الموسم
الحلقة
خادم المشغّل
Late Show with David Letterman

Late Show with David Letterman

19936
كوميدياحوار
تاريخ الإصدار
30 أغسطس 1993
بلد
الولايات المتحدة
إنتاجات
Worldwide PantsCBS Entertainment ProductionsCBS ProductionsCBS Studios
برنامج ليت شو مع ديفيد ليترمان هو برنامج حواري أمريكي يعرض في وقت متأخر من الليلي يقدمه ديفيد ليترمان على قناة CBS. بدأ العرض في 30 أغسطس 1993، وتم إنتاجه بواسطة شركة إنتاج ليترمان، وورلدوايد بانتس إنكوربوريتد، واستوديوهات تلفزيون CBS. مدير الموسيقى للبرنامج وقائد فرقة الفرقة المنزلية، أوركسترا CBS، هو بول شافر. الكاتب الرئيسي هو مات روبرتس والمذيع هو آلان كالتر. من بين البرامج الليلية الكبرى في الولايات المتحدة، يحتل برنامج ليت شو المرتبة الثانية في متوسط المشاهدين التراكمي مع مرور الوقت، والثالث في عدد الحلقات على مر الزمن. يتصدر البرنامج برامج الليل الأخرى في إيرادات الإعلانات ب 271 مليون دولار في عام 2009. في معظم الأسواق الأمريكية، يعرض البرنامج في الساعة 11:35 مساء بتوقيت الساحل الشرقي/الهادئ، لكنه يسجل من الاثنين إلى الأربعاء الساعة 4:30 مساء، ويوم الخميس الساعة 3:30 مساء و6:00 مساء. عادة ما تعرض الحلقة الثانية يوم الخميس يوم الجمعة من ذلك الأسبوع. في عام 2002، تم تصنيف برنامج ليت شو مع ديفيد ليترمان في المرتبة السابعة ضمن قائمة أفضل 50 برنامج تلفزيوني على الإطلاق من مجلة TV Guide. لدى CBS عقد مع Worldwide Pants لمواصلة العرض حتى عام 2014؛ بحلول ذلك الوقت، سيتجاوز ليترمان جوني كارسون كأطول مقدم برامج حوارية في وقت متأخر من الليل.

About

Quick guide

Late Night talk show hosted by David Letterman on CBS, airing from 1993 to 2015.

Late Show with David Letterman was a staple of American late‑night television for 22 years, premiering on August 30 1993 and concluding on May 20 2015. Hosted by comedian David Letterman, the show combined a sardonic monologue, celebrity interviews, musical performances, and a signature array of comedy sketches. The CBS Orchestra, led by Paul Shaffer, provided live music while the announcer, Alan Kalter, delivered opening credits. Regular segments included the Top Ten List, Stupid Pet Tricks, and the audience‑participation “CBS Mailbag.” The series attracted high‑profile guests ranging from musicians like Madonna to politicians such as Barack Obama, and it earned multiple Emmy Awards for its innovative format.

What to know

  • Debuted on August 30 1993 on CBS.
  • Hosted by David Letterman for 22 seasons.
  • Features a monologue, guest interview, musical act, and comedy segments.
  • House band is the CBS Orchestra, led by Paul Shaffer.
  • Regular segments include Top Ten List, Stupid Pet Tricks, CBS Mailbag.
  • Filmed live in New York’s Ed Sullivan Theater.
  • Final episode aired May 20 2015 with tributes and a farewell Top Ten List.
  • Won 6 Primetime Emmys for Outstanding Variety Series.

Watch if

Enjoy a blend of quick‑witted monologues, heartfelt interviews, and musical performances. The show offers a behind‑the‑scenes look at late‑night production and a roster of iconic guests that spans pop, politics, and comedy.

Skip if

If you prefer light, unscripted content over scripted satire, or you’re not interested in late‑night format nuances, this show may not be the best fit.

