over the year i have watch this movie many time from see it on hbo and i now own a copy on dvd . i must say it very memorable and entertain in the meantime it interesting and educational too . a any tv fan can relate to the time of the early 90 when the time come up to replace johhny carson the tv live legend of the tonight show who it gon na be jay or dave . this original film from hbo the late shift stay true to form and depict the real event very well show the behind the scene battle between network head of nbc and cbs and even abc they be all fight for the service of jay and dave . the acting make it seem real a very little actual tv footage be show with real life people a the actor portray leno and letterman make it seem so real . i haven not read the bill carter book so i do not know if it stay true to the page and but i have highly enjoy this film over the year . from the moment when it start show cbs entertainment head watch leno sub for johhny and they decide they want to get in on the late night game . yet when carson announce his unexpected retirement nbc want to stay loyal with leno yet conflict arrives when letterman want a crack at the slot at 11 represent30 too . it be fun to watch the wacky meeting with michael ovitz ( treat williams ) who make all network want to consider letterman for a show . it be interest to see the scene of johhny tell letterman by phone in a direct way to walk from nbc and consider cbs . and by the way rich little be terrific a johhny carson his portrayal couldn not be match . and plenty of tense moment be provide by show the bickering and firing of leno talent manager helen which nbc head pressure him to do . overall great film that show what tv be really like and it prove that network be power and money hungry while show that it a cutthroat business . clearly there no business like show business . great work from hbo very memorable and a watch anytime it show the true story of the late night war .