1 season available (5 episodes)

The Story of Late NightThe Story of Late Night

Over its hilarious 60-year history of engaging with, adapting to and influencing our rapidly changing society, late-night television has grown from a literal "shot-in-the-dark" experiment into a thriving entertainment phenomenon and a vitally important, uniquely American cultural institution. Not only does it keep the country laughing, it powerfully shapes how we see the world around us.more

Over its hilarious 60-year history of engaging with, adapting to ...More

Add Max to any Hulu plan starting at an additional $9.99/month.

Hulu free trial available for new and eligible returning Hulu subscribers only. Cancel anytime. Additional terms apply. HBO content available via Hulu. Additional content only available via Max app. Hulu with Max is only accessible in the U.S. and certain U.S. territories where a high-speed broadband connection is available. Use of Max is subject to its own terms and conditions, see max.com/terms-of-use/en-us for details. Programming and content subject to change. Max is used under license. ©2024 Warner Bros. Ent. All rights reserved. TM & © DC.

Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle
Save 42% per month with a Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle. Plans start at $16.99/mo.
Savings compared to regular monthly price of each service.
Save 42% per month with a Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle. Plans start at $16.99/mo.
Savings compared to regular monthly price of each service.
Episode 1

Inventing Late Night TV

At the dawn of the TV era in the 1950s, Steve Allen's zany spontaneity turns "Tonight" into a hilarious and unexpected hit. But in the early 1960s, it's Jack Paar's captivating, quirky personality and Johnny Carson's impeccably hip humor that transform late night from a shot in the dark into an enduring television staple.

Episode 2

Carson: King of Late Night

Johnny Carson deftly navigates the turbulent 1960s to elevate "The Tonight Show" into a cultural touchstone, enshrining himself as the undisputed king of late night. But his success begets competition with the emergence of Dick Cavett, Merv Griffin, Saturday Night Live and an Indiana weatherman by the name of David Letterman.

Episode 3

Eyes on the Throne

As the 1980s dawn, David Letterman reinvents late night comedy for a new generation, rescuing comedian Jay Leno's nearly flamed-out career in the process. But Johnny Carson's enduring comic appeal spawns endless speculation over his eventual successor. Will it be Leno, Letterman, Joan Rivers or upstart Arsenio Hall?

Episode 5

Making the Headlines

As the 2000s unfold, Jay Leno's monologue mastery captivates mainstream America. But his succession struggle with heir-apparent Conan O'Brien is no joke, making waves across the late-night landscape and bringing Jimmy Fallon's fresh voice to the front. Thanks to cable's rise, diverse voices like Chelsea Handler, Andy Cohen and George Lopez get their seat behind the late-night desk, while Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert take the news into their own hilarious hands.

Episode 6

Reinventing Late Night TV

Jimmy Fallon takes over for Jay Leno, Stephen Colbert inherits David Letterman's desk, and Trevor Noah becomes a surprise pick for Jon Stewart's replacement. Plus, new hosts James Corden, Seth Meyers and Samantha Bee join the late-night TV ranks. It's a late-night free-for-all as this hilarious American institution confronts its biggest identity crisis in a generation thanks to streaming television and a highly polarized political landscape.

About this Show

The Story of Late Night

Over its hilarious 60-year history of engaging with, adapting to and influencing our rapidly changing society, late-night television has grown from a literal "shot-in-the-dark" experiment into a thriving entertainment phenomenon and a vitally important, uniquely American cultural institution. Not only does it keep the country laughing, it powerfully shapes how we see the world around us.

You May Also Like

Class Action ParkTVMA • Documentaries • Movie (2020)
Downey's Dream CarsTVMA • Documentaries, Reality • TV Series (2023)
Gimme ShelterPG • Documentaries, Music • Movie (1970)
Seduced by SpeedTVPG • Lifestyle & Culture, Automotive • TV Series (2020)
Mysteries of the Abandoned: Hidden AmericaTVPG • Documentaries, Science & Technology • TV Series (2022)
Killers of the CosmosTVPG • Documentaries, Science & Technology • TV Series (2021)
Curse of the ChippendalesTVMA • Documentaries, Crime and Courtroom Drama • TV Series (2021)
Undercurrent: The Disappearance of Kim WallTVMA • Crime and Courtroom Drama, Documentaries • TV Series (2022)
Brink of DisasterTVPG • Documentaries • TV Series (2022)
McMillion$TV14 • Documentaries • TV Series (2019)
Tales From the Explorers ClubTVPG • Documentaries • TV Series (2022)
Seeing America with Megan RapinoeTVMA • Documentaries • Movie (2020)
Carville: Winning Is Everything, StupidTVMA • Documentaries • Movie (2024)
Love Has Won: The Cult of Mother GodTVMA • Documentaries, Crime and Courtroom Drama • TV Series (2023)
The Way Down: God, Greed, and the Cult of Gwen ShamblinTVMA • Documentaries, Crime and Courtroom Drama • TV Series (2021)

Select Your Plan

No hidden fees, equipment rentals, or installation appointments.
Switch plans or cancel anytime.**
Disney Bundle Duo
BEST VALUE
Duo Basic
logo
Duo Basic
SAVE 44%*
Duo Premium
logo
Duo Premium
SAVE 42%*
Monthly price. Save up to $14.99/mo.*
$19.98/mo.$10.99/mo.*
$34.98/mo.$19.99/mo.*
Subscriptions included in each plan
Disney+ and Hulu
Disney+ and Hulu
Hulu streaming library with tons of episodes and moviesHulu streaming library with tons of episodes and movies
Hulu streaming library with tons of episodes and movies
Hulu streaming library with tons of episodes and movies
Endless entertainment with Disney+Endless entertainment with Disney+
Endless entertainment with Disney+
Endless entertainment with Disney+
Most new episodes on Hulu the day after they air†
Most new episodes on Hulu the day after they air†
Most new episodes on Hulu the day after they air†
Access to award-winning Hulu Originals
Access to award-winning Hulu Originals
Access to award-winning Hulu Originals
Watch on your favorite devices, including TV, laptop, phone, or tablet
Watch on your favorite devices, including TV, laptop, phone, or tablet
Watch on your favorite devices, including TV, laptop, phone, or tablet
No ads in Hulu streaming libraryNo ads in Hulu streaming library
No ads in Hulu streaming library
No ads on Disney+No ads on Disney+
Ads will be served in select live and linear content
Download and watch on HuluDownload and watch on Hulu
Download and watch on Hulu
Download and watch on Disney+Download and watch on Disney+
Download and watch on Disney+
*Savings compared to regular monthly price of each service. Terms apply.
**Switches from Live TV to Hulu take effect as of the next billing cycle
†For current-season shows in the streaming library only

Available Add-ons

Add-ons available at an additional cost.
Add them up after you sign up for Hulu.
Max
Max
Max
CINEMAX®
CINEMAX®
CINEMAX®
Paramount+ with SHOWTIME
Paramount+ with SHOWTIME
Paramount+ with SHOWTIME
STARZ®
STARZ®
STARZ®
Show Add-onsSee Add-ons.