Late Show with David Letterman

Late Show with David Letterman is an American late night talk show that blends monologue chatter, celebrity interviews, and offbeat comedy into a nightly ritual. It premiered on CBS in 1993 with David Letterman at the helm and was produced by Worldwide Pants Incorporated in collaboration with CBS Television Studios. The house band, led by Paul Shaffer, keeps the tempo with live music, while Matt Roberts runs the writing room and Alan Kalter delivers the announcer voice. The program quickly established itself as a late night option, boasting strong viewership and a sizable advertising footprint, including about 271 million in 2009. Its schedule and recording rhythm evolved over time, shaping a pace that became a hallmark of the show.

It premiered on August 30, 1993 marking Letterman's return to CBS after the previous run. The series was produced by Worldwide Pants and CBS Television Studios with Letterman hosting, Paul Shaffer guiding the CBS Orchestra, and Matt Roberts leading the writing team.

Over time the Late Show helped shape late night conventions with Letterman's dry delivery, clever monologues, and a mix of interviews and recurring bits that fans still remember. It earned a place on critics lists, including TV Guide's No. 7 ranking on the 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time list in 2002, and it inspired many hosts to experiment with format.

Reception and themes in the show revolve around sharp humor, spontaneous moments, and candid conversations with guests. The format blends topical material with long running bits, giving the program a distinctive pace that kept audiences engaged for years and fostered a loyal fan base who followed the show replay after replay.

The Late Show with David Letterman earned Emmy nominations during its run, underscoring its influence on late-night television writing and performance. These nominations reflect how the show redefined the talk show space and inspired a generation of peers who adopted its mix of humor and candid conversation.