List of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson episodes (1986)

The following is a list of episodes of the television series The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson which aired in 1986:

List of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson episodes
Season 1986
Country of origin	United States
No. of episodes	191
Release
Original network	NBC
Season chronology

1986

January

No.	Original air date	Guest(s)	Musical/entertainment guest(s)
3–396	January 2, 1986 (1986-01-02)	Angie Dickinson, Gene Rader	N/A
Items That Were Popular Last Year
3–397	January 3, 1986 (1986-01-03)	Tim Conway, Hal Linden, Don Stanley	N/A
Lighten Up - Response to Nevada Gov. Richard Bryan's demand for an apology for interstate rivalry jokes Johnny told.
3–398	January 7, 1986 (1986-01-07)	George Segal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wil Shriner	N/A
Where to Look for Halley's Comet; Predictions for 1986
3–399	January 8, 1986 (1986-01-08)	Madeline Kahn, A. Whitney Brown	N/A
Talk with Ed- Halley's Comet, Astronomer; Morality Test- Ethics Morality Survey That Appear in U.S. News and World Reports; Johnny gives the audience a survey and their responses are measured by a meter.
3–400	January 9, 1986 (1986-01-09)	George Miller, Rosanna Arquette	Liberace
Poll taken on what american consider to be the top ten heroes in this country.
3–401	January 10, 1986 (1986-01-10)	Brian Dennehy	George Carl, Martina Arroyo
Carnac the Magnificent
3–402	January 14, 1986 (1986-01-14)	James Garner, Barry Diamond	Anita Morris
List of Corrections That Need to be Made in Other Books
3–403	January 15, 1986 (1986-01-15)	Don Rickles, Waddie Mitchell	Pete Fountain
List of Interesting Facts
3–404	January 16, 1986 (1986-01-16)	Michael Douglas, Joanna Kerns	New York Sax Quartet
In honor of Halley's Comet, Johnny demonstrates how the solar system works, uses 10 studio audience volunteers to demonstrate.
3–405	January 17, 1986 (1986-01-17)	Dabney Coleman, Dr. Carl Sagan, Hung Dinh Vu	N/A
A Bootleg Tape of The Tonight Show
3–406	January 21, 1986 (1986-01-21)	Shelley Winters, Brad Garrett	Stanley Jordan
Subject Calendars
3–407	January 22, 1986 (1986-01-22)	Joe Namath, Teri Garr, Roy Blount, Jr.	N/A
Video Report by Steve Young about Scott's Jumbo Roll Toilet Paper
3–408	January 23, 1986 (1986-01-23)	Jeff Daniels, Vijay Amritraj, Rufus Hussey	N/A
Public Service Announcement for NBC
3–409	January 24, 1986 (1986-01-24)	Harvey Korman, Michael Ammar	David Tolley (pianist)
Tonight Show Sports Exclusive- Super Bowl Announcers who are covering the game
3–410	January 27, 1986 (1986-01-27)	Joan Rivers (guest host), Emmanuel Lewis, Oprah Winfrey, Mayor Ed Koch, Betty White	N/A
3–411	January 28, 1986 (1986-01-28)	Joan Rivers (guest host), Tony Danza, Linda Lavin, Louie Anderson, Dr. Ruth Westheimer	N/A
Rivers cancels the monologue because of the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster earlier that day.
3–412	January 29, 1986 (1986-01-29)	Joan Rivers (guest host), David Steinberg, James Farentino, Mark Harmon, Estelle Getty	N/A
3–413	January 30, 1986 (1986-01-30)	Joan Rivers (guest host), Joan Collins, William Devane, William Perry	N/A
3–414	January 31, 1986 (1986-01-31)	Joan Rivers (guest host), Ursula Andress, Kate Capshaw, Roger Ebert, Gene Siskel	Teddy Pendergrass

