WHEN DON RICKLES MET JOAN RIVERS, THE TONIGHT SHOW GOT WILD!
There are certain moments in classic television when you immediately know you are watching something special.
A legendary comedian sits down.
Another legendary comedian takes control of the conversation.
And suddenly, a normal talk-show interview becomes a comedy performance all by itself.
That is exactly what makes the January 16, 1984 appearance of Don Rickles on The Tonight Show such an entertaining throwback.
Joan Rivers was serving as guest host that night, with Don Rickles and Pierce Brosnan among the guests.
The episode originally aired on January 16, 1984, during Season 22 of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
Joan Rivers Takes The Tonight Show Chair
One of the most interesting parts of this episode is that Johnny Carson was not hosting.
Instead, Joan Rivers stepped into the host's chair.
Rivers had been closely associated with The Tonight Show for years, and she brought her own rapid-fire comedic personality to the program.
That made her a particularly entertaining match for Don Rickles.
Both performers were known for quick wit, fearless jokes, and the ability to keep a conversation moving.
Instead of a slow,...
