Late Show with David Letterman
Late Show with David Letterman is an American late-night talk show hosted by David Letterman on CBS. The show debuted on August 30, 1993, and is produced by Letterman's production company, Worldwide Pants Incorporated and CBS Television Studios. The show's music director and band-leader of the house band, the CBS Orchestra, is Paul Shaffer. The head writer is Matt Roberts and the announcer is Alan Kalter. Of the major U.S. late-night programs, Late Show ranks second in cumulative average viewers over time and third in number of episodes over time. The show leads other late night shows in ad revenue with $271 million in 2009. In most U.S. markets the show airs at 11:35 p.m. Eastern/Pacific time, but is recorded Monday through Wednesday at 4:30 p.m., and Thursdays at 3:30 p.m and 6:00 p.m. The second Thursday episode usually airs on Friday of that week. In 2002, Late Show with David Letterman was ranked No. 7 on TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time. CBS has a contract with Worldwide Pants to continue the show through 2014; by then, Letterman will surpass Johnny Carson as the longest tenured late-night talk show host.
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Plot Summary
The Late Show with David Letterman is an American late-night talk show hosted by David Letterman. The program aired on NBC from 1982 to 1993 before moving to CBS from 1993 to 2015. Known for its blend of comedy, interviews with celebrities and musicians, and Letterman's unique, often ironic, sense of humor, the show became a staple of late-night television.
Critical Reception
The Late Show with David Letterman was widely acclaimed throughout its decades-long run, consistently praised for its innovative comedy, sharp interviewing style, and commitment to breaking from traditional talk show formats. While its later years saw it less dominant in the ratings, it maintained a strong critical reputation as a sophisticated and influential program. Audiences generally appreciated Letterman's distinct personality and the show's enduring legacy.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its groundbreaking humor and innovative segments.
- Letterman's interview style was often cited as intelligent and insightful.
- The show successfully blended absurdity with genuine conversation.
Google audience: Viewers consistently lauded David Letterman's sharp wit, unique interviewing skills, and the show's consistently funny and often absurd comedy. Many expressed sadness at its conclusion, remembering it as a television institution that defined late-night for generations.
Awards & Accolades
Primetime Emmy Awards (Winner: 1992, 1994, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015), Peabody Award (Winner: 1990), Golden Globe Awards (Nominated)
Fun Fact
The iconic 'Top Ten List' segment was reportedly inspired by a segment on a local Chicago radio show called 'The Steve & Garry Show'.
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