Merv Griffin and Johnny Carson Were Once Pitted Against Each Other. Here’s How They Worked Past Their Feud

**Merv Griffin and Johnny Carson: The Evolution of a Late-Night Rivalry**

In the realm of late-night television, two names are often remembered for their significant contributions: Merv Griffin and Johnny Carson. Their early careers intersected at NBC in 1962, setting the stage for a rivalry that would grow to become more complex than many realise. Initially starting on somewhat equal ground, the dynamic between the two hosts shifted over the years; from competition to mutual respect, Griffin and Carson’s relationship was emblematic of the fiercely competitive nature of television.

Steve Randisi, a biographer of Merv Griffin, recently appeared on the nostalgic television show “Nostalgia Tonight” with host Joe Sibilia. He elucidated the origins of the rivalry between the two talk show hosts. Both Griffin and Carson launched their respective programmes on the same day, October 1, 1962, using the same NBC studio. However, the competing nature of their talks shows quickly emerged as they vied for the attention of A-list guests.

Randisi explained, “It began, believe it or not, in 1962, when they were both starting their respective talk show careers on NBC.” He highlighted the challenge posed by sharing both a studio and a network, which cultivated a competitive atmosphere as they aimed to secure the biggest names in entertainment for their shows. Griffin’s established presence in Hollywood, owing to his acting career and connections, contrasted sharply with Carson’s initial reputation as a game show host.

At that point in time, Carson was still working to establish his status. “In 1962, Johnny Carson did not have the status, the stature that he would have a few years later when he became the king of late night, and rightly so. So they were fighting over guests,” Randisi remarked, showcasing the underlying tension that characterized the early days of their respective careers.

A significant figure in this rivalry was the legendary comedian George Carlin. While under contract with Griffin, Carlin was keen on making an appearance on “The Tonight Show.” Randisi recalled, “George Carlin had a contract with Griffin and he wanted to go on The Tonight Show, and Merv said, ‘No, you can’t do that. We have a contract with you.’” The matter escalated to the involvement of unions, adding an extra layer of complexity to the rivalry that was already brewing.

An incident during a “Tonight Show” broadcast further heightened tensions. A guest, Mickey Shaughnessy, mentioned Griffin’s name, which was promptly bleeped out by Carson’s production team. According to Randisi, this action did not sit well with Griffin, who felt slighted. “We’re talk show hosts on the same network, and you bleep my name out of the show, like it’s a dirty word?” he reportedly remarked, reflecting the increasing friction between the two men.

As years progressed, the competitive landscape shifted again. Griffin’s show made the move to CBS in 1969, resulting in a rivalry that extended beyond personal competition to one between two rival networks. However, a transformation occurred in the 1970s and 1980s as both hosts began to mature in their careers. Randisi explained, “When you got into the late ’70s and ’80s, and these guys… they’re much older now, they don’t have anything to prove anymore.” The urgency of fighting over guests and viewers diminished, allowing for a burgeoning friendship to blossom amidst the twilight years of their television reigns.

The Merv Griffin Show came to a close in September 1986, marking an end to a significant era in late-night television. On the same evening, Carson made a notable gesture by inviting Griffin onto “The Tonight Show” — a moment that symbolised a shift in their relationship and showcased their evolving camaraderie. It was Griffin’s first appearance on Carson’s programme since their initial competition began in 1962.

This gesture laid the groundwork for further reconciliations. Carson welcomed Griffin back to his show twice more prior to his own retirement in 1992, demonstrating that with time, the animosity of their earlier years had subsided. The journey from rivalry to respect between Merv Griffin and Johnny Carson illustrates not only the nature of the entertainment industry but also the personal growth that can occur over decades.

Ultimately, the late-night landscape shaped by Griffin and Carson paved the way for future hosts and programmes. Their initial feud and subsequent friendship serve as enduring reminders of the human element behind the glittering façade of television, where competition can yield respect and familiarity over time.