NBC Developing Miniseries on Life of Johnny Carson

Credit: NBC

NBC is digging into its own history, developing a miniseries on the life of iconic Tonight Show host and comic legend Johnny Carson.

The miniseries is based on the forthcoming biography “Carson the Magnificent: An Intimate Portrait” by Bill Zehme, which covers Carson’s legendary 30-year run as host of The Tonight Show, lasting from 1962 to 1992. In addition, the miniseries will cover the comedian's childhood in Nebraska, as well as his guarded personal life and the friendships formed throughout his illustrious, occasionally tumultuous career.

Casting for the star will be announced at a later date.

Further details via the official NBC Press Release:

Carson, who interviewed more than 22,000 guests from the show’s home in both New York City and Burbank, Calif., is revered by today’s talk show hosts as a huge inspiration in their respective careers. Comedians often cite their first appearance on the Carson-hosted “Tonight Show” as their big break into show business.

Zehme, long regarded for his colorful chronicling of the late-night TV landscape, is one of the few journalists to have had access to Carson, and wrote an extensive profile of him, “The Man Who Retired,” in the May 2002 edition of Esquire. He also served as production consultant on PBS’ 2012 “American Masters” documentary “Johnny Carson: King of Late Night.”

The project will be executive produced by Zehme and John Davies. Emmy Award-nominated for the NBC Special “A Comedy Salute to Andy Kaufman,” Davies has executive produced multiple series and specials, including the NBC summer comedy series “The Rerun Show,” the Bravo comedy interview series “Second City Presents … with Bill Zehme,” the NBC Special “A Comedy Salute to Michael Jordan” and the MTV series “Run’s House.”

No release date has been announced for the miniseries as of yet.