New Book Explores Johnny Carson’s Career and Disdain for SNL

Mark Markoff, a fan of Johnny Carson, has recently published a book that delves into the renowned talk show host’s life and professional journey. In it, he highlights Carson’s strong aversion to the popular sketch comedy series, Saturday Night Live, stating that the show’s parodies influenced his choice to depart from NBC’s The Tonight Show.

Throughout the book, references to Carson’s dislike of SNL are plentiful. For example, actor and director, David Steinberg, recalls that in the late 1970s, Carson refused to invite SNL performers onto his show due to his “hatred” for it.

By 1991, decisions made by NBC and ongoing jokes from SNL about him culminated in the end of Carson’s long tenure as the host of The Tonight Show.

Markoff recounts an incident from May 1991, where Leno was a guest and overheard Carson saying, “If you’re going to make fun of me, it’s time to go home.” This remark came after Carson learned of an upcoming skit parodying him. Just two days later, SNL featured a “Carsenio” sketch, depicting Carson as if he were channeling fellow host Arsenio Hall. Following that, Carson announced his departure from the show, with his final episode set for May 1992.

While this sketch might have been the last straw, it wasn’t the first time SNL had poked fun at Carson. In 1977, Jane Curtin humorously noted during Weekend Update that The Tonight Show would no longer be broadcast live due to California’s new euthanasia law, suggesting the program could end its run gracefully.

During the ’80s, Dana Carvey took on the role of portraying Carson, aiming to highlight a declining image of the host. Some sketches even insinuated that Carson was “old and insensible.” Near the conclusion of his run, Carson began responding to years of mockery, including jabs from Carvey regarding his past struggles with alcohol.

Interestingly, just days before his last show, Carson subtly hinted at a comedic future for the network, joking about new programming, including a “comedy version of Saturday Night Live.”

On May 22, 1992, Carson hosted what would be his final show, marked by a moment of silence from Comedy Central and reruns aired by Arsenio Hall throughout that week. Carson’s poignant closing remarks reflected his gratitude: “I found something I’ve always wanted to do and I’ve enjoyed every moment of it,” he expressed, thanking his long-time collaborators and viewers with heartfelt sincerity.