Johnny Carson Never Spoke to Joan Rivers Again… Here’s Why

Joan Rivers spent seven years trying to get onto *The Tonight Show* — and when Johnny Carson finally gave her a chance, she became one of his most trusted guests and guest hosts. For years, Rivers and Carson appeared to have one of television’s great mentor relationships. But in 1986, Rivers accepted an opportunity that would change everything: her own late-night show, competing directly with Carson. What happened next ended their friendship and sent Rivers into one of the most difficult periods of her career. From Carson’s reaction to the launch of her new show to the collapse of *The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers*, this is the darker story behind one of Hollywood’s most complicated television relationships. #JoanRivers #JohnnyCarson #OldHollywood #TheTonightShow #HollywoodStories #ytshorts