• The Late Shift

  • Letterman, Leno, & the Network Battle for the Night
  • By: Bill Carter
  • Narrated by: Michael Butler Murray
  • Length: 13 hrs and 43 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (195 ratings)

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The Late Shift  By  cover art

The Late Shift

By: Bill Carter
Narrated by: Michael Butler Murray
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Publisher's summary

New York Times best seller: A "gripping" true story of late-night comedy and behind-the-scenes drama (Los Angeles Times).

When beloved host Johnny Carson announced his retirement after 30 years on The Tonight Show, millions of Americans mourned. But inside the television industry, the news ignited a battle between two amazing talents - Jay Leno and David Letterman - who both yearned to occupy the departing legend's chair. For NBC, it would be a decision with millions of dollars at stake.

Soon these two comedians with strikingly different styles, who had once shared a friendship as they worked the clubs together, would be engaged in a fierce competition for the prize.

Based on in-depth reporting and interviews with those involved, and updated with a new introduction by the author, The Late Shift is a "vivid, behind-the-scenes, blow-by-blow account" of the fight that ensued, as stars, agents, and executives maneuvered for control of the most profitable program in TV history (Chicago Tribune).

©1995 Bill Carter (P)2020 Tantor

What listeners say about The Late Shift

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliantly Written Story

Bill Carter’s writing and in depth level of intimacy with the books characters allows you to become completely immersed in the world of late night television.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Well-played

Of course, it’s impossible to recap this “TV scandal“ without a whole lot of things that could be considered gossip or hearsay, but this does a good job of seemingly separating fact from fiction. Was a little surprised that they didn’t delve a little bit more into the aftermath – by also discussing Conan and the other potential competitors in succession – but I realize that the main focus was on Jay and Dave, and that’s where they kept it.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

One of the best books about TV

The Late Shift is a classic book about the war between Leno and Letterman. I don’t think there’s very many books about TV, movies or music that’s better than this book. You get to see behind the curtains at a very tense time in the history of television. The late night God Johnny Carson was hanging it up, and thus began the squabble between Leno and Letterman for the show, with many other people pulling the strings and stoking this feud. There will never be another book like this. Epic!

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Great book even if you’ve seen the Doc or Movie on HBO

I have seen the documentary HBO put out last year. I have seen the movie and this is hands down better than both put together! Great read and great performance by the narrator.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Very detailed, spectacular, and riveting!

"The Late Shift" is thorough and complete. While, the movie of the same name and subject matter is splashy, engaging and quite interesting. This audiobook is that much better! This book explains the character of all the characters involved in this very public behind the scenes drama for the battle for nightly viewership in the mid-90s. This book while comprehensive on the subject, doesn't have any drag. The choice of narrator is a perfect compliment. "The Late Shift" is well worth your time!

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Choppy Ending

I know this book was updated to be more current but it seemed to end a little ubrubtlly...other than that it was a great story.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Good Listen!

Entertaining and varied insight. However I felt it got into the weeds on businessy stuff at times which Im less interested in than the personalities.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Not One sided as applied by another reviewer

I came out of this with a clear vision of two men with their pros and con, and being a fan of Letterman, I could see how he burnt a few bridges, and found himself with few allies in the NBC ranks. Even with Jay Leno ease dropping on a board meeting I felt it was time for him to take control of his destiny.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fun if you remember

If you lived through the Letterman/Leno drama of who will take over for the King of late night READ THIS BOOK!

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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One sided book

it is a one sided book favoring Letterman and at time making fun of Leno and his speech pattern and kind heart. The title makes it seem it would be more informational and well balanced but it was a waste of my time. The ending I reread multiple times as it had no conclusion, no closure and rather disappointing. It really was not an ending at all. Poorly done and very disappointing. NOT WORTH YOUR TIME!

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