Comedic Legends Allegedly Plotted to Sneak Belushi Onto 'The Tonight Show'

Steve Martin and Chevy Chase's secret plan to defy Johnny Carson's ban on 'SNL' cast members

Apr. 12, 2026 at 12:36pm

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A striking abstract composition of jagged geometric shapes in bold red and black, conceptually representing the defiant and creative spirit of the comedians' plan to defy authority.Comedy legends' secret plan to sneak a banned star onto late night TV captures the rebellious spirit of a golden age.Los Angeles Today

A new book has unearthed a tale of comedic mischief from the golden age of late night television. According to the book 'Love Johnny Carson' by Mark Malkoff, comedy icons Steve Martin and Chevy Chase allegedly orchestrated a daring plan to sneak the banned John Belushi onto 'The Tonight Show' hosted by the notoriously protective Johnny Carson.

Why it matters

This story captures the rebellious spirit and behind-the-scenes dynamics of the comedy world in the 1970s and 80s. It sheds light on Carson's complex relationship with 'Saturday Night Live' and how personal grudges could impact a performer's access to the iconic 'Tonight Show' stage. The alleged stunt also highlights the camaraderie between comedians and their willingness to go to great lengths to support each other.

The details

According to the book, Carson had banned current 'SNL' cast members from appearing on 'The Tonight Show' due to his dislike of the show's 'cruel' humor and frequent lampooning of his own program. However, Chevy Chase, who had left 'SNL', was able to get the ban lifted on himself through a conciliatory gesture. Martin and Chase then allegedly devised a plan to sneak Belushi, who was still banned, onto the show by having Chase introduce his 'wife' in the audience, only for the camera to reveal a disguised Belushi.

  • In 1977, Jane Curtin made a biting joke on 'Weekend Update' likening 'The Tonight Show' to a program needing artificial life support.
  • In the late 1980s, the 'Carsenio' sketch featuring Dana Carvey impersonating Carson channeling Arsenio Hall aired just days before Carson announced his departure from 'The Tonight Show'.
  • In his final monologue in May 1992, just two days before his last show, Carson quipped about the network's upcoming 'great, innovative programming' - 'a comedy version of Saturday Night Live'.

The players

Steve Martin

A legendary comedian and one of the alleged masterminds behind the plan to sneak John Belushi onto 'The Tonight Show'.

Chevy Chase

Another iconic comedian who, along with Steve Martin, allegedly orchestrated the daring stunt to defy Johnny Carson's ban on 'SNL' cast members.

John Belushi

A founding member of the 'SNL' cast who was banned from appearing on 'The Tonight Show' and the intended target of the alleged subterfuge by Martin and Chase.

Johnny Carson

The legendary host of 'The Tonight Show' who had a complex and contentious relationship with 'Saturday Night Live', leading him to ban current cast members from appearing on his program.

Jane Curtin

An 'SNL' cast member who delivered a biting joke on 'Weekend Update' in 1977 that likened 'The Tonight Show' to a program needing artificial life support.

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What they’re saying

“If 'SNL' continued to mock me, I might 'go'.”

— Johnny Carson

“The network's upcoming 'great, innovative programming' - 'a comedy version of Saturday Night Live'.”

— Johnny Carson

The takeaway

This story highlights the complex dynamics and rivalries within the comedy world, where personal grudges and creative ambition could collide on the biggest stages. It also underscores the enduring camaraderie between comedians, who were willing to go to great lengths to support each other, even in the face of institutional barriers.