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Summer 2012 Reading List

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Washington Week



Looking for some good summer reading? Check out the books Gwen and the Washington Week panelists recommend for the beach, the car, the plane or the pool. From fiction to politics, history to biography, there is something for everybody. The smartest reporters in Washington, D.C. bring you their suggestions for the summer's best reads. Continue


PBS Arts Summer Festival - Preview

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PBS Presents



The PBS Arts Summer Festival expands the scope and diversity of the arts on television, with a multi-part weekly series and new original online content that takes viewers across the country and around the world. Award-winning television, film and stage star Anna Deavere Smith ("Nurse Jackie," "The West Wing") will serve as weekly host for the Summer Festival. 6/29/2012 Continue


Johnny Carson: King of Late Night

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American Masters



Johnny Carson was seen by more people on more occasions than anyone else in American history. Over the course of 30 years, 4,531 episodes and 23,000 guests, he became a fixture of national life. Johnny Carson: King of Late Night explores his life, career, and complexities. Continue


Clip: Johnny’s Master Comedic Skill

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American Masters



Conan O’Brien and Tonight Show guests Mel Brooks, Dick Cavett and Steve Martin, comment on Carson’s brilliant interview style, his master comedic timing, and the joy of cracking Carson up. Johnny Carson: King of Late Night airs Monday, May 14, 2012 at 9 p.m. Continue


Johnny’s Toughest Critic

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American Masters



Carl Reiner, Bob Newhart and Garry Shandling discuss the strained and complicated relationship Johnny Carson had with his mother, Ruth, and how it may have affected Carson and his career. Johnny Carson: King of Late Night airs Monday, May 14, 2012 (check local listings). Continue


Sherlock's Mark Gatiss Chats with Fans

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Masterpiece



Sherlock co-creator, The Hounds of Baskerville writer, and star Mark Gatiss answered MASTERPIECE fan questions in a live chat on May 14, 2012. He discussed Baskerville, Bond, and Benedict's wearing of a sheet, and shared some season 3 teasers with true Mycroftian wit and control. Continue


Johnny Carson: King of Late Night Preview

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American Masters



Johnny Carson (10/23/1925 – 1/23/2005) was seen by more people on more occasions than anyone else in American history. Over the course of 30 years, 4,531 episodes and 23,000 guests, he became a fixture of national life. Johnny Carson: King of Late Night explores his life, career, and complexities. Premieres nationally Monday, May 14 at 9 p.m. (ET) on PBS (check local listings). Continue


Johnny and Ed

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American Masters



A look at the complicated relationship between Johnny Carson and his Tonight Show sidekick Ed McMahon. Continue


Johnny Carson's Legacy

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American Masters



Read about the evolution of the man who would host The Tonight Show for over 29 years. Continue


Outtake: Doc Severinsen

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American Masters



Doc Severinsen talks about when he made some sartorial changes after becoming the leader of The Tonight Show band and Johnny's reactions to his eccentric outfits. Continue


Outtake: Jerry Seinfeld and Garry Shandling

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American Masters



Jerry Seinfeld and Garry Shandling talk about the time they went out to dinner with Johnny and discussed the unpredictability of show business. Johnny Carson: King of Late Night premieres May 14 at 9 p.m. (check local listings). Continue


Pearl Jam Twenty

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American Masters



In honor of Pearl Jam’s 20th anniversary, award-winning director and music journalist Cameron Crowe creates a definitive portrait of the seminal band carved from over 1,200 hours of rarely and never-before-seen footage, plus 24 hours of recently shot concert and interview footage. Continue


Interview with Filmmaker Peter Jones

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American Masters



Filmmaker Peter Jones on what inspired him to create a documentary on Johnny Carson and his creative process researching and interviewing subjects for the film. Continue


Johnny's Toughest Critic

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American Masters



Carl Reiner, Bob Newhart and Garry Shandling discuss the strained and complicated relationship Johnny Carson had with his mother, Ruth, and how it may have affected Carson and his career. Continue


Johnny’s Master Comedic Skill

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American Masters



Conan O’Brien and Tonight Show guests Mel Brooks, Dick Cavett and Steve Martin, comment on Carson’s brilliant interview style, his master comedic timing, and the joy of cracking Carson up. Johnny Carson: King of Late Night premieres May 14 at 9 p.m. (check local listings). Continue


Sherlock's Steven Moffat Teases and Intrigues Fans

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Masterpiece



Sherlock co-creator, A Scandal in Belgravia writer, and BAFTA-winner Steven Moffat answered MASTERPIECE fan questions in a live chat on May 21, 2012. He divulged no secrets and teased fans mercilessly, but also shared tidbits, insights, and his generous enthusiasm about his Sherlock process and his fellow partners in crime! Continue


Real Love Stories Never Have Endings

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National Memorial Day Concert



Read the true love story of a young war widow who lost her husband in Afghanistan that was submitted to pbs.org. Learn how you can help other grieving spouses find the strength to rebuild their dreams. Continue


Johnny and Ed

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American Masters



A look at the relationship between Johnny Carson and his Tonight Show sidekick and friend, Ed McMahon. Johnny Carson: King of Late Night airs Monday, May 14, 2012 (check local listings). Continue


Outtake: Jerry Seinfeld and Garry Shandling

Image of Outtake: Jerry Seinfeld and Garry Shandling
American Masters



Jerry Seinfeld and Garry Shandling talk about the time they went out to dinner with Johnny and discussed the unpredictability of show business. Johnny Carson: King of Late Night premieres May 14 at 9 p.m. (check local listings). Continue


Outtake: Drew Carey and Ray Romano

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American Masters



Comedians Drew Carey and Ray Romano remember when they performed on The Tonight Show. Continue


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