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.