April 17, 1967 - December 26, 1969. THE JOEY BISHOP SHOW was one of several attempts by ABC (previously Les Crane tried and failed to attain ratings) to establish a strong late-night talk show. Bishop held the record (177) substitute hosting appearances for Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show, and had been quite successful. It was hoped Joey could lure away some of Carson's audience. Similar to Jack Paar, in 1960, Bishop surprised his audience on the night of November 26, 1969, and walked off the show while taping his opening monologue. The Joey Bishop late-night program lasted for one more month using guest hosts before it left the air. During three phone conversations I had with Bishop, in the early 2000s, he confirmed to me that almost ALL of his late-night shows had been erased by ABC.
Guest: Robert Young. On this program, Joey Bishop walks off the show.
Co-host: Regis Philbin