The HBO movie explores the inner workings of network politics that led to changes in late-night talk show hosts after Johnny Carson's retirement from NBC's "The Tonight Show." Jay Leno and David Letterman both coveted the position, but Leno's manager, Helen Kushnick, secured the spot for him through her tough tactics. However, her aggressive methods eventually led to her ousting as "Tonight Show" Executive Producer and Leno's manager. Meanwhile, Letterman, disappointed by being passed over, hired superagent Mike Ovitz, resulting in his move to CBS.
The Late Shift
In this comedy-drama, two beloved comedians, David Letterman and Jay Leno, find themselves in a heated battle to become the next host of the iconic "Tonight Show" program, vacated by the legendary Johnny Carson.