Series synopsis
Late Show with David Letterman is an American talk comedy television series that premiered on CBS on August 30, 1993. It ended on May 20, 2015. It stars David Letterman, Paul Shaffer, Bill Wendell and Alan Kalter.
David Letterman uses mature humor to appeal to his audience in this weeknight series, which gets its music from a house band led by Paul Shaffer. Among the show's most-famous segments are the Top Ten List and Stupid Pet Tricks, the latter of which subsequently led to an additional recurring segment called Stupid Human Tricks.
Premise
David Letterman uses mature humor to appeal to his audience in this weeknight series, which gets its music from a house band led by Paul Shaffer. Among the show's most-famous segments are the Top Ten List and Stupid Pet Tricks, the latter of which subsequently led to an additional recurring segment called Stupid Human Tricks.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- David Letterman as Self - Host
- Paul Shaffer as Self -Musical Director
- Bill Wendell as Self - Announcer (voice)
- Alan Kalter as Self - Announcer (voice)
Guest cast
- Emily Blunt as Self
- Scarlett Johansson as Self
- Maggie Gyllenhaal as Self
- Harry Styles as Self
- Louis Tomlinson as Self
- Liam Payne as Self
- Zayn Malik as Self
- Niall Horan as Self
- Prince
- Kirk Johnson
- Rhonda Smith
- Morris Hayes
Episodes
This series spans 20 seasons with 3995 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 219 | August 30, 1993 | August 19, 1994 |
| Season 2 | 220 | August 29, 1994 | August 18, 1995 |
| Season 3 | 210 | September 4, 1995 | August 23, 1996 |
| Season 4 | 213 | September 2, 1996 | August 29, 1997 |
| Season 5 | 203 | September 1, 1997 | August 14, 1998 |
| Season 6 | 213 | August 31, 1998 | August 20, 1999 |
| Season 7 | 196 | September 7, 1999 | August 11, 2000 |
| Season 8 | 197 | August 21, 2000 | August 3, 2001 |
| Season 9 | 208 | August 20, 2001 | August 30, 2002 |
| Season 10 | 187 | September 3, 2002 | August 29, 2003 |
| Season 11 | 189 | September 1, 2003 | August 6, 2004 |
| Season 12 | 193 | August 23, 2004 | August 12, 2005 |
| Season 13 | 197 | August 29, 2005 | August 25, 2006 |
| Season 14 | 199 | August 28, 2006 | August 31, 2007 |
| Season 15 | 168 | September 4, 2007 | August 29, 2008 |
| Season 16 | 200 | September 2, 2008 | August 28, 2009 |
| Season 17 | 245 | August 31, 2009 | December 23, 2010 |
| Season 18 | 181 | January 3, 2011 | December 23, 2011 |
| Season 19 | 178 | January 3, 2012 | December 21, 2012 |
| Season 20 | 179 | January 2, 2013 | December 20, 2013 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Bill Murray, Tom Brokaw, Paul Newman, Billy Joel Tom Brokaw shows up to take back some NBC ""intellectual property;"" Dave shows off the renovated Ed Sullivan Theater and chats with Bill Murray. |
August 30, 1993 |
| 2 |
Robin Williams, John Mellencamp, Jonathan Estrata Dave's worst moment on last night's debut: his fake tooth fell out (the video is repeated several times in slow motion); a four-year-old geography expert and cheese lover names states on a U.S. map. |
August 31, 1993 |
| 3 |
Demi Moore, Bev Tanner, Spin Doctors A very pregnant Demi Moore is given the honor of throwing the first pencil through the backdrop windows of the Late Show. |
September 1, 1993 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Show #0220 | August 29, 1994 |
| 2 | Show #0221 | August 30, 1994 |
| 3 | Show #0222 | August 31, 1994 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Show #0440 Dave grills his new announcer, making him do voiceovers throughout the show (including #1 on the top ten list). |
September 4, 1995 |
| 2 |
Show #0441 Tom Snyder wants everybody to know that he does not hold a grudge with Dave. Meanwhile, Alan Kalter continues to get used to his new surroundings. |
September 5, 1995 |
| 3 |
Show #0442 Charlton Heston plays ""Dave's Boss"" and bullies him mercilessly. Later, Kevin Pollak promotes ""The Usual Suspects."" |
September 6, 1995 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Chuck Norris, Anthony Clark, Jewel Dave gives a ham to an audience member named Bud Perchinski, who later assumes control of one of the cameras. Later, Flea (from Red Hot Chili Peppers) and Jewel Kilcher perform a duet. |
September 2, 1996 |
| 2 | Mira Sorvino, Vincent Perez, Beck | September 3, 1996 |
| 3 | Whoopi Goldberg, Al Franken, Colonel Ron Severson | September 4, 1996 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Terry Bradshaw, Carmen Electra, Eddie Brill Dave shows highlights from the annual Labor Day staff cookout on 53rd Street; Terry Bradshaw and stagehand Corky Ramirez both inexplicably break into song. |
September 1, 1997 |
| 2 |
Steven Seagal, Brittany Starr, Beck Warren is caught watching tennis on TV; Dave harasses teen talk show host John Hall; Beck performs ""Devil's Haircut."" |
September 2, 1997 |
| 3 |
