The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson is a legendary piece of American television history. However, much of its early content has been lost to time. This article delves into the archival history of the show, the reasons behind the loss of many episodes, and the efforts made to preserve what remains. For fans and historians alike, understanding the fate of these archives offers a glimpse into the challenges of television preservation.
The Early Years and Archival Practices
When Johnny
Carson took over The Tonight Show in 1962, the concept of preserving television broadcasts was not a priority for networks. At the time, NBC, like many other networks, did not foresee the long-term value of keeping these recordings. As a result, many episodes from the early years of Carson's tenure were erased or discarded to free up storage space. This practice was common in the industry, as videotape was expensive, and networks often reused tapes to save costs.
Carson himself initially supported the erasure of his shows, believing they held little value beyond their original broadcast. He famously quipped that NBC should make guitar picks out of the tapes. However, this decision would later haunt him when he realized the cultural significance of his work and the loss of countless memorable moments.
The Move to Burbank and the Loss of Episodes
In 1972, The Tonight Show moved its production from New York to Burbank, California. This transition marked a significant change in the show's history, but it also coincided with the destruction of many archived episodes. NBC, in an effort to clear storage space, discarded numerous tapes from the show's early years. This decision resulted in the loss of all but 33 complete episodes from before May 1, 1972.
Carson was reportedly furious when he learned of the destruction of these archives. The loss included his debut as host and many other significant broadcasts. Despite the setback, Carson's later shows were preserved more diligently, with many stored in a bomb-proof underground salt mine in Kansas, ensuring their survival for future generations.
Efforts to Preserve and Rediscover
Despite the loss of many episodes, efforts have been made to preserve and rediscover what remains of Carson's Tonight Show. The Library of Congress holds 30-minute audio recordings of many missing episodes in its Armed Forces Radio collection. Additionally, some episodes from the 1970s have been licensed to distributors for mail-order offers.
The Elkhorn Valley Museum in Carson's hometown of Norfolk, Nebraska, holds non-tape archives related to the show. In 2020, the museum began collaborating with the National Comedy Center to preserve these materials. These efforts highlight the ongoing interest in Carson's legacy and the importance of preserving television history for future generations.