February

No.	Original air date	Guest(s)	Musical/entertainment guest(s)
3–415	February 4, 1986 (1986-02-04)	Buddy Hackett, Jim McMahon	Louie Bellson
Johnny surveys the audience to indicate their Academy Awards preferences.
3–416	February 5, 1986 (1986-02-05)	Louie Anderson, John Callahan	Miami Sound Machine
Leslie Pick, a teacher at Westlake Village School sent Johnny a project her students participated in.. they were given the first half of some old-fashioned cliches and had to complete them. Johnny reads what they came up with.
3–417	February 6, 1986 (1986-02-06)	Danny Cooksey, Robin Williams	Mummenschanz
President's Birthday Cards
3–418	February 7, 1986 (1986-02-07)	Spud Webb, Jamie Rose	N/A
3–419	February 11, 1986 (1986-02-11)	America Morris, Don Ameche	N/A
Johnny jokes that if Coca-Cola purchased Merv Griffin Productions, then a new soft drink would be called, 'Merv'.
3–420	February 12, 1986 (1986-02-12)	Billy Martin, Maureen Murphy, Akosua Busia	N/A
Sports Illustrated Girls Edition
3–421	February 13, 1986 (1986-02-13)	Alexandra Paul, Terri Jones	Julia Migenes-Johnson
Johnny talks about Lee Iacocca getting fired from the Statue of Liberty committee. Johnny takes a sip of his coffee, it is cold he goes down the hall to get a new cup, sees the vending machines, among them is one for 'Live Animals, 50 Cents', Johnny puts his money and out comes a dog, Max.
3–422	February 14, 1986 (1986-02-14)	James Stewart, Fritz Coleman	N/A
Johnny wishes everyone a happy Valentine's Day. Four girls from Pepperdine come out and surprise Johnny with presents. Girls discussed their sorority living situations.
3–423	February 18, 1986 (1986-02-18)	Betty White, Jon Cryer	Pia Zadora
Examples from the Dictionary of American Regional English
3–424	February 19, 1986 (1986-02-19)	Roseanne Barr, Stephen Baccus	N/A
Johnny decides he would like to help out Baby Doc and try to locate an apartment for him. He looks through the recycler and, on the air, answers some of the ads for a room.
3–425	February 20, 1986 (1986-02-20)	Jim Fowler, Ronn Lucas, Brenda Venus	Andrae Crouch
3–426	February 21, 1986 (1986-02-21)	Oprah Winfrey, Jerry Seinfeld, Shirley Muldowney	N/A
Johnny and Ed plays a game of Trivial Pursuit.
3–427	February 25, 1986 (1986-02-25)	Bud Greenspan	Jim Stafford, Russell Reig
Prince Charles' Ears; Search For a Person with the Biggest Ears
3–428	February 26, 1986 (1986-02-26)	Tab Thacker, Jack Gallagher, Victoria Jackson	N/A
Tommy Newsom's Birthday
3–429	February 27, 1986 (1986-02-27)	Garry Shandling, Joseph Westley Newman	N/A
Johnny invites three members of the studio audience to come up and do a segment of the monologue.
3–430	February 28, 1986 (1986-02-28)	Father Guido Sarducci, Gene Siskel, Roger Ebert, Robin Barnett	N/A
Edge of Wetness

March

No.	Original air date	Guest(s)	Musical/entertainment guest(s)
3–431	March 3, 1986 (1986-03-03)	Joan Rivers (guest host), Carrie Fisher, Ronnie Shakes, Hal Holbrook	John Denver ("Dreamland Express", "Aspen on a Saturday Night")
Celebrity Car Jokes
3–432	March 4, 1986 (1986-03-04)	Joan Rivers (guest host), Barbara Walters, Susan Sullivan	Little Richard
3–433	March 5, 1986 (1986-03-05)	Joan Rivers (guest host), Lynn Redgrave, C. Thomas Howell, Dr. Joyce Brothers	N/A
Joan's dog, Spike shows that he does some fancy tricks.
3–434	March 6, 1986 (1986-03-06)	Joan Rivers (guest host), Valerie Harper, Arsenio Hall, Ron Howard	Peter Allen
3–435	March 7, 1986 (1986-03-07)	Joan Rivers (guest host), Katherine Helmond, Gene Siskel, Roger Ebert	Nell Carter ("Be Mine Tonight" and "Stormy Monday Blues")
3–436	March 11, 1986 (1986-03-11)	Keith Carradine, Wendy Schaal	N/A
Frequent Flyers Program; Three People in Audience try an absence of humor test, like the baseball players, and drug testing.
3–437	March 12, 1986 (1986-03-12)	Barry O'Halloran, Steve Landesberg, David Horowitz	N/A
Public Service Announcement
3–438	March 13, 1986 (1986-03-13)	Jane Curtin, Jason Bateman	Jay Johnson
Collecting the Audience Members' Shoes
3–439	March 14, 1986 (1986-03-14)	David Steinberg, Woody Harrelson	King's Sisters
3–440	March 18, 1986 (1986-03-18)	Barbara Hershey	Ray Charles
Recognition of Some People Behind the Scenes that Deserve Life Time Achievement Awards
3–441	March 19, 1986 (1986-03-19)	Jon Voight	Alabama ("She And I", "Forty Hour Week")
Zoos begin advertising their manure, better known as 'Zoo Doo'. Johnny decides that he is going to call two different zoo directors and try to find the best deal on 'Animal Stuff'.
3–442	March 20, 1986 (1986-03-20)	Shelley Long, Margaret Avery	Raspini Bros.
Blue Cards
3–443	March 21, 1986 (1986-03-21)	Michael Keaton, Teresa Ganzel	Dionne Warwick
Johnny reads a letter from Mark Harris of Kansas. Both times that Mark's wife was pregnant, she had gone into labor during Johnny's monologue. Mark is wondering what kind of power Johnny had been granted.
3–444	March 25, 1986 (1986-03-25)	Richard Benjamin	Willie Nelson
Trivial Contest
3–445	March 26, 1986 (1986-03-26)	Doug Henning, Jackie Mason	N/A
Sketch- "Max Beta's Collection of Marcos Family's Golden Treasure of Fine Music"; Foreign Commercials
3–446	March 27, 1986 (1986-03-27)	Billy Crystal, Lucille Thompson	Buddy Rich
110th anniversary of the invention of the telephone. Johnny got a transcript of the entire conversation between them and recreates it for the audience.
3–447	March 28, 1986 (1986-03-28)	Dom Irrera, Bess Armstrong	Corey Cerovsek
Child Labor Laws

