Second to Last Tonight Show with Johnny Carson on May 21, 1992 (Robin Williams + Bette Midler) 🎥 🎤 📺

As his retirement approached, Carson tried to avoid sentimentality but would periodically show clips of some of his favorite moments and again invite some of his favorite guests. He told his crew, "Everything comes to an end; nothing lasts forever. Thirty years is enough. It's time to get out while you're still working on top of your game, while you're still working well."
Carson hosted his penultimate show, featuring guests Robin Williams and Bette Midler, on May 21, 1992. The last of Carson's monologues was delivered on this episode and was written by Jim Mulholland, Steven Kunes, and Rift Fournier. Once underway, the atmosphere was electric and Carson was greeted with a sustained, two-minute intense standing ovation. Williams was especially uninhibited with his trademark manic energy and stream-of-consciousness lunacy. Midler was more emotional. When the conversation turned to Johnny's favorite songs, "I'll Be Seeing You" and "Here's That Rainy Day," Midler mentioned that she knew a chorus of the latter. She began singing the song, and after the first line, Carson joined in and turned it into an impromptu duet. Midler finished her appearance from center stage, where she slowly sang the pop standard "One for My Baby (and One More for the Road)." Carson became unexpectedly tearful, and a shot of the two of them was captured by a camera angle from across the set that had never before been used on the show. The audience became tearful as well and called the three performers out for a second bow after the taping was completed. This show was immediately recognized as a television classic that Midler considered one of the most emotional moments of her life and eventually won an Emmy for her role in it.
Carson had no guests on his final episode of The Tonight Show on May 22, 1992, which was instead a retrospective show taped before an invitation-only studio audience of family, friends, and crew. During the show, Carson regretted that the first 10 years of his tenure as host no longer exist saying that he would have loved to show the audience clips of Jayne Mansfield with Boris Karloff, Peter Lorre talking to Tallulah Bankhead, and even the first appearance of Bette Midler (who had appeared on Carson's penultimate episode the night before) on the show. More than fifty million people tuned in for this finale, which ended with Carson sitting on a stool alone at center stage, similar to Jack Paar's last show. He said these final words in conclusion:
And so it has come to this: I, uh... am one of the lucky people in the world; I found something I always wanted to do and I have enjoyed every single minute of it. I want to thank the gentlemen who've shared this stage with me for thirty years. Mr. Ed McMahon, Mr. Doc Severinsen, and you people-watching. I can only tell you that it has been an honor and a privilege to come into your homes all these years and entertain you. And I hope when I find something that I want to do and I think you would like and come back, that you'll be as gracious in inviting me into your home as you have been. I bid you a very heartfelt good night.
A few weeks after the final show aired, it was announced that NBC and Carson had struck a deal to develop a new series. Ultimately, however, Carson chose not to return to television. He gave only two major interviews after his retirement: one to The Washington Post in 1993, and the other to Esquire magazine in 2002. Carson hinted in his 1993 interview that he did not think he could top what he had already accomplished. He rarely appeared elsewhere after retiring, providing only a guest voice on an episode of The Simpsons, which included him performing feats of strength and featured Bette Midler as well. Carson's final television appearance was a cameo on the May 13, 1994, Late Show with David Letterman where he handed over a copy of a Top 10 List and sat in Dave's chair for a minute. He was prepared to say a few words, but the crowd's cheering was so loud and so sustained, that he humorously decided to leave without saying anything-although as he exited, he could be heard saying "Thank you, good night!"
In 2005, after Carson's death, it was revealed that he had made a habit of sending jokes to Dave Letterman via fax machine which Letterman would then sometimes incorporate into his monologues. The January 31, 2005, episode of the Late Show with David Letterman, which featured a tribute to Carson, began with a monologue by Letterman composed entirely of jokes written by Carson himself after his retirement.
In 2011, the last Carson Tonight show was ranked No. 10 on the TV Guide Network special, TV's Most Unforgettable Finales.

