Lettterman? Well... I'm more in line with Cher's assessment.
6
Late night shows are teetering on irrelevance. I only view clips from links sent to me by friends. In fact that's how nearly everyone I know watches any TV programs. Perhaps in the sleepy suburbs it's still a ritual to sack out on the couch each night. Sounds comfy. I will say, David Letterman, (Jay Leno too) was both a homophobe and perpetuated the idea of straight men being dumb and driven by sex. His comments, questions and jokes whenever he had a male movie star who played a gay character, were disgusting, insensitive and embarrassing in his immaturity about male sexuality. There was only one thing better to his quitting, if he had never started.
2
Stephen Colbert: Are you listening?
4
What I remember about David Letterman is when he commented on Sara Palin's young teenage daughter as 'knocked up'. Big, tough, man David Letterman... using his public position to pick on a 14 year old girl. This is unforgivable.
I will not miss David Letterman.
I will not miss David Letterman.
3
I loved Jack Paar; I didn't think anyone could replace him. And Carson didn't really replace him, but he built his own style of show and made it highly successful. I was a fan of Letterman when he was Carson's follow-up show, and had no problem switching to CBS to continue watching him--Leno was never my kind of comic. I'll miss Letterman enormously. But I do love Colbert--again, not a replacement, but someone who can reinvent late night and bring in a sharp new style. (But I still hope Dave comes to visit sometimes.)
12
This is an eloquent tribute to a TV performer who was anomalously genuine (and what comic timing!) and had personal integrity (Seth Myers' smiling obsequiousness makes be blush). But how can you discuss Letterman's career without mentioning Paul Shaffer?
6
Sure Letterman is a talented host. However, has no one remembered his sexual conduct with interns/staffers. While there was never any official criminal misconduct, Letterman's behavior seems dubious at best, and more than likely sexist and unethical. The "king" of late night undoubtedly held massive sway over his "staffers," and likely used that influence to influence to obtain sexual favors from women that were sometimes decades younger than him. The media seems to have complete amnesia over this. Do we need a Bill Cosby moment? I'm not saying any were drugged, but it appears Letterman's legacy will not be held accountable for it.
3
The problem with David Letterman's retirement isn't that he is retiring. After 33 of delivering top quality late night entertainment, he deserves time to relax and go on vacation! No, the problem is that NO ONE will even come close to replacing him. Viewers tire quickly of antics. In contrast, Mr. Zoglin accurately points out Letterman’s gift by observing: “He didn’t want a performance; he wanted people.” Amen. Could not have said it better myself. Enjoy yourself, Dave. You will be sorely missed by this viewer. After May 20th I’ll be nodding off at 11:30
pm …
pm …
6
Give Colbert a chance. He's very different from Letterman, but he's brilliant.
11
Oy, please. So-called talk-shows and talk-show hosts exist to promote something or someone for the financial benefit of the promotee or to generate some phony "controversy" or who knows what other idiocy in order to gain viewers. Those viewers in turn are of value to advertisers who have some product or service that the advertisers want to sell to the viewers, even though the viewers have no use for what they buy. All talk-show host, including Mr. Letterman are utterly forgettable individuals who are vastly overcompensated for their role, which in essence consists of blathering on about nothing for an hour or so a few times a week.
7
Over time Dave got better and better at the interview, the ones he has had with Presidents Obama and Clinton were excellent. I have no desire to watch the juvenile Fallon, cannot do a monologe to save his life. Maybe I will try Cordon but the audience screams all the time. No, I will miss David Letterman to my bones, love him and Paul and I have my daily Letterman cry and man, I wish he wasn't going. I will be lost after 11:35 without him. No one can ever take his place. He was the best.
