Former President Donald Trump recently made headlines with his nostalgic reference to late-night hosts during a speech in Pennsylvania. Known for his cultural frame of reference centering on the 1980s, Trump incorporated his signature style of attack and praise into his discussion of television ratings and iconic TV personalities. Trump's comparison to late-night shows led to a notable mention of Johnny Carson, a beloved figure in American television history.

During his speech, Trump reflected on Vice President Kamala Harris's appearance on "The Tonight Show" with Jimmy Fallon and shifted to praise for Fox News host Greg Gutfeld's success in ratings against other late-night hosts. Drawing from his own experience on Fallon's show, Trump lamented the decline of late-night television and expressed a desire for the return of a legendary figure like Johnny Carson, who remains a favorite among Americans even years after his time as host of "The Tonight Show."

Despite some eye-rolling reactions to Trump's reference to Carson, statistics show that Carson continues to be highly regarded by Americans, even decades after his time on the air. Surveys indicate that Carson is still more popular than current hosts like Colbert, Fallon, and Kimmel, particularly among older generations who grew up watching "The Tonight Show." The decline in viewership for late-night shows over the years serves as a backdrop to Trump's comments, highlighting the enduring legacy of figures like Johnny Carson in the realm of late-night television.