Late Show with David Letterman (1993)
David Letterman's landmark CBS late-night institution, blending sharp wit, celebrity interviews, and unforgettable comedy across 22 seasons.
Late Show with David Letterman - Series Information
- Original Title: Late Show with David Letterman
- First Air Year: 1993
- Last Air Year: 2015
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Talk, Comedy
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (62 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 22
- Number of Episodes: 4,252
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: August 30, 1993 (United States - TV-PG)
- Networks: CBS
- Alternative Titles: Letterman (US)
- Production Companies: Worldwide Pants, CBS Entertainment Productions, CBS Productions, CBS Studios
- Production Countries: United States of America
Late Show with David Letterman - Plot
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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Late Show with David Letterman - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- David Letterman
- Paul Shaffer
- Alan Kalter
- Bill Wendell
- Drew Barrymore
- Edd Hall
- Dolly Parton
- Biff Henderson
- Lou Reed
- Rupert Jee
Writers
- David Letterman
Executive Producers
- Eric Stangel
Late Show with David Letterman - FAQs
How many seasons did Late Show with David Letterman have?
Late Show with David Letterman ran for 22 seasons on CBS, from its debut on August 30, 1993, through its finale on May 20, 2015. Over that remarkable run, the show produced 4,252 episodes, making it one of the longest-running late-night programs in television history.
Why did David Letterman end the Late Show in 2015?
David Letterman announced his retirement in April 2014, citing a desire to step away after more than three decades in late-night television. He had hosted NBC's Late Night since 1982 before moving to CBS in 1993, and felt the time had come to leave on his own terms.
Where can you watch Late Show with David Letterman?
Streaming availability for Late Show with David Letterman varies by region. You can check current viewing options, including any subscription or rental platforms carrying the show, via JustWatch, which aggregates streaming availability across major services in your area.
Who were the main cast members of the Late Show?
The show's core ensemble included host David Letterman, musical director Paul Shaffer, announcer Alan Kalter, and stage manager Biff Henderson. Regular contributors and frequent guests included Bill Murray, Jack Hanna, Drew Barrymore, Dolly Parton, and Hello Deli owner Rupert Jee.
What is Late Show with David Letterman about?
Late Show with David Letterman is a CBS late-night talk show blending irreverent comedy, celebrity interviews, and live musical performances. Letterman's signature wit, Top Ten Lists, and unpredictable stunts defined the format, earning the show a place among TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time in 2002.
When did Late Show with David Letterman first air?
Late Show with David Letterman premiered on August 30, 1993, on CBS. The debut followed Letterman's high-profile departure from NBC's Late Night, where he had hosted since 1982. The CBS premiere drew massive ratings and cemented Letterman's status as a defining figure in American late-night television.
Did Late Show with David Letterman win any major awards?
Yes. Late Show with David Letterman earned numerous Emmy Awards over its run, including Outstanding Talk Show and Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series. Letterman himself received multiple Emmy nominations, and the show was recognized by TV Guide as one of the 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time in 2002.
What is the content rating for Late Show with David Letterman?
Late Show with David Letterman carries a TV-PG content rating, indicating that some material may be unsuitable for younger children and that parental guidance is suggested. The rating reflects the show's occasional adult humor and topical comedy, while remaining broadly accessible to general audiences.
More About Late Show with David Letterman
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