In May 1991, the most successful television program in history, 'The Tonight Show', lost its popular host, Johnny Carson, triggering a mad scramble to find a replacement. For more than two years it captivated every network, the American media and the public, exposing the dark inner workings of network TV as two comedians battled it out for the late night throne.

Academy Award winer Kathy Bates is the tougher than nails manager who will stop at nothing to secure her client, Jay Leno, Johnny's vacated seat. Also eyeing the chair is David Letterman, the successful host of Late Night With David Letterman. Standing in the wings waiting to snatch one of them away from NBC is CBS, who throw fuel on the fire with an offer of yet more millions, upping the ante and touching off the network battle of the century.