11
To be truly humorous,among other things, one need to be versed with the history of things, mastery of the life one lives in.Also, the ability to get along with all sorts of people. One need to be well read too.All of the above prepares one to be articulate and deliver a point with remarks in few words.All of the above qualities were manifested in Mr.Letterman's delivery.One doesn't need to be necessarily vulgar to be effectively humorous and in fact the gentle maturely delivered ones help more in lightning things up, ease tension and enlighten us about life.Given that this is the time when we are witnessing a lot of man made cruelties and several natural calamity induced ones the kind of humor that used to flow from Dave's shows, after the end of the night, serve as a counter weight to all sorts of unpleasantness we were being exposed to.It is over 8 yrs since I moved here from US and after that I had access to his tape delayed shows for a couple of yrs and no more after that.His is a tough act to follow and as you mentioned his mature, funny delivery and eloquence, if one can, is worth emulating.TMD, mainly, a Math Disciple.
2
This is dead-on, thank you. I'll miss Letterman even though I watched only sporadically. He interacted in a low-key, attentive, quick-witted way that brought the best out of his guests. It was conversation. Now it's all entertainment and that can get boring.
17
PBS scissored together a show made of old Dick Cavett ABC late night footage from the late sixties and early seventies. It was one of four show PBS ran a week or two ago to capture the end of the Vietnam War 40s years ago. It was called Dick Cavett's Vietnam. Cavett seized on the Vietnam War back then. In one clip Dick asks Woody Allen whether he watched Bob Hope's recent Xmas special taped in Vietnam. Woody shot back that he was too busy himself entertaining American deserters in Canada. It got a big laugh. But years later, Woody repeatedly made remarks saluting Hope's perfect timing and showbiz acumen. A recent book about Hope was written by the author of this piece. Reading it recently and discovering Hope's very humble beginnings and his struggle to the top, I regained my lost former respect for him. Hope understood show business better than any of his contemporaries. He was a giant, the likes of which will not be seen again.
2
I liked Jack Paar best. Cavett was good, but not that good. The rest are all showbiz schtick. I noticed the Dave Letterman post Today show brief stint, was a cut above. I can't recall much about his post-Carson show. But I thought his cbs show was a dog from the start, starting with Paul Schaffer, who isn't the least bit funny. The top ten list was a one time trifle that Letterman turned into a boring crutch. I never once found the top ten list worth hearing. When ABC moved Nightline out of the 11:35 EST timeslot, where, incidentally, it often beat ALL the other talk shows in ratings., when ABC did that, Letterman fell to the very pinnacle he deserved: dead last in the ratings. Even Jimmy Kimmel could beat him. Which points to a fundamental flaw in the ointment that emerged over time. Jack Paar and Johnny were for grown-ups, but NBC first and the other nets eventually discovered 18-34 was the power demo that brought in the biggest bucks. Next we find all three networks trying to push string uphill: old men on young audiences. Johnny and Dave became old men in the midst of all this, Jay Leno seemed old the instant he took over Tonight. The talk show is really already dead, dying in daytime too, as we speak.
3
Why no mention of Jay Leno?
I recall seeing David Letterman interviewing Chaz Bono regarding his gender transition. It was a difficult topic to address, yet he made it informative, respectful, and somehow humorous. This week Howard Stern was on and was acting his crazy usual self. Letterman sat calmly at the desk and handled him like a master. If this were Jimmy Fallon, he'd have played cards with Chaz Bono and taken a pie to the face and probably played beer pong with Howard Stern.
I probably sound like an old man lamenting the changing of the guard, but I'll miss Mr. Letterman's humor and ability to steer a conversation with a finesse rarely seen.
I probably sound like an old man lamenting the changing of the guard, but I'll miss Mr. Letterman's humor and ability to steer a conversation with a finesse rarely seen.
30
I have watched David since his earliest shows, even the Mary Tyler Moore variety mess, which makes him feel like a friend. He's my late night star of choice. But how could the writer ignore Jimmy Kimmel's efforts? He's kind, intelligent, a little crazy and does not gush over his guests as Fallon does--the main reason I skip JF. Haven't had time to read other comments but hope others have mentioned overlooking Kimmel's show.
