Robert Blake and Johnny Switch Places | Carson Tonight Show

I was in the audience with my wife the night of this taping in ‘76. When they went to a commercial break after Blake’s challenge to switch roles, Freddie DeCordova came over to the desk to whisper something to Johnny. Johnny then got up and switched places with Blake and started messing up his hair and loosened his tie. I don’t remember Blake or Carson even discussing what they were going to do once they were back from the break. They winged it, and it became a golden moment that was re-shown dozens of times over the years. I feel lucky that I got to see the behind the scenes set up to one of Johnny’s funniest moments.

Johnny was by far the best talk show host ever. One of his great points that everyone else lacks is that he let his guests shine instead of trying to guide then in a direction.

I saw this live when I was in high school. My dad had just gone to bed and he heard me lose it when Johnny dropped his pants. He came back and shared the craziness with me. One of my all time great memories! Carson was one of a kind...

Eat your heart out Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Trevor Nunn and the list goes on and on and on. This is why Johnny Carson is legendary!

Burt’s infectious laugh was always a pleasure to hear, him & Dom were quite the comic duo! 😂🤣👏👏👏👏

Great to also see Burt Reynolds in there. His laughter is genuine as he was picking up on Johnny's subtle jabs.

Johnny was one of the most talented men ever on TV. Loved him!!

Back when late night television was still entertaining. RIP Robert, Johnny and Burt.

You gotta love Burt's laugh.

They’re so quick witted it’s mind blowing.

My favorite memory regarding Johnny Carson is that my Dad watched him every night. The world was a better place back when both of those guys were in it. I remember at 9 years old being awakened by my Dad's laughter and walking out to the living room half asleep, climbing up on the couch and staring at the TV. My Dad smiled and let me sit there. It was the first time we watched "The Tonight Show" together and, when I got older, it was a common occurrence. Miss you Dad, tell Johnny I said "hey".

Johnny was one in a trillion. He was so good at getting people to talk, laugh, and act out. Greatest entertainer for late night ever.❤️🔥

These were the good old days of late night tv!!!!! Johnny Carson, Burt Reynolds, Robert Blake!!!! What an excellent show!!!! ❤❤❤❤.....

Carson here is at his absolute prime. No talk show host ever even approached Johnny in his prime. He could adapt to anything, anybody, even Robert Blake in an extra wacked out mood.

This episode of Johnny wouldn't have been half as funny if Burt Reynolds hadn't provided that fantastic laugh!!😁✨️♥️

The way Johnny reacts you would think everything had been rehearsed. By that I mean it is hard to believe he can come up with his comments & physical expressions so spontaneously. I loved watching his show.

So much better than the crap that passes for late night tv these days. Johnny Carson was the king. Those of us who were around to watch it live saw the best of the best. RIP, Robert Blake (Baretta, Mickey). Really good actor, he deserved better.

That’s what set Johnny apart from everyone else, he just knew what to do to make the show great. What an absolute legend he was.

Greatest laugh in the history of Hollywood - Burt Reynolds.

14:50 Actually in tears, woke the kids up, dog is looking at me with the tilted head. RIP Johnny.