The studio audience gave Carson a two-minute standing ovation as he entered the stage. This was the final episode that was recorded in front of a regular studio audience. The audience for the next episode - which was the final one - consisted of crew members and their friends and family.
A long sheet paper was stretched from end to end along the sidewalk at NBC Studios in Burbank so that fans could write notes to Carson to show their appreciation for him.
The audience continued to applaud for minutes after the show ended. Carson, Williams, and Midler came out for another bow.