The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, spanning three decades, largely avoided explicit LGBTQ+ themes. When present, depictions often involved humor based on stereotypes, lacking affirming portrayals or critical counterbalance. This incidental use of harmful stereotypes contributes to a net negative impact on LGBTQ+ representation.

The Tonight Show featured groundbreaking appearances by Christine Jorgensen, offering rare mainstream visibility for transsexual identity. While the host was generally respectful, the discussions often focused on medical aspects and could be seen as sensationalized by today's standards. The net impact is neutral, balancing the positive visibility with the era's limited and sometimes problematic framing.

As a mainstream American talk show of its era, "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" frequently featured cultural references, holiday segments, and guests that implicitly or explicitly acknowledged Christianity. The show's overall tone and framing consistently treated Christian traditions and beliefs with respect and dignity, aligning with the prevailing cultural norms without offering significant critique of the faith itself.

Similar to Christianity, "The Tonight Show" often included cultural references, holiday acknowledgments (e.g., Hanukkah), and Jewish guests. The show's narrative consistently presented Jewish traditions and adherents with respect and understanding, reflecting a generally positive and inclusive approach to the faith within the mainstream media landscape of the time.