahueDMike Douglas - 7.
Which talk show host started his career in the 1960s and later created both 'Jeopardy!' and 'Wheel of Fortune'?
ADick ClarkBMike DouglasCMerv GriffinDDavid Susskind - 8.
Which Philadelphia-based daytime talk show ran from 1961 to 1982 and featured a different celebrity co-host each week?
AThe Merv Griffin ShowBThe Joe Franklin ShowCThe Mike Douglas ShowDThe David Frost Show - 9.
Who led 'The Tonight Show' band and was known for his flamboyant wardrobe?
APaul ShafferBDoc SeverinsenCSkitch HendersonDRegis Philbin - 10.
Which late-night host was known for his intellectual interviews and competed with Carson in the late 1960s?
ADavid FrostBDick CavettCJoey BishopDMerv Griffin - 11.
What was the name of Art Linkletter's popular daytime show that ran from 1952 to 1969?
AArt Linkletter's House PartyBThe Art Linkletter ShowCPeople Are FunnyDArt Linkletter's Party - 12.
Which early morning show debuted on NBC in 1952 and is still running today?
AThe Early ShowBGood Morning AmericaCCBS This MorningDThe Today Show - 13.
Who was the original host of 'The Today Show'?
AHugh DownsBJohn ChancellorCFrank BlairDDave Garroway - 14.
What animal became an unexpected star on 'The Today Show' in the 1950s?
AA chimpanzee named J. Fred MuggsBA parrot named PollyCA cat named MorrisDA dog named Lassie - 15.
Jack Paar famously walked off 'The Tonight Show' in 1960 over a dispute about what?
AA censored jokeBA guest cancellationCHis salaryDA scheduling conflict