RIP Johnny Carson

I can't even count the number of times that I fell asleep at the couch watching the Tonight Show as a kid. I loved it. Yeah, most kids my age played video games into the night, but I loved watching Johnny Carson - there was something very comfortable about him, very reassuring.

In fact, I liken him to Mr. Rogers - but the late night version. His easy demeanor, his calming voice, and his sincerity always made things right. Of course, I stopped watching Mr. Rogers after the age of 5, but the same feeling of home pervaded on the Tonight Show. I could always bet on feeling like my time was worth it to watch the show - Johnny always brought a smile to my face even when there was nothing during the day to smile about.

Which is what I remember most about the show. For one hour, I could escape the familial dysfunction, social pressures, school pressures, and teenage angst just to watch and be entertained. For that one hour, I didn't have an opinion, I didn't need an opinion, and I didn't want an opinion. I just laughed and smiled. And that meant a lot to me - during those years.

Even in his last show (which I stayed up to watch eagerly), his humble and subtle cool shined through - as he said goodnight one last time to me, his show, and an era. I'll miss him.