The networks tried to shoehorn Rickles into situation comedies, all of which failed (Johnny’s bitter retort while they were shooting proved true, though his “un-PC” comment to Rickles’ black co-star, Harrison Page, didn’t end up so, since he remains an active character actor today after 4 decades in the business). The show Johnny interrupted was “C.P.O. Sharkey”, which was around 1976-78 (lasted a season and a half). I saw the reruns back on the old “Ha !” channel that preceded Comedy Central. The show would be completely forgotten today were it not for the cigarette box incident.
The man sitting next to Carson on the sidekick spot was Doc Severinsen, the Tonight Show’s band leader. Severinsen would fill in as sidekick when Ed McMahon was indisposed.
I don’t watch Leno or Conan hardly at all (did many years ago). But I think the sidekick position is a good one. Conan had Andy Ritcher before he left.
Leno’s band leader Kevin Eubancks was essentially more of a sidekick than a band leader, Letterman uses the band leader with the sunglasses as well.