April

No.	Original air date	Guest(s)	Musical/entertainment guest(s)
3–448	April 1, 1986 (1986-04-01)	Teri Garr, Richard Chamberlain	Brunson Brothers
The Legend of April Fool's Day
3–449	April 2, 1986 (1986-04-02)	Don King, John Williams	N/A
3–450	April 3, 1986 (1986-04-03)	Frank Zappa, Dorothy Davis	N/A
Tonight Show Dating Computer
3–451	April 4, 1986 (1986-04-04)	Charles Grodin, Yakov Smirnoff	Katrina & The Waves ("Walking on Sunshine")
Carnac the Magnificent
3–452	April 15, 1986 (1986-04-15)	Judge Reinhold, Don Richardson, Jane Snyder	Exile
Blue Cards; Silly Spellers
3–453	April 16, 1986 (1986-04-16)	Larry Miller, Mark Lindsay Chapman	Frankie Yankovic ("Just Because" & "Cleveland, The Polka Town")
Tonight show received a phone call from the representative of the local French Tourism office. Johnny invited the representative to come on the show and present his side of the argument. (Remake of a 1967 sketch originally done with Robert Mandan.)
3–454	April 17, 1986 (1986-04-17)	Sammy Davis, Jr., Bill Maher	N/A
An Experiment on Gossip
3–455	April 18, 1986 (1986-04-18)	David Letterman, Adela Rivera	Maureen McGovern ("I Got Rhythm")
Lighten Up Michael Mendolsohn
3–456	April 22, 1986 (1986-04-22)	Tom Hulce, The Amazing Randi	Brian Slawson
Public Service Announcements
3–457	April 23, 1986 (1986-04-23)	Patrick Duffy, Harry Anderson, Lucy Lee Flippin	N/A
Letters from Children Stating 'Why or Why Not They Would Like to Marry When They Grow Up'
3–458	April 24, 1986 (1986-04-24)	Ted Turner, Kevin Rooney	Dizzy Gillespie
Johnny has a couple of low cost travel excursions that tourists can participate in, the most exciting offer being a tour of the Playboy Mansion.
3–459	April 25, 1986 (1986-04-25)	Joan Embery, Joan Rivers, Philip Michael Thomas	N/A
3–460	April 28, 1986 (1986-04-28)	Joan Rivers (guest host), Anthony Quinn	Patti LaBelle, Michael McDonald
3–461	April 29, 1986 (1986-04-29)	Joan Rivers (guest host), Hulk Hogan, Mr. Rogers, Calvin Trillin	N/A
3–462	April 30, 1986 (1986-04-30)	Joan Rivers (guest host), Danny DeVito, Bobcat Goldthwait	Pointer Sisters ("Jump" and "Hey You")

