After completing military service, he returned to the station in 1959, working in front of the camera in a variety of capacities.
Carlson's extraordinary good looks, winning personality and Scandinavian manner made him popular with viewers.
In the 1960s, he began reviewing films, and was widely respected among colleagues and people in the movie industry alike.
Carlson married fellow WCCO personality and former Miss Minnesota USA Nancy Nelson in 1970.
A protest campaign spearheaded by his wife and overwhelming viewer response resulted in his return a few months later.