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.
"Late Show with David Letterman," which premiered in 1993, was a groundbreaking late-night talk show produced by Worldwide Pants and CBS Entertainment Productions in the United States. Hosted by the charismatic and often irreverent David Letterman, the show quickly became a cultural phenomenon, offering a fresh alternative to the traditional late-night format. With its unique blend of humor, celebrity interviews, and quirky segments like "Stupid Pet Tricks" and the "Top Ten List," the show carved out a distinctive niche in the television landscape. Letterman's dry wit and unconventional approach to late-night television set "Late Show" apart from its competitors. His ability to engage with guests in a way that felt both spontaneous and genuine made for memorable and often hilarious interviews. The show's willingness to push boundaries and take risks, such as dropping objects off the roof of the Ed Sullivan Theater, added an element of unpredictability that kept audiences eagerly tuning in night after night. Beyond the entertainment value, "Late Show with David Letterman" also played a significant role in shaping the cultural conversation. The show tackled current events and social issues with a mix of humor and insight, often providing a platform for important discussions. Letterman's monologues and interactions with guests offered a unique perspective on the world, making the show not just a source of laughter but also a reflection of the times. In its 22-year run, "Late Show with David Letterman" left an indelible mark on American television. It not only solidified David Letterman's status as a late-night icon but also influenced a generation of comedians and talk show hosts. The show's innovative format and fearless approach to content continue to be celebrated, ensuring its place in the annals of television history.
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Year1993
Number of episodes4252
Number of seasons22
Episode run time63,60
Status:Ended
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GenresTalkComedy
Production countriesUnited States of America
