What comics got invited to sit on the couch their first time on Carson?

Cafe Society
1

In the past few days I’ve been hearing a lot about the coveted tradition of comics being invited to sit on the couch after a set on the Carson Show. The tradition was that if a new comic had a good set, Johnny would give them an “ok” sign. If they killed in subsequent appearances he would invite then to sit on the couch. Getting the couch was a coup that could make a career and it was allegedly quite reare for a comic to get the couch on his first appearance.

But there were exceptions, of course. When I wrack my memory I can remember two that got the couch on their first shot. One was Steven Wright (who Johnny seemed to love) and another was Ellen DeGeneres (I think she did her “phone call to God” routine and Carson said it reminded him of Newhart).

What other comics got the couch their first time on the show?

2

Drew Carey comes to mind - that one I’m certain of. I THINK Jerry Seinfeld, Garry Shandling, and David Brenner.

3

I remember that not only was Freddie Prinze invited to the couch, they talked a bit longer than is usual with a first time guest.