light tonefamily friendlydialogue heavypolitical themesmature themesfast paced
Show Overview
Late Show with David Letterman debuted in 1993 on CBS and ran for 22 seasons, ending in 2015. Hosted by Letterman, it combined monologue, celebrity interviews, musical performances, and a range of comedy sketches. The program was filmed live in the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City, with the CBS Orchestra providing live music.
Signature Segments
Regular features included the Top Ten List, where Letterman humorously ranked topics, Stupid Pet Tricks with quirky animals, and the audience‑participation CBS Mailbag. These segments, often filmed on the street or in local venues, added a quirky, off‑the‑wall feel that became a hallmark of the show.
Notable Guests
Over 4,200 episodes, Letterman hosted an array of high-profile guests, from musicians like Madonna and Paul McCartney to politicians such as Barack Obama and John McCain. The show also featured comedians, actors, and sports figures, creating memorable moments that highlighted Letterman’s knack for turning interviews into comedic gold.
Production Details
The show was produced by Worldwide Pants and CBS Television Studios, with Alan Kalter as announcer, Matt Roberts as head writer, and Paul Shaffer leading the CBS Orchestra. Filming took place Monday to Thursday, with the final episode taped in May 2015 before a live audience.
Cultural Impact
Letterman's off‑the‑wall humor and willingness to experiment influenced subsequent late‑night hosts and comedy shows. His trademark Top Ten List became a cultural reference, while the show’s willingness to break the fourth wall set a new standard for audience engagement.
Ratings & Reception
The program consistently ranked second in cumulative average viewers among U.S. late‑night shows, earning a total of 4,214 episodes and generating $271 million in advertising revenue in 2009. Critics praised its innovative format, earning six Primetime Emmys.

