I have a midterm today I should be studying for

so let's write about 'A Christmas Story' instead

I have a history of not knowing that certain music, movies, and TV shows are considered “cult classics” at best, and weren’t hugely famous outside of New York City where I grew up. In this internet age where everything is global, memeable, and potentially seen instantly by millions, it’s hard to believe that even a cultural mecca like NYC could have its local heroes not known to the outside world.

Joe Franklin was one. The affable late-night host of channel 9’s The Joe Franklin Show was omnipresent in NY culture, and was famous for having legit famous people on as guests - bands like The Ramones and once-beloved comedians like Bill Cosby, to name the two most obviously impressive examples.

But aside from the occasional SNL routine by Billy Crystal in the ‘80s or references on culture nerd friendly shows like The Simpsons, Joe Franklin never reached the heights of even Tom Snyder or David Letterman (whose show in the early years felt like a secret local cult broadcast).