May

No.	Original air date	Guest(s)	Musical/entertainment guest(s)
3–463	May 1, 1986 (1986-05-01)	Joan Rivers (guest host), Tony Danza, Elizabeth Ashley, Richard Simmons	Pia Zadora
3–464	May 2, 1986 (1986-05-02)	Joan Rivers (guest host), Mark Harmon, Rick Overton, Vanna White, Roger Vadim	N/A
Joan Rivers final appearance
3–465	May 6, 1986 (1986-05-06)	Harvey Korman	Donna Theodore, Nicolas Slonimsky
A bit on Chief on Protocol on a few comedic customs- 'Never ask a late night talk show host, how your's wife?'
3–466	May 7, 1986 (1986-05-07)	Ed Kennedy, Buddy Hackett, Ally Sheedy	N/A
Johnny tries to find work for four Playboy Bunnies as The Playboy Club in L.A. would close the next month.
3–467	May 8, 1986 (1986-05-08)	Joe Piscopo	Yo-Yo Ma
Interviewing Techniques
3–468	May 9, 1986 (1986-05-09)	Bob Uecker, Kathleen Wilhoite, Zippy the Chimp	N/A
Desk - Johnny does a bit on Mother's Day sales.
3–469	May 13, 1986 (1986-05-13)	Marvelous Marvin Hagler	Jennifer Holliday ("We Can Work It Out" and "Dreams Never Die")
Hummingbirds
3–470	May 14, 1986 (1986-05-14)	Patrick Swayze, Linda Ellerbee	Oak Ridge Boys
Johnny found an army sea rations survival kit while cleaning his office.
3–471	May 15, 1986 (1986-05-15)	Anthony Quinn, JoBeth Williams	Joe Bushkin
3–472	May 16, 1986 (1986-05-16)	Paula Poundstone	Leonard Waxdeck & The Birdcallers, ZZ Top ("Sharp Dressed Man", "Tush")
Tonight Show Promos for Sweeps Week
3–473	May 20, 1986 (1986-05-20)	Lucy Lee Flippin	Dwight Yoakam ("Honky Tonk Man", "Guitars and Cadillacs")
Update on Hummingbirds
3–474	May 21, 1986 (1986-05-21)	Dudley Moore, Richard Pryor, Gwen Norton	N/A
3–475	May 22, 1986 (1986-05-22)	Bette Davis	Pete Fountain
Travel Advisories for Tourists; Spoof of the 'World Status Map'
3–476	May 23, 1986 (1986-05-23)	Bob Hope, Christine Lahti	Diane Schuur
Hummingbirds; Pilots That Didn't Make It
3–477	May 27, 1986 (1986-05-27)	Joanna Kerns, The Amazing Randi	George Carl
Stump the Band
3–478	May 28, 1986 (1986-05-28)	Rosie Gries, Steven Wright	N/A
Questions from the Audience
3–479	May 29, 1986 (1986-05-29)	Tom Selleck, Pam Matteson	Robert Palmer ("Addicted to Love", "Hyperactive")
Audience Survey
3–480	May 30, 1986 (1986-05-30)	Jackie Mason, Teresa Ganzel	Dolly Parton ("My Tennessee Mountain Home")

