Uploaded April 2014 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Late night talk shows, as we know them today, have been keeping viewers entertained through a parade of quirky jokes, comedic skits and, of course, a large variety of celebrity guests. Before NBC delivered Conan O'Brien, Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers to our television screens, The Tomorrow Show with Tom Snyder was the first late night show that followed Johnny Carson's Tonight Show on NBC in 1973. Tom Snyder was known for his big personality and hearty laugh and was frequently parodied on "Saturday Night Live" by a cigarette waving and guffawing Dan Aykroyd.
The Tomorrow Show had its own style and rhythm, keeping it distinct yet as entertaining as The Tonight Show. The smaller and quainter atmosphere did not stop host Tom Snyder from throwing difficult questions at his guests. Interviews were more personal and lengthy, allowing guests to sometimes divulge more than originally intended. The Tomorrow Show also discussed many controversial topics such as sex, abortion, pornography, and homosexuality. As the popularity of the show grew, a live studio audience was added as well as musical guests. In 1980 the show was renamed "Tomorrow Coast to Coast", with entertainment reporter Rona Barrett acting as co-host from Los Angeles and Snyder continuing to broadcast from New York. After nine years on the air, The Tomorrow Show was cancelled in 1982 and replaced by Late Night with David Letterman.
Let's take a step back in time and revisit some of the defining moments in late night television with The Tomorrow Show. This compilation contains clips from John Lennon's last televised interview as well as U2's first American television appearance. Enjoy a quick montage of soundbites from Gary Coleman, KISS, Charles Manson, Mia Farrow, Jerry Garcia, OJ Simpson, the Dalai Lama and many more.
Go to NBCUniversalArchives.com to license any portion of this video.
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Follow us on Twitter.com/NBCUArchives
Late night talk shows, as we know them today, have been keeping viewers entertained through a parade of quirky jokes, comedic skits and, of course, a large variety of celebrity guests. Before NBC delivered Conan O'Brien, Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers to our television screens, The Tomorrow Show with Tom Snyder was the first late night show that followed Johnny Carson's Tonight Show on NBC in 1973. Tom Snyder was known for his big personality and hearty laugh and was frequently parodied on "Saturday Night Live" by a cigarette waving and guffawing Dan Aykroyd.
The Tomorrow Show had its own style and rhythm, keeping it distinct yet as entertaining as The Tonight Show. The smaller and quainter atmosphere did not stop host Tom Snyder from throwing difficult questions at his guests. Interviews were more personal and lengthy, allowing guests to sometimes divulge more than originally intended. The Tomorrow Show also discussed many controversial topics such as sex, abortion, pornography, and homosexuality. As the popularity of the show grew, a live studio audience was added as well as musical guests. In 1980 the show was renamed "Tomorrow Coast to Coast", with entertainment reporter Rona Barrett acting as co-host from Los Angeles and Snyder continuing to broadcast from New York. After nine years on the air, The Tomorrow Show was cancelled in 1982 and replaced by Late Night with David Letterman.
Let's take a step back in time and revisit some of the defining moments in late night television with The Tomorrow Show. This compilation contains clips from John Lennon's last televised interview as well as U2's first American television appearance. Enjoy a quick montage of soundbites from Gary Coleman, KISS, Charles Manson, Mia Farrow, Jerry Garcia, OJ Simpson, the Dalai Lama and many more.
Go to NBCUniversalArchives.com to license any portion of this video.
Like Us on Facebook.com/NBCUArchives
Follow us on Twitter.com/NBCUArchives
