The Late Shift is a 1996 American TV movie produced by HBO. It is directed by Betty Thomas and based on the book of the same name by The New York Times media reporter Bill Carter. Behind-the-scenes network politics embroil television executives responsible for late-night programming after the unexpected retirement announcement of Johnny Carson from The Tonight Show on NBC in 1992. Carson's frequent guest host, Jay Leno , and the host of the show that follows Carson's each night, David Letterman , both vie for the position. It is widely assumed Letterman is the hand-picked heir apparent... Carson favors, but privately NBC's executives speculate that Leno could be more popular with 11:30 p.m. audiences as well as easier for the network to deal with and control. Leno's tough manager, Helen Kushnick , secures the spot for Leno with negotiating tactics that could be construed as either shrewd or unethical. Leno is concerned that her methods might alienate Carson, but he made promises to Kushnick after his career took off and does not wish to be disloyal.
more
| Release date: | February 24, 1996 |
| Directed by: | Betty Thomas |
| Rated: |  |
| Runtime: | 95 Minutes |
| Producer: | Don Carmody |
| Editor: | Peter Teschner |
| Cinematography: | Mac Ahlberg |
| Screenplay by: | George Armitage, Bill Carter |
| Adapted from: | The Late Shift |
| Genre: | Comedy |