And Now, Nice-Guy Talk Hosts

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Many already know what Hall can do. His 13-week stint on the Late Show was a ratings success and ended only because Fox had previously committed itself to the Wilton North Report (yet another late-night failure). A Cleveland native, Hall started his show-biz career as a stand-up comic and became host of the TV series Solid Gold. But he claims he has wanted to do a talk show since age twelve: he calls Carson his "idol" and, like Johnny, was a child magician. When Paramount TV initially offered him his own show, Hall was reluctant, but he had a vision as a guest with Carson. "During a commercial, he and I were comparing coin tricks," he says, "and I realized that it was my mission in life to do a talk show. I really want to be the Johnny Carson of the '90s."

The question is what kind of Johnny Carson the '90s will want. Hall, 29, attracts a relatively young audience and says he will have a "melting pot" of guests: "You'll see ((rap singer)) L.L. Cool J and ((country star)) Reba McEntire meeting each other." Sajak, who appeals to an older crowd, will have Barry Goldwater and Vanna White on one upcoming program, and hopes his show's 90-minute length will allow time for more than the usual plug-happy celebrities. "I've always admired Paar's knack of finding witty, interesting conversationalists from the ranks of character actors, politicians and authors," he says. A worthy goal -- maybe too worthy for the glitzy, competitive late-night arena.

Both programs are starting with healthy numbers. Sajak is being picked up by 90% of CBS affiliates, more than carry the network's current offerings. Hall's show also will reach 90% of the country with its lineup of independent stations. But producers and network executives are busily trying to lower expectations. "It's foolish to think you can knock off an institution like Carson just because you arrive on the scene," says CBS vice president Michael Brockman. Asserts Lucie Salhany, president of Paramount's domestic television division: "We're not out to get anybody. There's room for us all." Can this be the beginning of a kinder, gentler late night? Stay tuned.