[@fredboat]

Watched every night back then, Carson was a class act. A different world. Thanks.

[@tonycheek1356]

The highlight in ending the day was watching Johnny Carson. He was one of a kind.

[@ME-xd4he]

I use to fall asleep to Johnny Carson as a child (70’s). I often still listen to his shows at bedtime. Reminds me of a better time. I miss him

[@danielbrosky]

The mould was broken after Johnny. Others tried to step into his shoes, but he remains the Gold Standard. Was there a dry eye in the house while Bette and Johnny sang?! And that finale. Thanks for sharing this VCR treasure!

[@betsybasile-n6d]

I have watched this 10 times in the last week. It was so great and Robin and Bette were the perfect 2 guests to have............Love you all..................Betsy Basile

[@EjwiiiMoviesNYMountains]

Here we are many years later and we're still finding Johnny Carson the best ever.

[@michaelmorrissey5880]

Two of the world's greatest entertainers R. I. P Robin, and long life and happiness Bett

[@albertpeterson5585]

...there will never be another show like this because there will never be another host like this, nor any of the talent he showcased over 30 years...treasure this.

[@michaelspeer2523]

Nobody better before or since!!

[@add3970]

Exactly

[@lillybee60rupert58]

Never will be

[@Dnn411]

Letterman was better, or just as good.

[@SeaSlug11]

No one like Carson…..Letterman great in his own right…..not the same as Carson though

[@gigianders1984]

@@Dnn411Not even close.

[@betsybasile-n6d]

I watch this every night and Johnny, you couldn't have picked 2 better entertainers than Robin and Bette. Love this whole show................Betsy Blue-Eyes

[@sharonpayne8912]

Glad I saw this. Saving it

[@bafba]

Couldn't have gotten two better artists to be on the last show. Bette singing to Johnny is such a beautiful thing to behold. I loved watching Johnny Carson and always will.

[@designsonyouinparis]

Late night entertainment has never been the same without Johnny, David and Jay! Those were the days! Thank you guys! My hat of off to you fine and very talented gentlemen! ❤❤❤❤

[@dawnmoore6893]

I remember watching The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson since Johnny was young and in black and white TV, too. Now I’m watching him on my phone! I look back and think, “ I lived through quite alot of history! Amazing! The Good Lord hasn’t cheated me! Not in the least. Thank You, Lord.

[@ivettek3190]

I miss robin and johnny. they were great. RIP

[@betsybasile-n6d]

I watch this video almost every night, that is how good it is. Johnny, you could not have picked two better people than Robin and Bette. It was fabulous. Thank you for allowing us to still see these videos and watch on TV every night at 10 PM. RIP, Johnny.........................................................Betsy Basile

[@moniqueelwell560]

Never be another Johnny ! Love YOU !

[@JohnRobie]

One of the great moments in (television) history. ❤

[@betsybasile-n6d]

What a phenominal show this was with two of the best performers at that time who still are considered this way. Johnny knew how to solve anything that happened on his show. I miss him and Robin so very much. Still love Bette as well. We just do not get things or shows like this ever. Love to all of you..................Betsy Basile

[@randallgschwind3799]

He Was Classic !!!! Mighty Carson Arts Players All the Skits All Original!!!

[@frankdevries6962]

Can't believe how fast the years slip by. TV was worth watching. You could say what was on your mind and decorum was a given.

[@benryals7475]

Carson was an absolute brilliant entertainer, with timing , see how he stopped him from pulling the hatchet. He knew that this was one of those moments you have tolet play out. The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson was my childhood soundtrack. I graduated high school 10 days after his final show.

[@SueProv]

This was one of the greatest nights of tv. Bette really knocked it out of the park. Robin always did of course. Very touching.

[@debsmonteith5072]

Nostalgia is great, but he left when the time was right. Legends never hang around. Hugs Johnny.

