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David Letterman

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Comedian Classic American TV Ironic Talkshow

description David Letterman Overview

David Letterman is an American television host, comedian, writer, and producer associated with late-night broadcasting. He hosted NBC's Late Night with David Letterman from 1982 to 1993, then CBS's Late Show with David Letterman from 1993 until 2015. His programs were distinguished by ironic humor, unconventional interviews, recurring comic segments, and deliberate parody of television conventions. He later hosted the interview series My Next Guest Needs No Introduction.

help David Letterman FAQ

When did David Letterman retire from late-night television?

David Letterman hosted his final Late Show with David Letterman episode on CBS on May 20, 2015, after 22 years on the network. His farewell broadcast included a montage of segments and appearances from presidents, athletes, and musicians spanning his decades-long career.

Who replaced David Letterman on the Late Show?

Stephen Colbert took over as host of the Late Show on CBS, premiering in September 2015. Colbert had previously hosted The Colbert Report on Comedy Central for nine years before making the transition to CBS's late-night lineup.

What was David Letterman's first late-night show before the Late Show?

David Letterman first hosted Late Night with David Letterman on NBC, premiering on February 1, 1982, in the time slot immediately following The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. After NBC chose Jay Leno to succeed Carson in 1992, Letterman left for CBS in 1993.

Did David Letterman do any television after retiring in 2015?

Yes, Letterman returned to television with My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, a long-form interview series on Netflix that premiered in 2018. Guests on the show have included Barack Obama, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Bill Gates, among other notable figures.