tv movie generally do not receive a much recognition or credit a great film and it be usually for good reason but the 1996 hbo movie the late shift be easily one of the best tv movie ever . base on bill carter reveal book and the late shift be about nbc handling of late night talk show host david letterman and jay leno when it come to fill the vacant tonight show seat once hold by johnny carson . we see what happen in front of the camera author bill carter and director betty thomas and and hbo show u what happen when the camera be turn off . unfortunately we can never really know for sure what really happen when it come time for johnny carson to be replace by either letterman or leno but the late shift give u an interesting possible reality . while simply be a very well make film and the late shift also do a really good job of portray all the side fairly equally although you wonder if the film make letterman and leno out to be too nice of guy while especially leno and who seem a bit too saintly . the performance be also very good . in a very deserving golden globe win performance and kathy bates play leno extremely pushy manager helen kushnick who and accord to carter and the book or film be very problematic for the studio and leno ( the real kushnick actually suit bill carter for libel over this portrayal . ) . john michael higgins break out of his usual gig of get small quirky comedy part and give an excellent performance a david letterman give an excellent impression of letterman but also create a dimensional and relatable character . daniel roebuck give a good performance a leno but do not quite measure up to some of the other talent in the film roebuck probably do the best anyone could have do and it be just looks hammy whenever anyone try to do an impression or portrayal of leno . bob balaban ( a squirrelly warren littlefield ) and treat williams ( a magician like michael ovitz ) and and ed begley jr. ( a pompous rod perth ) also give memorable supporting performance . the late shift certainly be one of the best made for tv movie i have ever see . i suppose if one have not watch david letterman or jay leno and the late shift might not be for them but it be an interesting film for those who get into the late night politics something that have recently rear it ugly head yet again with the 2009 10 conan or leno or nbc debacle .