3
I agree with this assessment but go a bit further. I remember the interesting guests on Jack Paar's show. Few of them were publicizing anything. They were there to talk, and they rarely disappointed. The art of conversation was on full display.
When Johnny Carson moved to California, the Tonight Show became less interesting. Carson was a master comedian and his monologues were always worth watching, but he featured too many Hollywood celebrities, many of whom knew little more than the details of their own careers. With Jay Leno, it became even worse.
David Letterman, though stuck with the publicizing obligation, reminds me most of what I enjoyed with Jack Paar. And his audiences are old enough to be discriminating. They don't go "Wooooo" at every mention of a celebrity. He will be missed.
When Johnny Carson moved to California, the Tonight Show became less interesting. Carson was a master comedian and his monologues were always worth watching, but he featured too many Hollywood celebrities, many of whom knew little more than the details of their own careers. With Jay Leno, it became even worse.
David Letterman, though stuck with the publicizing obligation, reminds me most of what I enjoyed with Jack Paar. And his audiences are old enough to be discriminating. They don't go "Wooooo" at every mention of a celebrity. He will be missed.
2
Late night has turned into the Mickey Mouse Club. The Tonight Show, Corden's show - its all so Simon Cowell, Nigel Lythgoe. It's Vegas. And, its too bad. But, is any other kind of talk show possible in the digital age? After al, talk is analog.
2
I dislike almost all talk shows. Almost never watch any. I'd rather watch a good old film. I always feel I'm being cheated by people just ad-libing without anything prepared. Why should I consider them such superior beings that I want to hear about how they mowed their lawn, in a one-sided conversation I can't take part in. But there are/were exceptions: I often watched bits & pieces of Letterman for many of the reasons given in this editorial & in these comments. Cavett was another one. If the people are acting more or less real, they are interesting, knowledgeable people, & the conversation is informative or genuinely laughably funny, it's okay.
3
I'll miss Dave the same way most of us miss anything that's going away after a long run: it's another slice of our youth disappearing into the mist. I loved Dave's Late Night show in the '80s, enjoyed the first few years of his 11:30 show, and then pretty much tuned it out for most of the last two decades. Nothing against Dave, but it all seemed a little warmed over after awhile. The fresh and memorable bits were few and far between. He seemed to mail it in a lot. But yeah, I'm going to miss Dave, because he made me laugh and kept me company when I was a young man. He was always there when I came staggering in after midnight, and those days are long long gone.
6
It was once observed, that while Leno won the ratimgs ( which only started to happen after the "TONIGHT" show booked Hugh Grant, after a sordid incident that made news) it was Letterman who won the accolades.
TV viewers, regardless of demographic, are astute enough to undestand nothing they watch can totally remain the same; late night TV is no exception. What Steve Allen started, Jack Paar, Johnny Carson, Jay Leno (and for that matter, Joey Bishop, Dick Cavett and even Arsenio Hall; as well as Merv Griffin and Conan O'Brien, for a time) made into their own. And, when Stephen Colbert takes over for Dave, he will be devoid of his faux-conservative pundit personnae; unlike the two Jimmy's (Fallon & Kimmel) who have retained their fratboy personnaes largely intact, and in Fallon's case, has all but turned the venerable NBC late night franchise into an erstwhile "SNL Lite."
Which leads me to conclude, the more things change, the more they stagnate.
TV viewers, regardless of demographic, are astute enough to undestand nothing they watch can totally remain the same; late night TV is no exception. What Steve Allen started, Jack Paar, Johnny Carson, Jay Leno (and for that matter, Joey Bishop, Dick Cavett and even Arsenio Hall; as well as Merv Griffin and Conan O'Brien, for a time) made into their own. And, when Stephen Colbert takes over for Dave, he will be devoid of his faux-conservative pundit personnae; unlike the two Jimmy's (Fallon & Kimmel) who have retained their fratboy personnaes largely intact, and in Fallon's case, has all but turned the venerable NBC late night franchise into an erstwhile "SNL Lite."
Which leads me to conclude, the more things change, the more they stagnate.