June

No.	Original air date	Guest(s)	Musical/entertainment guest(s)
3–481	June 2, 1986 (1986-06-02)	Garry Shandling (guest host), Jon Voight, Rich Hall, Justine Bateman	Marvin Hamlisch
3–482	June 3, 1986 (1986-06-03)	Garry Shandling (guest host), Betty White, Alan Thicke, Kevin Nealon	N/A
3–483	June 4, 1986 (1986-06-04)	Garry Shandling (guest host), Joan Van Ark, Robert Hays, Victoria Jackson	The Nylons
3–484	June 5, 1986 (1986-06-05)	Garry Shandling (guest host), Howie Mandel, Jeff Goldblum	Eddie Rabbitt ("I Love a Rainy Night" and "Repetitive Regret")
3–485	June 6, 1986 (1986-06-06)	Garry Shandling (guest host), Ed Begley, Jr., Teresa Ganzel, Sugar Ray Leonard	N/A
3–486	June 10, 1986 (1986-06-10)	Jon Pennington (1986 Scripps National Spelling Bee champion), George Carlin	N/A
New Products
3–487	June 11, 1986 (1986-06-11)	Billy Crystal, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Michael Ammar	N/A
Mighty Carson Art Players- Takeoff of Televised Senate Hearings on C-Span (Johnny portrays a Southern senator who approached the podium and addresses the crowd)
3–488	June 12, 1986 (1986-06-12)	Cybill Shepherd, Virgie White	Andrae Crouch
Stump the Band
3–489	June 13, 1986 (1986-06-13)	Bill Cosby	Graham Nash
Superstitions; Phobias
3–490	June 17, 1986 (1986-06-17)	Carl Reiner, Roy Blount, Jr.	N/A
Blue Cards
3–491	June 18, 1986 (1986-06-18)	Burt Reynolds, Franklyn Ajaye	N/A
Foreign Commercials
3–493	June 19, 1986 (1986-06-19)	Kate Capshaw, Roseanne Barr, Woody Harrelson	N/A
Johnny suggests Doc Severinsen as Don Johnson's replacement, and engages him in a scene written for 'Miami Vice' with Doc as Sonny Crockett and Johnny as Rico.
3–494	June 20, 1986 (1986-06-20)	David Steinberg, Craig T. Nelson	Kim Carnes ("Black & White", "I'd Lie to You for Your Love")
Letters Written by School Pupils; Statue of Liberty Memorabilia
3–495	June 24, 1986 (1986-06-24)	Anthony Perkins, Joe Garagiola	N/A
Supreme Court Justice Appointments
3–496	June 25, 1986 (1986-06-25)	Steve Landesberg	Joe Jackson ("Home Town", "Tango Atlantico")
Psychic Predictions
3–497	June 26, 1986 (1986-06-26)	Joan Embery, Danny DeVito, John Searing	N/A
3–498	June 27, 1986 (1986-06-27)	David Letterman, Judge Joseph Wapner	Julio Iglesias

July

No.	Original air date	Guest(s)	Musical/entertainment guest(s)
3–499	July 14, 1986 (1986-07-14)	Garry Shandling (guest host), Bronson Pinchot, George Wendt	Rosanne Cash
3–500	July 15, 1986 (1986-07-15)	Garry Shandling (guest host), Judge Reinhold, Lyle Alzado, Sydney Goldsmith, Jimmy Aleck	N/A
3–501	July 16, 1986 (1986-07-16)	Garry Shandling (guest host), Judith Light, Sally Kellerman, Mary Gross, Richard Lewis	N/A
Blue Cards
3–502	July 17, 1986 (1986-07-17)	Garry Shandling (guest host), Marsha Mason, Anthony Perkins	N/A
3–503	July 18, 1986 (1986-07-18)	Garry Shandling (guest host), Marilu Henner, John Larroquette, James Belushi	Anita Morris
3–504	July 22, 1986 (1986-07-22)	Walter Matthau, Dick Rutan, Jeana Yeager, Katrina Leskanich	N/A
Johnny interviews prop man Jack Grant to find out who could have lifted the missing cigarette box and lighter from the Tonight Show prop box. After the break, Johnny talks about visiting his childhood home in Avoca, Iowa for the first time in over 50 years.
3–505	July 23, 1986 (1986-07-23)	Garry Shandling	Horacio Gutiérrez ("Etude in D# and Etude in F")
Blue Cards
3–506	July 24, 1986 (1986-07-24)	Jay Leno, Patricia Charbonneau	Sandi Patty ("Pour on the Power" and "Love In Any Language")
Stump the Band
3–507	July 25, 1986 (1986-07-25)	Teri Garr, Michael Bohdan	Leon Redbone ("Knocking Down Windows", "Steal Away Blues")
Carnac the Magnificent
3–508	July 29, 1986 (1986-07-29)	The Amazing Randi, Paul Miller	The LaBeque Sisters
Stolen Tonight Show Props
3–509	July 30, 1986 (1986-07-30)	Joan Embery, James Belushi	N/A
Anti-Fat Pill
3–510	July 31, 1986 (1986-07-31)	Linda Ellerbee	Amy Grant ("Fat Baby", "Stay for Awhile")
Summer Drinks

