There's... Johnny!

There's... Johnny! is a fascinating journey into the world of late-night television taken from the 2017 production pipeline of Seeso, which explores the iconic aura of Johnny Carson's "The Tonight Show". Set in the 1970s, the show manages to capture the perfect essence of that golden era of television amidst an undercurrent of satire, adding a multidimensional aspect to it.

The crux of There's... Johnny! rotates around the life of a small-town Nebraskan teenager named Andy Klavin, portrayed by Ian Nelson, who stumbles into the glamorous and competitive sphere of Hollywood. Andy is kind-hearted and innocent, armed with nothing but a huge fan love for "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson". His fascination wins over the heart of Joy, played by Jane Levy, an assistant talent coordinator of the show, and their friendship forms the backbone of the plot.

The action of the series unfolds offstage – in the writers' room, backstage, and at after-work hangouts – which provides a behind-the-scenes perspective on the paradoxical world of television. The execution is both deeply personal and full of humor and drama, painting the characters as colorful and human, neither flawless nor fully cynical.

Tony Danza takes on the role of Fred de Cordova, the gregarious executive producer of the show on whom Carson heavily relies. As a seasoned comedian himself, Danza delivers the necessary charm and wit to his character that seems worthy of the role.

There's… Johnny! cleverly interlaces actual archival footage from the original "Tonight Show", making the show visually striking while also providing an impression of veracity. These seamless transitions place the fictional characters in the same frame as Johnny Carson himself, making the "reality" of the show compelling to watch. The show then delves into the surreal experience of working on the most popular late-night show of that time and captures the essence of this historic and culturally pivotal era with stunning precision.

The show creators, Paul Reiser and David Steven Simon, alongside every member of the cast and crew, bring their affectionate memories of "The Tonight Show" and Johnny Carson to life, focusing on the artistry, charm, hard work, and intrigue that took place behind the scenes.

There's... Johnny! is presented as a seven-episode series that explores the themes of hero worship, celebrity culture, and the coming-of-age of Andy as he navigates through the cut-throat television industry, as well as his feelings for Joy. The scripts are sharp, beautifully composed, and full of the kind of wit you'd expect in a top-rated sitcom. The series also explores complex emotions, drawing us into the characters' journeys and their fight to belong in an industry that can be unforgiving and demanding.

Furthermore, the show brings to life the 1970's Los Angeles, with amazing attention to its looks, sounds, and aura. From the costumes to the set design, everything perfectly encapsulates the spirit of that time, helping to transport the audience to the era of Carson's reign.

The key strength of the series is its ability to combine nostalgia with a fresh storytelling perspective. It presents a delicate balance between reverence for the past and the urge to tell an original story inspired by that past. At times, the series is a bewitching nostalgia trip for those who grew up watching Carson on their television screens. For others, it's an attractive slice of history and a poignant narrative of a starstruck young man trying to find his place in the world.

In conclusion, There's... Johnny! is a charming, heartfelt comedy-drama that gives viewers a backstage pass to one of the era's most beloved talk shows. As the curtain rises on this compelling world and its distinctive characters, it presents a unique and intriguing viewpoint into the dawn of modern television. Through its well-crafted narrative and skillfully built characters, There's... Johnny! succeeds in paying homage to an iconic era in American broadcast history while providing an entertaining story full of humor, drama, and unexpected friendships.