4
The one interview I will never forget was the one Mr. Letterman did with Dan Rather on Sept 12, 2001. When Mr. Rather broke down, Mr. Letterman said, "It's OK, you cry." And he went to commercial. Thank You Mr. Letterman for being a class act.
16
Letterman's best heir was on the air for the last 10 years but I guess never gained a wide enough audience. Craig Ferguson was incredibly funny talking about just about anything. He could talk to a guest intelligently and was always entertaining and inventive, never mawkish. Like Letterman, he was smart and quick, and never took himself too seriously.
The article's comparing Jimmy Fallon to Merv Griffin in the 'gush' department is why I stopped watching him. He's very talented and funny, but the sugar shock is just too much.
The article's comparing Jimmy Fallon to Merv Griffin in the 'gush' department is why I stopped watching him. He's very talented and funny, but the sugar shock is just too much.
13
Agree that Craig Ferguson was terrific--for the first five or six years, when he had bits like "Michael Caine in Space" and interviews with odd friends like Steven Wright. His monologues on the deaths of his father and then his mother were classics, both heartbreaking and funny. I even read his novel, "Between the Bridge and the River," which is pretty darn good. Unfortunately, the show deteriorated to a superficial chat routine about male body parts and silly robot jokes, and I found I needed my sleep more. Whether it was a burnout situation or the higher-ups wanting more spicy stuff, the show was sliding fast when it ended.
5
Fawning isn't left only to the networks. Charlie Rose is the king of softballs.
15
It's all bubblegum now. But you know Time magazine 2015 isn't Time magazine 1965 either. The nighttime talk shows are too late for me anyway, I'm asleep by then. Just do miss the top ten though.
3
But it took Dave about 15 years to learn how to interview people. At first, he was horrible. Then he and his staff decided that Dave trying to be serious and learn something didn't work, so they went with the motto "if you learned something from a Dave interview, it was a failure." That did work well, was entertaining, but Dave finally figured out how to do an interview that was entertaining and you could learn something. The youngsters might figure that out in 15 or so years too. But none of them will ever be as good an interviewer as Johnny.
2
An absolutely worthless & forgettable character, stunning for delivering a yawner of a program completely lacking interest aside from the short stints of performance by guests. A bell ringing sense of, "how did this guy ever get this job" & "this cannot possibly be all they mean to offer here" struck me every time I watched it. Completely taking advantage of a captive audience to run one long boring advert. If it was funny, the joke was on the viewer.
2
I never connected with Letterman’s humor and only tuned in on occasion many years ago. Within that small sample of viewings though, I recall him being extremely rude to a couple of his guests, and for no apparent reason. Does anyone else remember it that way? Within the course of an interview my recollection is he would suddenly become completely disinterested and simply run through the rest of his questions in a perfunctory manner (even staring down at the cue cards in his hands and flipping them one by one until the “interview” ended). I’m not sure if that was something that abated in the years since I last watched, but after witnessing it on a couple of occasions I never tuned in again, even in passing.
3
Like Carson, David Letterman has become one of those essential elements of every household. It is so natural, so regular, so solid, it's assumed he will always be around like a favorite blanket or a dependable tool. His leaving will not leave an impact until he is actually off the air. We'll look around, tear the place apart, and then realize, sadly, he's gone. His necessary invisibility - until needed - has been part of American life for over 30 years. I hope he has a wonderful retirement, and that he knows he is always welcome to read America a bedtime story - no matter how wacky it may be.
4
My mom was a night shift RN, and in 1982 she told me of this great show she'd sometimes caught pieces of at her nurse's station: "He fires a little old lady on on the air." (can't find clip). Went and saw the show, watched through college, you know the story.
And I am proud to say that a good friend wrote the letter that got Flunky the Clown character going.
I doubt in 30 years the media will be celebrating Jimmy Fallon's decades of Lip Sync Battles, his crowd-sourced Tweet memes or his newsmaker interviews.
