TV

Johnny Carson returns to late night on Antenna TV

Johnny Carson is returning to late-night TV to compete with Colbert, Conan, Fallon and Kimmel.

Well, sort of.

Antenna TV, the Tribune-owned digital network specializing in oldies shows, will start airing classic episodes of the Carson-hosted “Tonight Show” starting Jan. 1.

The “Best Of” episodes will air each weeknight from 11 p.m. to midnight — with a repeat following at 2 a.m. — and will encompass Carson’s 30-year “Tonight Show” career (1962-92).

Included in those shows are the many characters Carson played — including Carnac the Magnificent, Aunt Blabby, Art Fern, et al.

Carson died in 2005 at the age of 79.