Joan Lunden, Chris Rock, Fiona Apple Viewers at home receive the rare opportunity to see the new audience orientation tape (starring Leonard Tepper). Later, Fiona Apple performs ""Criminal."" |
September 3, 1997 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Jean-Claude Van Damme, Darryl Strawberry, Joe Cocker During a segment comparing President Clinton's vacation to Dave's, a stockbroker comes in for a hug. |
August 31, 1998 |
| 2 |
Beau Bridges, Terrell Davis, Squirrel Nut Zippers Dave points out that the show has undergone budget cuts, which might explain the tiny cue cards Tony's holding. Later, Beau Bridges promotes his new series, ""Maximum Bob."" |
September 1, 1998 |
| 3 |
Terry Bradshaw, Jesse Jackson Dave makes a lenghty rant about ""The Late Shift"" after an audience member asks him for an autograph; Martin Short sings the Top Ten List; Terry Bradshaw makes his predictions for the football season. |
September 2, 1998 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Kevin James, Sheryl Crow Dave rants about the CBS/Viacom merger; Kevin James promotes a new comedy special. |
September 7, 1999 |
| 2 |
Ricki Lake, Kid Rock Dave tries to call Sumner Redstone's office, then persuades Ricki Lake to make a crank call to Oprah. |
September 8, 1999 |
| 3 |
Craig Kilborn, Louise Smith, The Umbilical Brothers Craig Kilborn promotes some talk show that comes on after Dave's. |
September 9, 1999 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Wesley Snipes, Dido Dave shows that he has a bandaged finger, claiming that he got a poison gas sensor alarm at his house over the weekend. He later breaks down, admitting that he cut his finger making potato salad. |
August 21, 2000 |
| 2 |
Jon Favreau, Stone Temple Pilots Dave shows a supposed clip of the Bushes applauding Al Gore's acceptance speech. Later, several of Joe G's customers participate in a game called "Pizza Survivor." |
August 22, 2000 |
| 3 |
Jack Hanna, Wyclef Jean, Survivor Castaways The cast of the original "Survivor" are featured in a special Top Ten list. Later, Dave chats with Jack Hanna. |
August 23, 2000 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Will Ferrell, Tom Dreesen Dave announces that instead of "whatever," from now on he will be saying "wherever"; during a segment called "While We Were Out," the male staff members commemorate a minor design change on the stage by sitting in Dave's chair buck naked; Will Ferrell makes a threating message in song to Barbra Streisand. |
August 20, 2001 |
| 2 | Bob Newhart, Maxwell | August 21, 2001 |
| 3 | National Hollerin' Champions, Julia Stiles, Habib Koite & Bamada | August 22, 2001 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Amanda Peet, Tom Dreesen Dave mentions that a street is being named after Paul in his hometown of Thunder Bay, Ontario. Later, Dave plays ""How Many Guys in Alien Suits Can Fit Into a Coffee Shop?"" |
September 3, 2002 |
| 2 |
Jeff Goldblum, George Miller Dave shows a promo for Al Jazzera's new show ""Afghani Idol;"" Dave calls Paul a half-wit, then apologizes several times; George Miller comments on frozen cryogenics and asks, ""What if the person froze to death?"" |
September 4, 2002 |
| 3 |
Drea de Matteo, Sarah Vowell, The Doves Steph/Monty is on the roof with binoculars, looking for Bon Jovi performing in Times Square. Later, another one of Dave's assistants applies sunscreen on our weary voyeur. |
September 5, 2002 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Al Franken, Grant Paulsen Dave chats with Stephanie about a (supposed) incident that occurred over the weekend; Alan makes a suggestive offer to Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao; Al Franken promotes his new book. |
September 1, 2003 |
| 2 |
Craig Kilborn, Dave Salmoni, Kings of Leon Kings of Leon perform their breakthrough hit, "Molly's Chambers." |
September 2, 2003 |
| 3 |
Gen. Tommy Franks, Rodney Crowell Biff searches for celebrities on the street; recently retired General Tommy Franks looks back at his illustrious military career. |
September 3, 2003 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Jon Cryer, Chris Kentis, Renee Olstead Dave points out that CBS is airng stock footage of a guy wresting an ostrich to compete with NBC's Olympic coverage; director Chris Kentis promotes Open Water; ""Still Standing"" star Renee Olstead performs a scorching rendition of ""Is You Is or Is You Ain't My Baby."" |
August 23, 2004 |
| 2 |
Dennis Leary, Sam Easterson Dave has difficulty explaining to Paul what exactly animal photographer Sam Easterson does; Dave shows another out-of-focus clip from the Olympics; Denis Leary promotes the FX hit drama ""Rescue Me."" |
August 24, 2004 |
| 3 |
Paul Hamm, Josh Hartnett, Nick Cave ""CBS Mailbag"" features Dave getting friendly with U.S. Olympic volleyball stars Kerri Walsh & Misty May (bogus), Alan Kalter's ""You're Busted"" at Ranch 1, and New Jersey going ""Gay Crazy;"" gold medalist Paul Hamm visits. |