What is astonishing is how forthright he was exposing himself to ridicule and shame by admitting his affair and blackmail on the air and apologizing to his staff and his wife for it. Tom Brady, PAY ATTENTION! A MAN IS SPEAKING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlBzi3GWWRg
And I am proud to say that a good friend wrote the letter that got Flunky the Clown character going.
I doubt in 30 years the media will be celebrating Jimmy Fallon's decades of Lip Sync Battles, his crowd-sourced Tweet memes or his newsmaker interviews.
What is astonishing is how forthright he was exposing himself to ridicule and shame by admitting his affair and blackmail on the air and apologizing to his staff and his wife for it. Tom Brady, PAY ATTENTION! A MAN IS SPEAKING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlBzi3GWWRg
3
He was good initially, but I don't think he was ever the same after his heart incident. He seemed a bit off and a bit slower after that.
In my book, he's not Carson.
In my book, he's not Carson.
He sure didn't cut thru when Brian Williams was on. It was all wow gee whiz. I didn't like letterman much. The top 10 lists were funny. But Carson was the best, by far.
1
Funk and Wagnals would describe " comedian" as someone who makes you laugh. Davis Letterman does a far bit more than that. He gets you to think about what you are laughing at and the humor deepens. With his exiting from the stage in this age of the U Tubing Twitterers, we are likely to see the vastness of the TV wasteland increase.
2
You hit the nail on the head. Perfect analysis.
1
The problem with the current crop of late night hosts is that they aren't advancing the art form. Jack Parr and Steve Allen virtually invented it, Johnny Carson perfected it and David Letterman deconstructed it. It would be difficult to say that what Mr. Fallon does builds upon that legacy in any substantial way. He appears to have rejected the art entirely and replaced it with a celebrity kindergarten-game show hybrid. Mr. Meyers show more promise but hasn't yet found his voice. Mr. Kimmel does a nice Letterman homage and Mr. Corden is just too unfocused as of yet. Unfortunately, there's no one out there who seems interested in continuing the real late night standard.
2
.
.
I was surprised by a couple of key omissions from this very interesting piece:
1. No mention at all of Craig Ferguson, who really DOES know how to talk to people (seemingly) -- of his style, of his contribution to the late-night network mix, of his closing remarks about his career plans.
2. No discussion of substance abuse, and the role it may have played in the comedy of Carson, Letterman, Ferguson; and more particularly, the fact that Letterman and Ferguson were both sober the entire time Americans "knew" them.
.
I was surprised by a couple of key omissions from this very interesting piece:
1. No mention at all of Craig Ferguson, who really DOES know how to talk to people (seemingly) -- of his style, of his contribution to the late-night network mix, of his closing remarks about his career plans.
2. No discussion of substance abuse, and the role it may have played in the comedy of Carson, Letterman, Ferguson; and more particularly, the fact that Letterman and Ferguson were both sober the entire time Americans "knew" them.
5
Some very good points made. I don't often stay up late enough to watch anymore, so my observations are from earlier in his career. Letterman always seemed genuine and unpredictable on stage. He didn't fawn over celebrity, was clever in different ways than his predecessors, and never took himself too seriously. He wasn't for everyone, which was fine. While it's somewhat sad to know he's retiring, we know he's earned it. He gave us his best for a long time, and for that I'm genuinely thankful.
3
Spot on!
Letterman, compared to most of today's popular late night hosts, is in a league of his own. Genuine, passionate and engaged.
Many hosts today are at times entertaining but make no attempt to be authentic, appear informed or "cut through the phoniness". If I want to watch a bunch of pointless, silly skits I'll watch Youtube.
Letterman, compared to most of today's popular late night hosts, is in a league of his own. Genuine, passionate and engaged.
Many hosts today are at times entertaining but make no attempt to be authentic, appear informed or "cut through the phoniness". If I want to watch a bunch of pointless, silly skits I'll watch Youtube.
2
If only Mr. Letterman had been able "to walk the walk" and contain his over-sized libido, he may have been worth listening to.
