From James A – Before ABC’s 20/20, they had tried another news magazine-type show. What was it?
Mr. Pop History – NBC and ABC envied the ratings and financial success of CBS’ 60 Minutes. It took ABC a while. One was something called “Seven Days” – a sort of week-in-review program. The problem – you couldn’t rerun it – and the ratings weren’t that good.
Over at NBC? Some 10 magazine shows came and went before they hit the right formula and timing. More in another Q&A.
Mr. Pop History – There was indeed. Back on Thanksgiving, 2004 – NBC aired “The Seinfeld Story” where the cast members plus creator Larry David talked about how the series began with meager ratings – then morphing into its super sitcom status.
But really, it was a brilliant move to kick off the sitcom’s DVD debut – the first three seasons. 
Mr. Pop History – That is correct. It made a little money with Steve Allen, but after he left – there was no real host – and it lost money. What’s interesting is – local stations were making money with their late night ads – but NBC was not! Then Jack Paar took over in July of 1957 and it began a turnaround. It was called “Tonight” but when Paar took over – the show was named after him. The Johnny Carson era ushered in “The Tonight Show” title. 
Mr. Pop Culture Report
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