Late Night and Late Show with David Letterman (1982–2015)
- Jan 31, 1982
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 29
Late Night with David Letterman (1982–1993) and Late Show with David Letterman (1993–2015) are American late-night talk shows created and hosted by David Letterman for NBC and CBS, respectively. The shows aired from February 1, 1982, to May 20, 2015. Set primarily in New York City’s Studio 6A (NBC) and Ed Sullivan Theater (CBS), they featured celebrity interviews, comedy sketches, and musical performances, centered on Letterman’s sardonic humor and innovative segments. Widely regarded as groundbreaking for their irreverent style, the shows gained massive popularity, redefined late-night television, and became cultural touchstones.
Creation and Development
NBC launched Late Night after offering Letterman a contract following the cancellation of his morning show, with Carson Productions and Letterman’s Space Age Meats Productions backing the project. CBS later lured Letterman for Late Show after he was passed over for The Tonight Show. Filmed in New York, with occasional Hollywood episodes for Late Show, the shows boasted a quirky, urban vibe. Known for their offbeat humor, inventive segments like “Top Ten Lists,” and willingness to push boundaries, they set a new standard for talk shows. The first episode of Late Night aired on February 1, 1982, and the final episode of Late Show aired on May 20, 2015. Their unique blend of wit and absurdity helped achieve global recognition.
Seasons and Episodes
Late Night with David Letterman ran for 11 seasons with 1,819 episodes.
Season 1 (1982) – Approx. 165 episodes
Season 2 (1983) – Approx. 165 episodes
[Subsequent seasons continued, typically 150–170 episodes per year]
Season 11 (1993) – Approx. 80 episodes
Late Show with David Letterman ran for 23 seasons with 4,214 episodes.
Season 1 (1993–1994) – Approx. 180 episodes
Season 2 (1994–1995) – Approx. 190 episodes
[Subsequent seasons continued, typically 170–190 episodes per year]
Season 23 (2014–2015) – Approx. 140 episodes
Cast and Characters
David Letterman as Himself, the sharp-witted host with a knack for irreverent humor.
Paul Shaffer as Himself, the charismatic musical director leading The World’s Most Dangerous Band (NBC) and CBS Orchestra.
Bill Wendell as Himself, the announcer for Late Night (1982–1993) and early Late Show (1993–1995).
Alan Kalter as Himself, the announcer for Late Show (1995–2015), known for his booming voice.
Biff Henderson as Himself, the stage manager and recurring comedic presence.
Guest Stars and Notable Performances
The shows featured a vast ensemble, including Calvert DeForest as Larry “Bud” Melman, Chris Elliott as a quirky recurring player, and frequent guests like Bill Murray, whose confrontational debut on Late Night set the tone. Murray’s unpredictable appearances stood out for their chaotic energy. Other notable performances include Teri Garr’s playful banter, Robin Williams’ high-energy interviews, and Bette Davis’ rare 1989 appearance, each contributing to the shows’ eclectic appeal. Celebrity guests ranged from Tom Hanks to U.S. presidents, enhancing their cultural reach.
Themes and Legacy
Late Night and Late Show explored themes of humor, absurdity, and human connection through innovative segments like “Stupid Pet Tricks” and “Viewer Mail.” Their approach to subverting talk show conventions, with remote segments and anti-establishment humor, earned critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase. The shows won 11 Emmys for Late Night and 6 for Late Show, with record viewership in their early years. A notable reunion special, “Late Night with David Letterman: 7th Anniversary Special,” aired in 1989, featuring highlights and reflections. While Late Show faced ratings challenges against The Tonight Show, its influence on hosts like Conan O’Brien and Stephen Colbert is undeniable, shaping modern late-night comedy.
Conclusion
Late Night and Late Show with David Letterman redefined late-night television with their irreverent humor, innovative segments, and charismatic host. Despite competition and occasional controversies, they remain landmark series of the 20th and 21st centuries. Their legacy continues to shape the talk show genre and inspire comedians.
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