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

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

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.

devious networks

I liked it all. The constant back and forth. The egos. The deviousness of the networks

Very interesting and insightful

I enjoyed the book and the internal perspectives. It was entertaining and found myself wanting more of it each day. I was a fan of both Jay and Dave so I don’t have a dog in the hunt, which made it even more enjoyable

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.

Highly detailed

For a story with so many moving parts, this was an in-depth and very well-explained story. I was born in 1995 and vaguely knew about some of the details around Letterman-Leno. This painted an entire picture, and I’m glad I picked it out! Narration was also great.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.