Talk Show Titans: Griffin & Carson's Rivalry to Friendship

Merv Griffin and Johnny Carson were fierce competitors in the early days of television talk shows, with their rivalry starting in 1962. Both hosts worked for NBC and even shared the same studio, intensifying their competition for exclusive guest bookings. Griffin, having prior acting experience in Hollywood, often had an advantage in securing major stars like Judy Garland and John Wayne, whereas Carson was initially known more as a game show host.

This competition led to notable disputes, including a union issue over George Carlin's contract and a producer bleeping out Griffin's name on Carson's show, which deeply upset Griffin. The rivalry escalated when Griffin moved from NBC to CBS, but it began to simmer down by the late 1970s and 1980s as both men aged and their need to compete diminished.

A genuine friendship eventually blossomed between the two, leading to Carson inviting Griffin onto his show multiple times. A particularly significant appearance was on September 5, 1986, the same night Griffin's show concluded its run, marking his first 'Tonight Show' appearance since 1962. This evolved relationship also saw Griffin hire Dick Carson, Johnny's brother and former 'Tonight Show' director, to direct 'The Merv Griffin Show' from 1970 until its end in 1986.