New CNN docu-series, “The Story of Late Night” debuts May 2nd

CNN is taking you on a journey through the history of late night.

On May 2nd, CNN is premiering The Story Of Late Night, a 6-part docu-series that spans the origins of late night television starting with the 50’s all the way up until just how much has changed -and how some things haven’t- today. Some of the things covered include Steve Allen’s Tonight Show, how Johnny Carson changed late night, David Letterman’s contribution and his subsequent battle with Jay Leno, the rise of Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert, and so much more.

The series will feature archival footage of Johnny Carson, Jay Leno and David Letterman, as well as interviews with Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Chelsea Handler, Trevor Noah, Conan O’Brien, Seth Meyers, James Corden, Amber Ruffin, Desus & Mero, Whoopi Goldberg and W. Kamau Bell, plus with those behind-the-scenes including Lorne Michaels and Jeff Zucker.

And for those who want an even deeper dive, CNN is releasing a companion podcast titled Behind The Desk: The Story of Late Night. Hosted by Bill Carter, whose books The Late Shift and The Battle For Late Night chronicles the Letterman vs. Leno and Leno vs. O’Brien late night wars, the podcast drops on April 22nd with new episodes on every Thursday.

“I’ve covered late-night TV for a long time, long enough to know it’s filled with fascinating personalities, big moments, big laughs, all kinds of conflicts, characters, craziness and compelling stories,” said Carter. “In our docuseries and our accompanying podcast, we’re going to take a deep dive into all of that–and have a lot of fun doing it.”

The Story of Late Night premieres on May 2nd at 9 PM ET.

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