[@danielgaughan4243]

I never heard anyone talk against the crotch grabbing and I thought that was so stupid that Michael Jackson made that a thing. Social engineering. So when Bette Middler said it offended her and something to the affect that she got out just before that came into vogue. I got more respect for her.. I never saw Bette Midler perform but that was impressive and that original song was great. I didn’t plan on watching that whole show but glad I did. I gotta wake up in 5 1/2 hours.

[@donadeavera9608]

Robin was a great genius! God, I miss him.

[@cathyoutland8354]

Carson was the one and only best talk show host ever Robin Williams I miss him 😢 he was so darn funny. Today Hollywood has gone into the toilet

[@gtlfb]

He could have had anyone he wanted on this penultimate show. He obviously chose two he admired and loved. His affection for these two, especially Midler, just jumps out at you.

[@richardbas2948]

What a magnificent send of by Bette Middler❤

[@Brennan_Dale3169]

I think the commercials are what gives this a snapshot of 1992, over 30 years ago

[@mecongberlin]

So true! Look at all the natural light colors, full of sunshine and hope. Now it’s all artificial, cold light.

[@mrvlsmrv]

Yeah, the O.J. Simpson commercial was a jarring reminder.😮😮😮 More than Hertz ya.😮

[@carpenterbluechicken]

He was a man of his own and he sure set the stage, he so layed back and funny. I be enjoying watching his shows.. Thank you KZbin.

[@betsybasile-n6d]

Robin and Bette were both so very great in this show. you don't see shows like this anymore. Watch it almost every night. Love...................Betsy Blue-Eyes

[@yourfuneraldirector6432]

I loved seeing Bette in person. What an honor.

[@barbarabranton2735]

I wonder what the pair "Robin & Johnny" would say about today's political scene. What great material, and what a fantastic show that would be!!!

[@betsybasile-n6d]

This show is the best ever. Couldn't have picked 2 better people for the last show Johnny would have guests. Robin and Bette were at there very best and I can still get the reruns of Johnny' shows on Antenna TV and there has never been that kind of comedy ever since. Love this one..............Betsy Basile

[@paulwebb6574]

The best comedian ever!!!

[@joannharrington2279]

Miss his wit and humor on late night. Hasn't been the same.

[@mrvlsmrv]

This was the best JC Tonight Show. Thanks for the upload.

[@betsybasile-n6d]

Bette.....I watched an old performance of yours today on TCM and it was the most fantastic show I ever saw. Not only did you do racy jokes and you must have changed outfits at least 6 or 7 times and the athletic things you did in this performance which was 1.5 hours were spectacular. No wonder they call you, the Divine Miss M. You sang The Rose which is one of my favorites. You are just the BEST!..................................Betsy Basile

[@JoanneJaworski]

HOW did she get through that song? I'm over here tearing, and I didn't/don't know either of them. What a beautiful sendoff that was for Johnny! ❤

[@add3970]

Johnny loved Bette one of his favs

[@donadeavera9608]

Back before she went Hollywood and lost her damned mind.

[@SilentKnight43]

I still have the VHS copy of Johnny's very last show - recorded it the night it aired. Jebeezus...where'd those 32 years go?!

[@donadeavera9608]

If you find them, let me know.😢

[@Brennan_Dale3169]

It seems like a lifetime ago

[@SilentKnight43]

@@Brennan_Dale3169 Indeed.

[@kennycab3374]

We all miss you Johnny, even the ones that have yet to know who you were. Williams and Midler as well.

[@laurawilliams5363]

I miss them both. Robin Williams is funniest man.

[@randallgschwind3799]

Absolutely Positively

[@elainethomas9532]

Bette and Johnny were great together!! We always watched his monolog every week night intending to go to bed, but Johnny hosts the best of the best guests. I miss the 60s #RFKJr2024

[@mrvlsmrv]

Miss M was truly divine.

