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Carson's Departure: SNL Mockery Sparked Iconic Exit

1/4/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Mark Malkoff's new book analyzes Johnny Carson's career and his disdain for Saturday Night Live (SNL).
Carson's dislike stemmed from SNL's mocking sketches, influencing his departure from The Tonight Show.
In May 1991, Carson remarked it was time to go after hearing about another parody.
His final Tonight Show aired May 22, 1992, as Comedy Central went dark.
In his farewell, Carson thanked his team and viewers for thirty years.

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Story summary

Mark Malkoff's new book analyzes Johnny Carson's career and his disdain for Saturday Night Live (SNL).
Carson's dislike stemmed from SNL's mocking sketches, influencing his departure from The Tonight Show.
In May 1991, Carson remarked it was time to go after hearing about another parody.
His final Tonight Show aired May 22, 1992, as Comedy Central went dark.
In his farewell, Carson thanked his team and viewers for thirty years.