August

No.	Original air date	Guest(s)	Musical/entertainment guest(s)
3–511	August 1, 1986 (1986-08-01)	Charles Grodin, Dom Irrera, Tommy Walton	N/A
NBC Gift Shop
3–512	August 5, 1986 (1986-08-05)	Father Guido Sarducci	Belinda Carlisle ("Mad About You" and "I Feel The Magic")
Humorous Public Service Announcements
3–513	August 6, 1986 (1986-08-06)	Robert Klein, Devin DeVasquez	Placido Domingo
Discusses West Coast's plan to build their own version of Statue of Liberty.
3–514	August 7, 1986 (1986-08-07)	Alan Thicke	Miami Sound Machine
Carson's Believe It or Stuff It
3–515	August 8, 1986 (1986-08-08)	Tom Hanks, Ronnie Shakes	Diane Schuur
Earthquake Kits
3–516	August 26, 1986 (1986-08-26)	Kaleena Kiff, Paul Hogan	Fabulous Thunderbirds ("Tuff Enuff", "Wrap It Up")
Johnny's Vacation Time; Tax Reform Bill- Little Known Tax Code- Death & Taxes
3–517	August 27, 1986 (1986-08-27)	Blake Clark, Gene Siskel, Roger Ebert	Crystal Gayle
3–518	August 28, 1986 (1986-08-28)	George Carlin, Helen Slater	The Temptations
Exploitation News
3–519	August 29, 1986 (1986-08-29)	Paul Reiser, Helen Slater, Victoria Jackson	Pete Fountain

September

No.	Original air date	Guest(s)	Musical/entertainment guest(s)
3–520	September 2, 1986 (1986-09-02)	Dr. Joe Daugherty	Tony Bennett
Postcards That Had Been Sent to The Tonight Show from Friends from the Past
3–521	September 3, 1986 (1986-09-03)	Teresa Ganzel, Lewis Grizzard	George Benson ("In Your Eyes", "Turn Your Love Around")
Mighty Carson Art Players- "Tea Time Movie"
3–522	September 4, 1986 (1986-09-04)	Vanna White, Bobby Kelton	Luciano Pavarotti
Follow up to The Purple Cow Poem; States Putting Down Each Other
3–523	September 5, 1986 (1986-09-05)	Merv Griffin, Paula Poundstone, David Horowitz	N/A
U.S. Open, Public Address System Announcements
3–524	September 8, 1986 (1986-09-08)	Betty White (guest host), Jack Klugman, William Devane, Paul Rodriguez, Charles Nelson Riley	N/A
3–525	September 9, 1986 (1986-09-09)	Jay Leno (guest host), Michele Lee, Deidre Hall	B.B. King
Trivia questions from the audience. Previously a frequent guest, this is Jay Leno's first time guest hosting the show. Leno would become permanent guest host by August 1988, and eventually the host of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in May 1992.
3–526	September 10, 1986 (1986-09-10)	Jay Leno (guest host), Pam Dawber, Paul Sorvino	Robert Palmer ("Riptide")
Blue Cards.
3–527	September 11, 1986 (1986-09-11)	Billy Crystal (guest host), Howard Cosell, Richard Lewis	Larry Gatlin
3–528	September 12, 1986 (1986-09-12)	Billy Crystal (guest host), Teri Garr, Don King, Paul Shaffer	Chaka Kahn ("Love Is A Lifetime")
3–529	September 16, 1986 (1986-09-16)	Steve Landesberg, Jason Bateman	Spiegle Willcox, Wild Bill Davison
3–530	September 17, 1986 (1986-09-17)	Bob Newhart, Saundra Santiago, Teresa Ganzel	N/A
Mighty Carson Art Players- "Tea Time Movie"
3–531	September 18, 1986 (1986-09-18)	George Segal, Loni Anderson, Bill Paxton	N/A
Suggestions for Ending Phrase for Tonight Show
3–532	September 19, 1986 (1986-09-19)	David Letterman, Geena Davis	Andreas Vollenweider
Composite Photos
3–533	September 22, 1986 (1986-09-22)	Kenny Rogers (guest host), Tony Danza, Dudley Moore	N/A
For a monologue, Kenny sings "They Don't Make Them Like They Used To"; Kenny shows some of his shots of the Lincoln Memorial, caverns, etc.
3–534	September 23, 1986 (1986-09-23)	Bill Cosby (guest host), Bea Arthur, Linda Ellerbee	Liberace
3–535	September 24, 1986 (1986-09-24)	Bill Cosby (guest host), Andy Griffith, Brad Garrett	Pointer Sisters ("Neutron Dance")
3–536	September 26, 1986 (1986-09-26)	Bill Cosby (guest host), Tyne Daly, Ted Danson, Sherman Hemsley	José Feliciano
3–537	September 30, 1986 (1986-09-30)	John Larroquette, Joe Garagiola	Steve Earle ("Guitar Town")
The resolution of the Dallas cliffhangers and a number of possible cliffhangers for other shows returning to television.