2
David Letter man not only knew how to talk, he knew how to listen. He didn't talk down to his audience and worked under the assumption that grown ups were watching TV at that hour. He asked interesting questions when he had politicians the like in the guest chair, and seemed to have an easy way with most (certainly not all) of his actor quests. Oddly, while he took few risks, his guests took bigger ones with him...see Drew Barrymore.
I've been watching Letterman since the days of Mrs. Marv Mendenhall.
I will probably watch Colbert because he's a smart and funny human being. But I will miss Letterman. End of the Johnny Carson School of Late Night TV.
http://wifelyperson.blogspot.com/
I've been watching Letterman since the days of Mrs. Marv Mendenhall.
I will probably watch Colbert because he's a smart and funny human being. But I will miss Letterman. End of the Johnny Carson School of Late Night TV.
http://wifelyperson.blogspot.com/
3
What I will miss most is Letterman's dedication to doing his job well, not needing to be loved like the new guys. Comedy timing has gone by the wayside with the newbies. Just keep the jokes/skits coming and maybe something will stick. Who needs timing in comedy? (I'm showing my age, but I'll gladly retire to Montana with Dave and his family.)
2
Dave's monologue when he finally came back on the air after 9/11 should make anyone's Top 10 List for great TV commentary.
33
Steam-rolling ugly spice racks, splayed against walls in velcro suits, driving dogs, combined with skewering those in power deserving of it and leading the most interesting (funny, touching, intelligent) conversations on late night. I've given the newcomers ample tries, but always go back to Letterman. He's consistently led the field after Johnny Carson's retirement. Well done, Dave.
12
I will certainly miss Dave, he has wit, he is good at interviews, intelligent conversation and excellent rapport with all his guests. This new wave of "entertainers" on the late shows, do not appeal to me, they are silly, showing off a host that does not let the guest speak at all. The good old times of Carson, Dave, and Jay, will never come back. Miss you all.
5
I hadn't given it a lot of thought . . . but there is an authenticity to Letterman that just isn't there with Fallon, et al. Prodded by this piece and now thinking about it, Letterman and Jimmy Kimmel create an ease and a style that is comfortable - I don't have to work at it, I just enjoy them.
11
As an introvert in a public occupation and blessed/cursed with the short sleep gene, I managed my mental health for years by staying up two hours after everyone else in the family went to bed. That made me part of the reliable audience for late night TV. After Johnny Carson's retirement, I shifted most of my watching to Letterman. I will miss him. What I appreciate about Mr. Zoglin's comments here is that he explains to me nicely why I enjoyed Carson and Letterman and can't watch the alternatives. Being able to watch intelligent people--or at least one--in conversation at the end of the day was a pleasure and often informative. I have hopes for Stephen Colbert, but am skeptical. Thank God I know how to read.
9
I love Fallon at first but his fat jokes and age jokes got real old real fast - it's like he never left his SAE frat house.
We can only hope that Stephen Cobert wil bring some honesty and intelligence to late night, if we really must say goodbye to Dave.
We can only hope that Stephen Cobert wil bring some honesty and intelligence to late night, if we really must say goodbye to Dave.
13
Thanks for writing this piece. I came to the same conclusion when I first started watching Fallon when Letterman was on commercial break. I was shocked at what Fallon was doing & even more shocked that the American audience liked this. I actually developed an impersonation of Fallon that I did for some friends and relatives. I would do a lot of hand movements, bending forward & covering my eyes with both hands & just randomly saying the words - that's awesome, fantastic, that's cool, dude you are the best, I cant believe it, etc. The guy is incapable of having an adult conversation - a perpetual teenager.
For me Carson was the best with Letterman & then Conan & then Kimmel - too bad about Conan. I anxiously wait for Colbert & I hope he picks up the torch & not do another "Beat the Clock" show for those who remember.
For me Carson was the best with Letterman & then Conan & then Kimmel - too bad about Conan. I anxiously wait for Colbert & I hope he picks up the torch & not do another "Beat the Clock" show for those who remember.