[@faithandfitnesschannel]

“Robin’s genius and Carson’s constant laughs are priceless, beautiFULL and their both so very missed.” Thank GOD for KZbin. FYi: Both were cremated.

[@vincentdefeo5917]

R.i.p.johnny we miss you❤

[@1SeanBond]

The best! ❤

[@Flippie123]

He was the king

[@betsybasile-n6d]

Johnny. Robin and Bette.......................Certainly a most wonderful show this one is here. I can still get the reruns on my TV and I DVR his shows every night and watch them the next day. Love them.....................Betsy Basile Robin and Bette were both fabulous and I miss Robin so much.

[@tolerance2024]

Them singing together and sweet 😘....

[@JulianChild]

Our parents know where they were and what they were doing when Kennedy was shot and my generation has a number of life markers in our memories' filing cabinets, as well. But another such event for me, personally ... I know where was and what I was doing on Friday, May, 22 1992; the night Johnny Carson retired as talk show host of "The Late Show." It was a bad weather night at D/FW Airport and I was supposed to have gone home hours earlier but on my way to the time clock I heard upper management complaining because Milton Berle was in the Admiral's Lounge which, in spite of flight delays, was going to close on time. Someone had to sit with Uncle Miltie until his flight was ready to board so he wouldn't have to mix with the public and be recognized. I proceeded to grab my time card, punch out, turn to these supervisors and say, "I'll sit with Mr. Berle and you won't even have to pay me." Honestly, I never really liked Milton Berle but he represented an era for which I had a deep fondness and, whether I liked him or not, Milton Berle was a legend. So, Milton Berle and I sat in an empty breakroom watching television and he asked me to put on The Tonight Show because, as I stated previously, it was Johnny Carson's last night of hosting the show and Berle, himself, had been on the show, literally, hundreds of times. The famous talk show started and Uncle Miltie produces a cigar from his sports coat and lights it. I did not object though there was no smoking allowed in the airport. He was known for smoking cigars. It was like it was a part of him; an extension of his arm. And, besides, Milton Berle was a legend. I got a coffee cup for him to flick his ashes in. Most of those ashes landed on the floor. So, Carson finishes his monologue and announced his final guests. There was to be one more show but it was to be a memoriam to reflect on Johnny's thirty years as host of the show but sans guests. McMahon announces appearances by Robin Williams ... and Bette Midler. Now, Berle and I talked very little but following the announcement of Midler, he informs me, "Oh, f@#*, I hate her. She's an ugly, disgusting whore," and proceeds to grumble, "B.M. Her initials are fitting," at which point I stood up and flipped away the table that was between us, yanked his old-man-head back with my right hand, whipped the lit cigar from between his crooked yellow teeth with my left hand and plunged it deep into his right eye while this "legend" writhed in pain, screaming and crying. This fantasy ended when I started breathing and blinking, again, and I continued to sit at the table, silently and professionally, with Uncle Miltie ..... and watched Bette Midler bring down the house and make Carson cry.

[@betsybasile-n6d]

That is why they call her "Miss Divine". She is really fabulous for films. singing and she is just wonderful and I love her...................Betsy Blue-Eyes

[@prairiegirlist]

Sitting here thinking that Johnny, Ed, and Robin are all gone and that makes me sad and a bit old.

[@gpg9516]

I don’t think I’ve ever seen her look quite so pretty as she did that night. Class all the way.

[@lindafitak]

People are right.There will never be another Robin Williams. I like the parody he does of gay people at 25:24. Nobody does it better. In fact he does it so good that I haven’t seen anyone do it today.

[@louiscerulli5676]

I have seen the video of this 2nd from final show but not with the commercials, love it!!

[@Pablo-v2u6b]

My favorite was Johnny Carson and Don Rickles

[@barbwhitmer]

Encore!

[@jetsgardner5490]

You heartlessly edited out the entire opening montage of him coming out of the curtains for 30 years and part of the monologue. Any fan (including me) would be furious. THUMBS DOWN

[@SM16]

♥♥♥

[@mecongberlin]

Say what you want, but having a smaller circle of celebrities ensure higher quality of performance.

