PBS Biographies & Interviews of Artists, Actors & Performers

Summer 2012 Reading List

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

American Masters

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

Johnny Carson's Legacy

American Masters

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

Outtake: Doc Severinsen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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