January 3, 1989 - May 27, 1994
Syndicated Late-Night Talk Show - 1248 Episodes
Host:
Arsenio Hall
Bandleader:
Michael Wolff
Announcer:
Burton Richardson
Arsenio Hall had been the interim host on FOX's The Late
Show during the summer of 1987 following original host
Joan Rivers's departure. Despite building an audience, his
13-week contract was not renewed and he moved on to act
in the the theatrical 1988 movie Coming to America. By the
time FOX wanted him back, Arsenio had been signed by
Paramount Television to host his own late-night talk show.
When The Arsenio Hall Show debuted, there was much spec-
ulation about whether Arsenio could dent the ratings of
Johnny Carson's Tonight Show. While Johnny Carson retired
on May 22, 1992 after 30 years, Arsenio Hall prospered.
Although the basic format was standard talk show, The Arsenio
Hall Show quickly set itself apart from the competition. Mr.
Hall's hip monologues, contemporary attitudes, choice of
musical guests, and general party-like atmosphere drew a
sizable and loyal audience of younger viewers. Unlike his
competition, Arsenio showcased black celebrity guests and
rock, soul, and rap musicians. Even the house band had a
distinctly upbeat rock 'n' roll look, feel, and sound to it.
By the time Jay Leno replaced the retiring Johnny Carson in
1992, the ratings for Arsenio were already starting to slide,
and Arsenio's well-publicized feud with Leno over celebrity
bookings and his threat to "kick Jay's ass" in the ratings
provided more bad publicity than good. When David Letterman's
new show on CBS began airing in August 1993, many CBS
affiliates that previously aired Arsenio either canceled it or
moved it to the wee small hours of the morning. In the spring of
1994 Arsenio announced that his final original episode would
air the following May. Among his final guests were controversial
black figures including Spike Lee and Louis Farrakhan.
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Arsenio Hall
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