October

No.	Original air date	Guest(s)	Musical/entertainment guest(s)
3–538	October 1, 1986 (1986-10-01)	David Steinberg (guest host), John Davidson, Joanna Kerns, Tom Poston, Ed Begley, Jr.	N/A
David discuss his career as a director.
3–539	October 2, 1986 (1986-10-02)	Gene Siskel, Roger Ebert, Pete Barbutti	Ben E. King ("Stand by Me", "Spanish Harlem")
Stockmarket- E.F. Mutton
3–540	October 3, 1986 (1986-10-03)	Jay Leno (guest host), Joan Van Ark, Susan Cash	Corey Cerovsek
Blue Cards, 'How Has The Tonight Show Affected Your Life as Both A Human Being and An American?'
3–541	October 7, 1986 (1986-10-07)	Buddy Hackett, Justine Bateman	N/A
Public Service Announcement- Plea for Donations to the Nancy Reagan Icelandic Wardrobe Foundation.
3–542	October 8, 1986 (1986-10-08)	Patrick Duffy, Bob Uecker	Michael McDonald ("Sweet Freedom")
Johnny returns with a picture that was taken by a photographer, who is on the scene while Dan Rather was getting his beating. (Peter Jennings and Tom Brokaw are in picture)
3–543	October 9, 1986 (1986-10-09)	Richard Pryor, Sean Penn	Kenny G ("Songbird")
Johnny's Eulogy for Baby the Rooster
3–544	October 10, 1986 (1986-10-10)	Tim Conway, Barry Diamond, Jerry Slocum	N/A
Johnny interviews "Daryl Dorf" (Tim Conway)
3–545	October 14, 1986 (1986-10-14)	Smothers Brothers, Elisabeth Shue, Marguerite Hanusa	N/A
Tommy is congratulated on his rave reviews for his gig at the Vine Street Bar with Rosemary Clooney.
3–546	October 15, 1986 (1986-10-15)	James Stewart, Paul Reiser	N/A
Blue Cards
3–547	October 16, 1986 (1986-10-16)	Woody Harrelson, Ritch Shydner	Cyndi Lauper ("Change of Heart", "True Colors")
Johnny and Ed talks about their 28th Anniversary (how long they've worked together) is coming.
3–548	October 17, 1986 (1986-10-17)	Fritz Coleman, Larry Anderson	Linda Ronstadt ("Am I Blue?", "When You Wish Upon a Star" and "My Funny Valentine")
Johnny apologizes for Burt not appearing on the show tonight as promised, but brings out Fred Leaf, Burt's lookalike.
3–549	October 21, 1986 (1986-10-21)	Tom Dreesen	Liza Minnelli ("My Ship" and "The Man I Love"), Christopher Parkening
3–550	October 22, 1986 (1986-10-22)	Sigourney Weaver	Rosemary Clooney ("When October Goes")
The 99th Congress and the many laws that have passed.; Humorous No-Go's
3–551	October 23, 1986 (1986-10-23)	Lily Tomlin, Ray Combs	N/A
Comedy Crypt- In memory of Tip O'Neil jokes forever
3–552	October 24, 1986 (1986-10-24)	Michael Landon, Thalassa Cruso	Carl Anderson
The 65th Birthday of Tonight Show electrician Danny who is retiring.
3–553	October 27, 1986 (1986-10-27)	Garry Shandling (guest host), Martin Mull, Vanna White	Billy Vera & The Beaters ("At This Moment")
Garry brings out miniature bowling game and plays on desk with Doc.
3–554	October 28, 1986 (1986-10-28)	Garry Shandling (guest host), Father Guido Sarducci, Victoria Jackson, Jason Bateman	Luther Vandross
3–555	October 29, 1986 (1986-10-29)	Garry Shandling (guest host), Tyne Daly, Susan Sullivan, Bill Maher	N/A
Blue Cards
3–556	October 30, 1986 (1986-10-30)	Bill Cosby (guest host), Bob Melvin	Carmen McRae, Dirty Dozen Brass Band
3–557	October 31, 1986 (1986-10-31)	Chevy Chase (guest host), Jay Leno, Markie Post	Paul Simon ("Graceland")
Blue Cards

