Talk Show Host
CNNâs “The Story of Late Night” overlooked both “Broadway Open House” and the brilliantÂ
young comedian/host who was stricken by tragedy on the eve of his network televisionÂ
debut.
SYRACUSE  Although Iâve enjoyed the first three episodes of “The Story of Late Night,” I was surprised that CNN barely acknowledged Jerry Lester and NBCâs “Broadway Open House,” which was TVâs first late night comedy/variety show. NBC aired it live, five nights a week between 11pm and midnight, and while a couple different personalities took brief turns hosting the program, most of the showâs run was emceed by the veteran vaudeville comic Jerry Lester.