The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson ended its 30-year run in 1992.
Carson became host of NBC’s Tonight in October 1962, succeeding Jack Paar. The program was soon retitled The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, and his tenure became one of the defining eras in American television.
Carson’s final episode aired on May 22, 1992. He was succeeded by Jay Leno, although David Letterman had also been considered for the position and instead moved to CBS to host Late Show with David Letterman.
The 30-year figure refers to Carson’s tenure as host, not the entire history of The Tonight Show. The franchise began in 1954 with Steve Allen, and Carson’s retirement marked a major generational change in late-night television.