TV

Who was the first host of The Tonight Show?

Tenor

2024 marks 70 years since The Tonight Show first hit the airwaves, making it the world's longest-running talk show. That’s pretty impressive for a show that has essentially relied on screwball comedy and puns the entire time.

Generations of viewers have been entertained on NBC following the nightly news with the show’s format changing very little over that run. Sure, current host Jimmy Fallon — who’s been on the job for over a decade now — has brought some of his patented games and silliness, but if you were to go back and watch an episode from those early days, it honestly wouldn’t feel that different.

We all have our favorite host, but only one started it all. Who was the very first host of The Tonight Show?

Click START to play trivia.

Read next

Who played Dr. Cornelius in 1968’s Planet of the Apes?

Who played Dr. Cornelius in 1968’s Planet of the Apes?

Discover the actor behind Dr. Cornelius in the original Planet of the Apes (1968). Dive into sci-fi history and test your movie trivia knowledge!...

Cowabunga Comic Con: TMNT Co-Creator Discusses Comics’ 40-Year History

Cowabunga Comic Con: TMNT Co-Creator Discusses Comics’ 40-Year History

TMNT co-creator Kevin Eastman reflects on 40 years of Turtle Power at SDCC, sharing origin stories, behind-the-scenes tidbits, and teasing future projects....

What’s the name of the planet in The Dark Crystal?

What’s the name of the planet in The Dark Crystal?

Jim Henson had a restless mind. The Dark Crystal came out in 1982, and it has never received its fair due. What’s the name of the planet where The Dark Crystal takes place?...

In Jurassic Park, what animal’s DNA do they use to fill in the gap in dinosaur DNA?

In Jurassic Park, what animal’s DNA do they use to fill in the gap in dinosaur DNA?

Test your Jurassic Park knowledge: Which animal's DNA completed the dinosaur genome? Dive into this intriguing movie trivia and uncover the secrets behind the park's creation!...

What was Stephen King’s first novel?

What was Stephen King’s first novel?

Note: Some links may reveal today's trivia. Feel free to click them after guessing! Long before he became the literary boogeyman keeping readers up at night, Stephen King was just a kid from Portland, Maine with an overactive imagination and a penchant for the macabre. Born in 1947,...

Who was originally cast to voice Shrek before Mike Myers?

Who was originally cast to voice Shrek before Mike Myers?

Explore the journey of Shrek to a blockbuster franchise and challenges faced by DreamWorks Animation had along the way, including the shocking last-minute voice actor swap changed everything. Discover who was originally set to play the ogre before Mike Myers stepped in to the iconic role....

How many number 1 hits does Madonna have?

How many number 1 hits does Madonna have?

Discover Madonna's extraordinary impact on pop culture spanning four decades. From '80s icon to modern-day legend, test your knowledge of the Material Girl's chart-topping success. How many times has the Queen of Pop claimed the #1 spot on Billboard? Dive into our music trivia and find out!...

What’s the name of the pirate whose treasure the kids are looking for in The Goonies?

What’s the name of the pirate whose treasure the kids are looking for in The Goonies?

Dive into the world of The Goonies, '80s nostalgia, and real pirate history. Can you name the legendary buccaneer at the heart of this cult classic?...