The Late Shift

This “gripping”

New York Times

bestseller from the host of CNN podcast

Behind the Desk

tells the true story—and backstage drama—of late-night comedy (

Los Angeles Times

).

  When beloved host Johnny Carson announced his retirement after thirty 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—a producer of CNN series

The Story of Late Night

—

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

).   “Remarkably gripping . . . Takes us deep into the bizarre high-stakes world of broadcasting . . . A powerful story, and ultimately a sad one, filled with casualties as well as winners.” —

The New York Times Book Review

  “Solid reporting, based on extensive interviews with the principals, lifts

The Late Shift

into a class of its own. . . . The insights into the people involved are what make [the book] a page-turner.” —

Orange Country Register