FAQ

49 Q&A
Did guests ever offend David Letterman?
Yes, sometimes guests would say or do things that made David Letterman uncomfortable or that he disagreed with.
What was 'Know Your Current Events'?
'Know Your Current Events' was a recurring segment where David Letterman would quiz guests on current news topics, often with humorous results due to their lack of knowledge.
What was 'Stump the Band'?
'Stump the Band' was a game where audience members would give the band, led by Paul Shaffer, a song title, and the band would try to play it.
What was David Letterman's relationship with Johnny Carson?
David Letterman deeply respected Johnny Carson, who hosted 'The Tonight Show' before him. Carson was a mentor and inspiration to Letterman.
What was 'Audience Show and Tell'?
'Audience Show and Tell' was a segment where audience members brought in personal items to show David Letterman and talk about them.
What was 'Small Town News' about?
'Small Town News' was a segment where David Letterman would read amusing and often bizarre headlines from small-town newspapers.
Did David Letterman ever do 'Stupid Pet Tricks' on the Late Show?
Yes, David Letterman brought 'Stupid Pet Tricks' from his NBC show to the 'Late Show' on CBS.
What was the 'CBS Mailbag' segment?
The 'CBS Mailbag' segment involved David Letterman reading and humorously responding to mail sent in by viewers.
Did Johnny Carson write jokes for David Letterman?
No, Johnny Carson did not write jokes for David Letterman. However, Carson was a significant influence on Letterman's comedy style.
What was the significance of Paul Shaffer?
Paul Shaffer was David Letterman's bandleader and sidekick on both 'Late Night' and 'The Late Show.' He was a key part of the show's musical and comedic elements.
Did David Letterman ever offend guests?
Yes, David Letterman was known for his sometimes confrontational and edgy interview style, which could occasionally lead to him offending guests.
What was the 'Top Ten List' about?
The 'Top Ten List' was a popular recurring segment where David Letterman would present a countdown of humorous or absurd lists.
What was the 'Big Ass Ham' gift?
The 'Big Ass Ham' was a humorous, oversized ham that was given away as a prize on the show, becoming a memorable gag.
What was David Letterman's favorite recurring sketch?
It's difficult to definitively state David Letterman's single favorite recurring sketch, but 'Stupid Pet Tricks,' the 'Top Ten List,' and various bits involving Paul Shaffer were highly popular and long-running.
Who was the announcer for the Late Show with David Letterman?
The announcer for the 'Late Show with David Letterman' was Bill Wendell for its first few years, followed by Alan Kalter.
Who was Stephanie Birkitt on the show?
Stephanie Birkitt was a production assistant and later a correspondent on the show, often involved in sketches and on-location segments.
What was the deal with the 'Old Turkey Buzzard' sound effect?
The 'Old Turkey Buzzard' sound effect was a recurring gag used humorously at unexpected moments during the show.
How did David Letterman's interview style change over the years?
David Letterman's interview style evolved from a more confrontational and deliberately awkward approach to a more conversational and at times more empathetic tone, especially later in his career.
When did the Late Show with David Letterman start?
'The Late Show with David Letterman' premiered on August 30, 1993.
What was the name of David Letterman's house band?
The name of David Letterman's house band was the CBS Orchestra, led by Paul Shaffer.
Did David Letterman ever ask guests about monkeys?
Yes, David Letterman famously had a recurring bit where he would ask guests if they had ever been attacked by monkeys, often with absurd results.
Did David Letterman have any running gags?
Yes, David Letterman had many running gags, including the 'Top Ten List,' 'Stupid Pet Tricks,' the 'CBS Mailbag,' and numerous bits involving his staff and crew.
Where was the Late Show filmed?
'The Late Show with David Letterman' was filmed at the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City.
What was the 'Campaign 2000' segment?
'Campaign 2000' was a satirical segment where David Letterman and his staff humorously commented on and mocked the presidential election campaigns.
Did Joe McCain ever call in?
Yes, Joe McCain, John McCain's son, did call into the show during the 'Campaign 2000' segment.
What was the Elian Gonzalez story about?
The Elian Gonzalez story was about a young Cuban boy found floating at sea. His mother died on the trip. His Miami relatives wanted him to stay in the U.S., but his father in Cuba wanted him back. It became a big political issue.
Did guests know the questions David Letterman would ask?
Guests did not know the specific questions David Letterman would ask. The show aimed for spontaneous and surprising interviews.
Who was Joe Halderman?
Joe Halderman was a producer for the Late Show with David Letterman. He was involved in a blackmail plot against David Letterman.
Did Norm Macdonald get emotional on the final show?
Norm Macdonald did not appear on the final show. He was famously fired from Weekend Update before the final show.
What are some memorable moments from the show?
Memorable moments include stunts like dropping things from the roof, the Top Ten List, and interviews with celebrities and unexpected guests.
What was the outcome of the blackmail case?
The outcome of the blackmail case was that Joe Halderman pleaded guilty to attempted grand larceny and was sentenced to jail time and probation.
What was David Letterman's final monologue about?
David Letterman's final monologue was a mix of humor and reflection on his career and the show. He thanked his staff, family, and viewers.
What was the funniest moment in the show's history?
The show had many funny moments, and 'funniest' is subjective. Stunts and recurring bits like the Top Ten List were often highlights.
What was the plot of the 2009 blackmail case?
The plot of the 2009 blackmail case involved Joe Halderman trying to extort money from David Letterman by threatening to reveal details about affairs Letterman had with female employees.
How did the blackmail case affect the show?
David Letterman addressed the blackmail case directly on his show, turning a personal crisis into a public discussion that some found brave and others found calculated.
Did David Letterman ever appear on Jimmy Fallon's show?
Yes, David Letterman appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. He also had Fallon on his own show multiple times.
Is the Late Show with David Letterman scripted?
The Late Show with David Letterman was not fully scripted. While there were planned segments and jokes, the interviews aimed for genuine reactions and spontaneity.
What was the joke about David Letterman's son Harry?
Jokes about David Letterman's son Harry often involved his childhood and Letterman's experiences as a father. Harry even made occasional appearances on the show.
Who did the writers want for the final musical performance?
The writers reportedly wanted a surprise musical guest for the final show, but no specific name has been widely confirmed as the top choice.
What happened to Worldwide Pants Inc. after the show ended?
Worldwide Pants Inc., David Letterman's production company, continued to produce television shows after the Late Show ended.
Who were some of David Letterman's favorite guests?
Some of David Letterman's favorite guests included comedians, actors, and musicians he had a good rapport with. He often had repeat guests he enjoyed interviewing.
Did David Letterman have affairs with employees?
David Letterman admitted on his show to having sexual relationships with female employees. This was revealed during the 2009 blackmail case.
What was the final 'Top Ten List' on the show?
The final 'Top Ten List' on the show was 'The Top Ten Things I've Been Meaning to Say.' It was a humorous reflection on his time as host.
Did Rob Burnett continue as CEO of Worldwide Pants?
Rob Burnett continued as CEO of Worldwide Pants Inc. after the Late Show with David Letterman ended, overseeing the company's other productions.
What was the movie 'The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving'?
The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving is a movie released in 2016. It stars Paul Rudd and is based on a memoir about a caregiver.
What was the 'Colbert Questionert'?
The 'Colbert Questionert' was a segment on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, where he answered a series of personal questions. It was not part of David Letterman's show.
Who were the guests on David Letterman's final show?
The guests on David Letterman's final show were Bill Murray, who appeared in his first-ever Top Ten List, and comedian Julia Louis-Dreyfus. President Barack Obama also appeared via a taped segment.
Did David Letterman have a feud with Jay Leno?
David Letterman and Jay Leno had a well-documented rivalry. Their competition for the late-night audience was a major story in television for years.
What was David Letterman's opinion of CBS?
David Letterman generally had a positive opinion of CBS, the network that aired his Late Show for 22 years. He often joked with network executives but seemed to have a good working relationship.

الممثلون

David Letterman
David Letterman
Self - Host
Paul Shaffer
Paul Shaffer
Self -Musical Director
Alan Kalter
Self - Announcer (voice)