I hate to sound like an old-timer, but both Jay Leno and David Letterman are so untalented compared to Johnny Carson.
Carson could do standup, interviews, and lots of comedy skits,
as well.
Neither Letterman or Leno are as versatile or watchable as Johnny Carson was.
I agree; none of them hold a candle to Johnny. Carson was a lib, but unlike modern libs, he had CLASS. That’s what really sets him apart from Letterman, who comes off as being a jerk. Carson could interview a major political figure one night, and have a zoo monkey pee on him the next. He handled each one like a pro.
Believe me, you're not alone. Carson was priceless, a true professional.
Although Leno has his good moments, he could never adequately fill Johnny's shoes. As for Letterman, once upon a time, his Top Ten Lists and Stupid Pet Tricks could be amusing and downright funny at times. But he couldn't hold a candle to Carson at all.
And even though Jon Stewart isn't a part of the Network Meltdown, you can add his name to the list of excruciatingly Unfunny Comedians posing as Talk Show Hosts.
If the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences wishes to completely decimate and bury the Oscar telecast even further than six feet, Stewart's their guy. That was also one of the television entertainment chores Johnny Carson handled superbly.
Carson was a classic. Neither Letterman, nor Leno could ever reach his stature. I'm glad I basically stopped watching television so long ago (I tend to see about as much television in 18 months as most people see in about 4-8 hours...)
the infowarrior
Leno is actually a much better standup comedian than Carson, but Carson was the best variety talk show host ever. His range of knowledge extended to many areas. Plus the Art Fern sketches have never been equaled.