13
I think the declining education levels, maturity and courtesy of the country why people like Fallon are so popular. I agree that I can only take 5 minutes or so of him.
6
Yes! you crystallized the exact reason why I find the Tonight Show so annoying. Everyone is always so "on." One thing Mr. Letterman always had was that undercurrent of snarky negativity. I loved it.
I was a college student in the early 80s, and I can still remember our freshman dorm floor congregated around the TV set watching Letterman every night.
I was a college student in the early 80s, and I can still remember our freshman dorm floor congregated around the TV set watching Letterman every night.
7
He has always been immaterial and unwatchable. After Johnny left the air there was no one left to view. TV is still dead; I don't think the new guy will revive the show. Oh, I forgot, today's audience is oblivious to wit and humor (as well as great bands).
2
Immaterial? Unwatchable? Categorically absurd. No one requires that you like the man, but the esteemed regard in which he is held far and wide is irrefutable. There's a reason every publication in the country is running a piece (or many) on his retirement. He is an icon and your disdain lessens that fact not one iota.
2
Here, here Richard Zoglin for your spot-on appraisal of Letterman's gifts on late night! I would only add that I will sorely miss Paul Shaffer and the CBS Orchestra--although maybe they can do a national tour now? I also confess that the Letterman show's mostly laid back style could help me fall asleep on nights when I needed some background not-quite-white-noise comfort sound. I sure hope that Dave teams up with Jack Hanna and other friends such as Martin Short for some solid classic entertainment specials!!
4
I miss Carson and Cavett! And the intelligent conversation they would often have with interesting, intelligent guests. Letterman has wit but often came off as silly or snide. The current crop? soporific, frenetic - to me, unwatchable.
15
I seem to remember confetti catching fire on the stage during the closing of Dave's last daytime show and Dave standing there with a gleeful smile at the absurdity of it. It may be a false memory, but it still to me epitomizes his appeal.
No one else comes close.
No one else comes close.
6
I have the exact same memory. It was in the daytime of the summer of '81. I've wondered over the years if it really did happen. Thanks for confirming. We couldn't both be crazy. It was great. The very next channel over had Dinah Shore air-kissing Ricardo Montalban. Dave couldn't have been more different from all of his contemporaries, and somehow still - even after losing his fastball (he hasn't gone through a drive-through in years) - stands out from the new, in, crowd.
1
Dave has is rough edges, including sometimes going over the edge with his goofiness, but that was a small part of the whole package - the whole package being a class act and a unique talent. He is the elder statesman on late night. Fallon and Kimmel should observe a moment of silence on May 20th. And how could we forget Dave's post 9-11 show? Still brings out the emotions just thinking about it. I think history will show that Carson will now have to share his throne will Letterman.
19
The sub-rosa message here is what we Americans don't want to admit: we just want to be passively entertained, and it doesn't make what the genre (film, TV, sports, politics, news). Don't ask us to think critically or discern between competing ideas or evaluate moral/ethical choices. We Americans feel we have a constitutional right to be stupid and complacent.
Fallon always appeals to our moronic side (fine as a segment, but the entire show, every night?) What would he say to Trump or O'Reilly or either Clinton or a Ted Cruz? Is he capable of a deep thought? He certainly shows no inclination. And that's precisely what's wrong with what he represents: the dumbing down of America. Forget improving schools or making government function better when the population just doesn't care to even think anymore. If Lettermen loses to Fallon, 40-60 respectively, what hope is there for a Charlie Rose (PBS version) or even a Rachel Maddow.
Maybe Steven Colbert will save us from ourselves!
Fallon always appeals to our moronic side (fine as a segment, but the entire show, every night?) What would he say to Trump or O'Reilly or either Clinton or a Ted Cruz? Is he capable of a deep thought? He certainly shows no inclination. And that's precisely what's wrong with what he represents: the dumbing down of America. Forget improving schools or making government function better when the population just doesn't care to even think anymore. If Lettermen loses to Fallon, 40-60 respectively, what hope is there for a Charlie Rose (PBS version) or even a Rachel Maddow.