August 25, 2004 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Show #2414 | August 29, 2005 |
| 2 | Show #2415 | August 30, 2005 |
| 3 | Show #2416 | August 31, 2005 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Andy Kindler, motocross demo with Travis Pastrana, Baby Gramps Travis Pastrana - Andy Kidler - Baby Gramps |
August 28, 2006 |
| 2 |
Zach Braff, Jeff Brendenburg, The Roots Dave toys around with the new product from Apple Computers, the "I-Stinguisher"; a man in pajamas and a bathrobe asks Dave where he would find some coffee; writer Jeff Bredenberg promotes his book "Five Little Fixes"; The Roots perform "Here I Come." |
August 29, 2006 |
| 3 |
Snoop Dogg, Charlie Hill, OK Go In honor of the show's 13th anniversary, an intern accidentally walks onstage to ask Dave to sign his own greeting card; live from Tracy, California, Ron Patrick drives around in a silver 2000 Volkwagen Bug with a 1,450-horsepower jet engine; Dave tries to interpret Snoop Dogg's "dizzle"-speak; OK Go performed "Here It Goes Again." |
August 30, 2006 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Former President Bill Clinton, Patti Scialfa Former President Bill Clinton plugs his new book and explains why he can't be his wife's running mate; Patti Scialfa performed "A Town Called Heartbreak." |
September 4, 2007 |
| 2 |
Danny DeVito, Larry David, Avril Lavigne Dave apologizes to Sue Hum for a pre-show accident; the show is interrupted by a performance of "Mark Twain Tonight!" starring Johnny Dark; Danny Devito plugs his new restaurant; Larry David (in his very first Late Show appearance) comments on Dave's hair; Avril Lavigne performs "When You're Gone." |
September 5, 2007 |
| 3 |
Jessica Alba, George Saunders, The Manchester Orchestra In the midst of a citywide taxi strike, a cab is seen carrying people on the its roof and front hood; Biff makes a feeble attempt at seeing Jessica Alba in person; George Saunders plugs his new book; Manchester Orchestra (in their network television debut) performs "Wolves at Night." |
September 6, 2007 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Nicolas Cage, Anna Torv, Terrence Howard Nicolas Cage, Anna Torv, and Terrence Howard are the scheduled guests. |
September 2, 2008 |
| 2 |
Dr. Phil McGraw, Tilda Swinton, Tricky Dr. Phil McGraw, Tilda Swinton, and Tricky are the scheduled guests. |
September 3, 2008 |
| 3 |
Robin Williams, Shannen Doherty, Duffy Following the previous night's acceptance speech, Dave admits to underestimating Gov. Sarah Palin; Andy Kindler makes his last report from the GOP convention in Minneapolis; Robin Williams throws in his two cents on the election; Shannen Doherty plugs the new 90210 and describes surviving the Southern California mudslides; Duffy performed "Warwick Avenue." |
September 4, 2008 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Howie Mandel, Dock Diving Dogs, Dirty Projectors Dave makes an unusual offer to Moammar Khadafi; throughout the night, Dock Diving Dogs make a splash out on 53rd Street; Howie Mandel explains the origins of his obsessive-compulsive disorder; The Dirty Projectors performed "Cannibal Resource." |
August 31, 2009 |
| 2 |
Jeremy Piven, Rumer Willis, Black Crowes A message from the Department of Labor; a staffer gives Dave a 16th anniversary t-shirt (courtesy of Dave); Jeremy Piven puts the mercury poisoning rumors to rest; Rumor Willis plugs Sorority Row; The Black Crowes performed "Good Morning, Captain." |
September 1, 2009 |
| 3 | Jason Bateman and White House official Dr. John P. Holdren | September 2, 2009 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brian Williams, Paula Abdul | January 3, 2011 |
| 2 | Tim McGraw, Shaquille O'Neal, Keri Hilson | January 4, 2011 |
| 3 | Jennifer Connelly, Dr. Oz, Justin Townes Earle | January 5, 2011 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Will Arnett, Lisa Lampanelli, Guided by Voices | January 3, 2012 |
| 2 | Brian Williams, WU LYF | January 4, 2012 |
| 3 |
Tina Fey, Jeremy Irvine, Barr Brothers Tina Fey Vandalizes Dave's Car. Jeremy Irvine tells Dave about his quick rise to stardom in "War Horse." |
January 5, 2012 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Kathy Griffin; Chris Pratt; Big Boi Comic Kathy Griffin; from "Zero Dark Thirty", actor Chris Pratt; Big Boi performs. |
January 2, 2013 |
| 2 |
Regis Philbin; Zedd TV personality Regis Philbin; musical guest Zedd. |
January 3, 2013 |
| 3 |
Tracy Morgan; Marv Albert; Everest From "30 Rock", actor Tracy Morgan; sportscaster Marv Albert; musical guests Everest. |
January 4, 2013 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | CBS |
|---|---|
| First aired | August 30, 1993 |
| Last aired | May 20, 2015 |
| Runtime | 63 minutes |
| Status | Ended |
| Schedule | Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday at 23:35:00 |