A late-night talk show is a genre of talk show, originating in the United States. It is generally structured around humorous monologues about the day's news, guest interviews, comedy sketches and music performances. It is characterized by spontaneous conversation, and for an effect of immediacy and intimacy as if the host were speaking directly to each member of the watching audience. Late-night talk shows are also fundamentally shaped by the personality of the host.
Late-night talk shows often feature guest interviews. Barack Obama (left) is seen here being interviewed by David Letterman (right).
The cast of Tonight Starring Jack Paar in 1960
Tomorrow (host Tom Snyder at right, interviewing John Lennon) followed a low-key interview format.
A panoramic view of the studio for Conan at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, featuring its audience area, band, and desk.
A talk show is a television programming, radio programming or Podcast genre structured around the act of spontaneous conversation. A talk show is distinguished from other television programs by certain common attributes. In a talk show, one person discusses various topics put forth by a talk show host. This discussion can be in the form of an interview or a simple conversation about important social, political or religious issues and events. The personality of the host shapes the tone and style of the show. A common feature or unwritten rule of talk shows is to be based on "fresh talk", which is talk that is spontaneous or has the appearance of spontaneity.
David Letterman interviewing guest Teri Garr on Late Night with David Letterman in 1982.
Dick Cavett and Jack Paar
Tetsuko Kuroyanagi
