The Rivalry and Unexpected Friendship of Johnny Carson and Merv Griffin
For years, Johnny Carson and Merv Griffin were prominent figures in late-night television, often positioned as rivals vying for ratings and celebrity guests. Their competition, which began in the early 1960s, eventually evolved into a surprising friendship, demonstrating a shift in dynamics as both hosts matured.
Early Competition on NBC
The rivalry between Carson and Griffin took root in 1962 whereas both were building their talk show careers at NBC. According to Steve Randisi, author of “The Merv Griffin Show: The Inside Story,” the competition centered around securing high-profile guests. Both shows operated within the same network and even shared studio space, intensifying the pressure to attract top talent.1
Griffin initially gained experience guest-hosting “The Tonight Show” after a chance encounter with Jack Paar while hosting the game show “Play Your Hunch.” He successfully filled in for Paar after his retirement, receiving high ratings during his two-week stint.1 NBC, impressed with Griffin’s performance, offered him his own show while simultaneously hiring Carson, essentially keeping Griffin as a backup plan.1
A Battle for Guests
In the early stages, Carson lacked the established status he would later achieve, leading to a direct competition for guests. Randisi notes that Carson was “fighting for customers.”1 Griffin, with a background in Hollywood, possessed connections that facilitated booking well-known stars like Judy Garland and John Wayne, an advantage over Carson, who was primarily known as a game show host at the time.2
The rivalry escalated when Griffin moved his show to CBS, leading to specific instances of conflict. One involved a contract dispute over comedian George Carlin, who Griffin prevented from appearing on “The Tonight Show” due to contractual obligations.1 Another incident involved a “Tonight Show” producer bleeping out Griffin’s name when mentioned by comedian Mickey Shaughnessy.1
From Rivalry to Respect
By the late 1970s and 1980s, the competitive tension between Carson and Griffin began to subside. Randisi explains that both hosts, having reached a point where they had little left to prove, developed a genuine friendship.1 They no longer felt the demand to compete for guests or ratings.
This newfound camaraderie was evident when Carson invited Griffin to appear on “The Tonight Show” three times, including on the night Griffin’s show ended in September 1986 – marking Griffin’s first appearance on “The Tonight Show” since 1962.1 Carson even demonstrated his respect by refusing to use potentially unflattering material about Griffin during a segment on his show, stating, “He’s a friend of mine now. I can’t do it.”1
A Deeper Connection
The connection between Carson and Griffin extended beyond on-screen appearances. Griffin hired Carson’s brother, Dick, who had previously directed “The Tonight Show,” as the director for “The Merv Griffin Show” in 1970. Dick Carson continued in this role until Griffin’s show concluded in 1986 and later directed “Wheel of Fortune” with Griffin.1
In a particularly heartwarming moment, Carson surprised Griffin during a 1972 broadcast of “The Merv Griffin Show” by appearing with Doc Severinsen to wish him luck as the show entered syndication.1 The appearance included Dick Carson on the panel, creating a familial atmosphere.
Legacy and Impact
Johnny Carson hosted “The Tonight Show” for 30 years, from 1962 to 1992, and played a significant role in launching the careers of numerous comedians, including Jay Leno, Ellen DeGeneres, and Robin Williams.1 His decision to retire was influenced, in part, by years of parodies on “Saturday Night Live.”1
The story of Johnny Carson and Merv Griffin serves as a reminder that even fierce competition can evolve into mutual respect and friendship, particularly as individuals mature and priorities shift.