The Dick Cavett Show is the title of a long-running late-night talk show hosted by Dick Cavett on ABC from December 26, 1969 until his retirement in 1996, when the show was handed over to Jon Stewart. Show history Cavett, who had previously worked as a writer for the Tonight Show With Johnny Carson, took over the show from Joey Bishop in December of 1969. The show ran opposite The Tonight Show on ABC until Cavett's retirement in 1996. Final Show