[2] As the series neared its end, The New York Times said, "Despite its susceptibility to periodic cancellations, the program has become an authority on good English usage.
[6] Evans, as host of the show, discussed topics of English grammar and usage with a panel of celebrities and authorities that had John Mason Brown as a permanent member.
Guest panelists included Ilka Chase, John Crosby, Emily Kimbrough,[1] Frank Baxter, Cecil B. DeMille, Greer Garson, Aldous Huxley,[7] Clifton Fadiman, James Michener, Ogden Nash, S. J. Perelman,[8] Katherine Anne Porter, and Sam Levenson.
[3] In May 1957 W. Averell Harriman, governor of New York, contacted Evans, asking for an opinion regarding wording on state tax forms.
[3] The White House contacted the show in 1958 after "offended purists protested" President Dwight Eisenhower's use of "finalized" in a speech.
In the case of The Last Word, it is entertainment and public service—made so by the wit, charm, and erudition of Bergen Evans, John Mason Brown, and their distinguished guest panelists.
This sparkling weekly discussion of words, the basis of all understanding and progress, makes it clear that learning can be fun, and that educational programs do not have to be dull.
"[8] The trade publication Broadcasting, in a brief review, said that the return of The Last Word to the air in January 1958 was "very welcome", and it described the panel as "informed and witty".