The Rise of the Comedian Host

The history of television is filled with iconic comedian-hosts who have defined and redefined the medium. From the pioneering days of Steve Allen, who essentially invented the late-night format, to the legendary reign of Johnny Carson, who turned the show into a cultural institution, the lineage is clear. These figures built their careers on their ability to make people laugh, and they used that talent to create a new form of television that blended comedy, conversation, and variety.