November

No.	Original air date	Guest(s)	Musical/entertainment guest(s)
3–558	November 5, 1986 (1986-11-05)	Burt Reynolds, Dick Shawn	N/A
Desk - Johnny does a bit on unaired Tonight Show episodes preempted by the 1986 World Series.
3–559	November 6, 1986 (1986-11-06)	Joan Collins, Steven Wright	N/A
As The White House Turns
3–560	November 7, 1986 (1986-11-07)	Alan Thicke, Rosanna Arquette, Oprah Winfrey	N/A
Johnny talks about how he cut his ear.
3–561	November 11, 1986 (1986-11-11)	Jeff Daniels, Georgette Prothero	Anita Baker
Public Service Announcements
3–562	November 12, 1986 (1986-11-12)	Saundra Santiago, Roy Blount, Jr.	Janie Fricke
Suggestions on How to Raise Extra Money for NBC
3–563	November 13, 1986 (1986-11-13)	The Amazing Randi, Mat Plendl	Andy Williams
Blue Cards
3–564	November 14, 1986 (1986-11-14)	Dabney Coleman, Rich Hall	N/A
Johnny talks about Bruce Springteen's new album, a five record set and the media hoopla over this album; Now there is a NEWSOM, a five record set.
3–565	November 18, 1986 (1986-11-18)	Jack Paar, Stephen Lang	N/A
Johnny talks about the Family Privacy Act.
3–566	November 19, 1986 (1986-11-19)	Paul Reiser, Tom Gaskin	Bobby McFerrin
Floyd R. Turbo
3–567	November 20, 1986 (1986-11-20)	Tim Conway, Maureen Stapleton	Donna Theodore
Tim Conway performs cooking skit entitled, "Cooking with Judy Child".
3–568	November 21, 1986 (1986-11-21)	David Steinberg, Paul Shaffer	N/A
Old Newspaper Announcements; November Sweeps
3–569	November 25, 1986 (1986-11-25)	Jim Fowler, Victoria Jackson	Oak Ridge Boys
3–570	November 26, 1986 (1986-11-26)	George Carlin, Barney Odom and his tree-climbing dog Flat Nose	N/A
Letters Written by 2nd and 5th Grade Students Regarding Being a Turkey
3–571	November 27, 1986 (1986-11-27)	David Letterman	Robert Palmer ("I Didn't Mean to Turn You On", "Nature Boy")
Blue Cards
3–572	November 28, 1986 (1986-11-28)	Joe Piscopo, Ellen DeGeneres, Dennis Hart	N/A
Talks with Studio Audience

December

No.	Original air date	Guest(s)	Musical/entertainment guest(s)
3–573	December 1, 1986 (1986-12-01)	Tony Danza (guest host), Alyssa Milano, Danny Pintauro, Marilu Henner	N/A
3–574	December 2, 1986 (1986-12-02)	Garry Shandling (guest host), Richard Lewis, Kate Capshaw	Little Richard
3–575	December 3, 1986 (1986-12-03)	Garry Shandling (guest host), Joan Embery, Tom Poston	N/A
3–576	December 4, 1986 (1986-12-04)	Jay Leno (guest host), Amy Irving, Eva Marie Saint, Michael Palin	Stanley Jordan
3–577	December 5, 1986 (1986-12-05)	Jay Leno (guest host), Angie Dickinson, Stepfanie Kramer	Billy Vera & The Beaters
Blue Cards
3–578	December 9, 1986 (1986-12-09)	Don Rickles	Singing Dog Contest
3–579	December 10, 1986 (1986-12-10)	Ritch Shydner, David Horowitz	Dolly Parton
3–580	December 11, 1986 (1986-12-11)	Eddie Townsend, James Garner	Bobby McFerrin
Mighty Carson Art Players- "President Reagan reads 'Twas The Night Before X-Mas'"
3–581	December 12, 1986 (1986-12-12)	Chevy Chase, Gene Siskel, Roger Ebert	Al Jarreau
Letters Written to Santa
3–582	December 16, 1986 (1986-12-16)	Steve Martin, Joseph Gabriel	Sandi Patty
Blue Cards
3–583	December 17, 1986 (1986-12-17)	Jim McMahon, Mark McCollum	N/A
3–584	December 18, 1986 (1986-12-18)	Jane Fonda	Amy Grant
New Products
3–585	December 19, 1986 (1986-12-19)	Bob Hope, Tom Noddy	Barbara Mandrell ("Santa, Bring My Baby Home")
Talk With the Audience
3–586	December 30, 1986 (1986-12-30)	Tim Conway, Teresa Ganzel	Diane Schuur
Men Available for New Years Eve
3–587	December 31, 1986 (1986-12-31)	Bill Kirchenbauer	Billy Vera & The Beaters
Rules of The Rose Parade