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Why is Conversation Now So Rare?

October 25th, 2024 by dk

Have you ever wondered how Americans fell out of the habit of conversation? There are many possible explanations, but here’s one more.

In 1982, Johnny Carson thought he had identified his eventual replacement for “The Tonight Show.” David Letterman had been a popular guest host on his show and was building his reputation with a zany daytime talk show. Carson wanted to control his show’s destiny and that required controlling Letterman’s career more directly.

Carson and NBC made Letterman an irresistible offer. The network would open its late night schedule for an additional hour, putting Letterman on every weeknight immediately after “The Tonight Show.” Carson added three stipulations, each designed to prevent the two shows from becoming interchangeable.

“Late Night with David Letterman” would not begin with a stand-up monologue. The house band would not have a horn section. And Letterman would not be allowed to have a wingman similar to Ed McMahon. 

None of these conditions bothered Letterman or his staff. Paul Shaffer was already working with Letterman, effectively combining the roles of McMahon and band leader Doc Severinsen. Shaffer’s band had no horns, and Letterman preferred to do his comedy bits from his desk.

Without a sidekick like McMahon, the set did not require a couch beside the featured guest’s chair. Once that counterweight was removed, something else happened. Guests stopped sticking around after they had their turn as the featured guest.

Letterman’s format morphed into a series of interviews with featured guests. Gone was the cocktail-party style of conversation with others seated on the far side of the guest. Everyone agreed this format change quickened the show’s pace. “The Tonight Show” followed the next year and McMahon’s role was reduced to a glorified announcer and occasional straight man for Carson.

Americans preferred to see their TV heroes up close during their interviews, uncluttered by other stars who had already promoted their latest project and were now just hanging around. 

Soon enough, hanging around — and conversation itself — was too slow and unproductive for many Americans. And no wonder. The pleasure of conversation was no longer being modeled for them every night as they ended their day.

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