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The venerable show that became one of TV's sturdiest (and most profitable) institutions, and a window into American culture. Like 'Today,' 'Tonight' was the brainchild of NBC exec Sylvester 'Pat' Weaver. Originally telecast live from New York, it went to tape in the late '50s (which enabled censors to snip Jack Paar's 'w.c.' joke, prompting him to walk off the show) and to L.A in 1972, so his successor, Johnny Carson---who hosted the show for 30 years---could have access to more celebrities.