[@BrandiHilton-pq2km]

I have the full episode of his last guests. They were a scream!. 😂

[@TraceTaylor]

Super 🎉starts 5:07 minutes in 🎭❣️

[@jenaejenae-l3o]

I love Miss Otis Regrets 😂

[@cjrrun]

Robin only made 9 appearances with Johnny. And all were memorable

[@CrystleShadows]

His joke about Minnie Pearl & her 👒🏷️hat w/price tag had me freaking rolling 🤣🤣🤣👒🏷️🤣🤣🤣not as funny as Ed Ames with the hatchet though lmao 🪓😮

[@pennylee777]

😊

[@MarinaRozenbaum]

Also!? 1992 was the year I started learning English from Lavern and Shirley shows !!!

[@shell2136]

He is missed on tv for entertainment!

[@MarinaRozenbaum]

Betty midler quickly became the best actress on this show!??

[@zachUK]

Oh my God, Robin is soooooo coked up. F'ing brilliant but even Carson can't keep up with him.

[@lindafitak]

The real highlight was the O.J. Simpson Hertz commercial.

[@MarinaRozenbaum]

I never watched Jhon Carson shows before?? Because I was out of the country???

[@joe-vz6hx]

Is it me or does Ed Ames look like Jimmy Fallon's dad?

[@nickstevens6574]

Never again. He was the best. None of these hosts now deserve to polish his shoes. They are that bad

[@emitaylor6041]

Bette started a little fast, but what a finish

[@debbiehamilton9771]

OJ doing a Hertz commercial. Yuck

[@MarinaRozenbaum]

Betty milder was quite something on this show!??

[@quietguy1948]

the TV commercials killed this for me ..! THUMBS DOWN!!

[@aidanmargarson8910]

The rest of the world .. american tv advertising .. sucks

[@jeffreymiddleton4063]

Colitis ad infinitum

[@CarlJohnson-kk4pr]

Baruch H-Sh-M Baruch H-Sh-M Baruch H-Sh-M Baruch H-Sh-M Baruch H-Sh-M Baruch H-Sh-M you Are Spectacularly Missed Johnny!!!!!

[@freetomato]

Can you imagine how Johnny would comment on the orange skidmark?

[@scottdahl1938]

He certainly got Biden's number when he plagiarzed a speech and got busted again. Low hanging fruit still.

[@ibeetellingya5683]

​@@scottdahl1938OMG, used a speech without attribution. The HORROR 😱 Trump committed committed murder, sexual assault, theft, perjury, fraud, treason...🥱

[@carygoldman1281]

❤HAPPY! 😅 HAPPY!

[@carygoldman1281]

​@@scottdahl1938😊😮❤

[@carygoldman1281]

​@@ibeetellingya5683🎉

[@lindasullivan2766]

All I have really seen is advertisements. Very little content that was advertised. I am done.

[@kingy002]

That jacket that Johnny was wearing at the start fitted like a horse cover. Such a poorly fitting jacket for a man of his wealth.

[@JeffMack-mg1pm]

Tv commercials ruined this presentation

[@mrvlsmrv]

Just fast forward to the show. I watched a few of them for product nostalgia.

[@John-zl1dd]

Jimmy Kimmel should of got his job hands down

[@freddyfurrah3789]

I HATE YOUR 2 GUESTS, JOHNNY.

[@Kat-gx3se]

Isn't it great that you don't have to watch?

[@richardbas2948]

Look the other way idiot!

[@Kat-gx3se]

@@Linda-vt5iq You meant Freddy I assume. That episode still brings me to tears. She was perfect......

[@Linda-vt5iq]

@@Kat-gx3se oh!! so sorry! yes....

[@Linda-vt5iq]

What IS your problem. Go away....three genius's on one show....get a life!