Maybe Steven Colbert will save us from ourselves!
41
Sub-rosa message? Dumbing down of America? Our moronic side? Ratings do not tell the whole story.
The on-going existence of the Charlie Rose program says good things about us as a country. We watch it in smaller numbers than the Super Bowl, but we watch it. It is not designed to appeal top all.
The New York Times' continuing presence in our daily lives says equally rosy things about our culture and our bright potential and future. Do we need everyone to read it for it to affect our lives deeply?
Fallon's humor does not lack edges. He throws elbows. He subverts the medium and makes fun of the powerful. Humor is subversive and we are subversive when we watch it, be it Fallon or his competitors, or Louie or Orange is the New Black.
Do you really need everyone to agree with you and like what you like? Does everyone need to watch Rachel Maddow to signal good things to you about where we are in our culture or for you to retain your optimism?
In a plurality, people liking what they like and watching what they watch is good. Rachel Maddow and Dave Letterman and Emma Stone lip synching with Fallon all have a deep affect on our culture and I think it is an absolute good: if you need everyone to watch what you watch, it must be a very frustrating world you've designed.
The on-going existence of the Charlie Rose program says good things about us as a country. We watch it in smaller numbers than the Super Bowl, but we watch it. It is not designed to appeal top all.
The New York Times' continuing presence in our daily lives says equally rosy things about our culture and our bright potential and future. Do we need everyone to read it for it to affect our lives deeply?
Fallon's humor does not lack edges. He throws elbows. He subverts the medium and makes fun of the powerful. Humor is subversive and we are subversive when we watch it, be it Fallon or his competitors, or Louie or Orange is the New Black.
Do you really need everyone to agree with you and like what you like? Does everyone need to watch Rachel Maddow to signal good things to you about where we are in our culture or for you to retain your optimism?
In a plurality, people liking what they like and watching what they watch is good. Rachel Maddow and Dave Letterman and Emma Stone lip synching with Fallon all have a deep affect on our culture and I think it is an absolute good: if you need everyone to watch what you watch, it must be a very frustrating world you've designed.
I've been watching late night talk shows since early 70s. I've seen them all except for Allen and Paar.
I think Letterman is the perfect balance of funny and intelligent. A brilliant Carson protege
He took Carson's model and advanced it. Even Cavett would find his interviews worthy of this genre (it's not suppose to be a Charlie Rose type interview). And is his creative humor was magnificent.
He was flat and terrible and times. But who isn't, especially performing 5 days a week. He seems to me a tortured genius, never satisfied; hope he will come to appreciate his accomplishment
Here's hoping that Colbert follows the Carson model and is half as good a student as Letterman
I think Letterman is the perfect balance of funny and intelligent. A brilliant Carson protege
He took Carson's model and advanced it. Even Cavett would find his interviews worthy of this genre (it's not suppose to be a Charlie Rose type interview). And is his creative humor was magnificent.
He was flat and terrible and times. But who isn't, especially performing 5 days a week. He seems to me a tortured genius, never satisfied; hope he will come to appreciate his accomplishment
Here's hoping that Colbert follows the Carson model and is half as good a student as Letterman
2
The willingness to to book unheard of musicians, comedians, and promote his neighbors that worked in the delis right on up to full on show-stopping Broadway performances, that stuff is just fantastic and David Letterman always treated all of these people as special as he did the visits top tier celebrities, stadiums rock bands and even various POTUS.
But behind all of this balance, behind all of the dedication to produce over 6000 shows, behind his intelligence and compassion, the most important thing to remember is what made his career work, that guy David Letterman is truly a very funny guy! He made me laugh the past 33 years!
But behind all of this balance, behind all of the dedication to produce over 6000 shows, behind his intelligence and compassion, the most important thing to remember is what made his career work, that guy David Letterman is truly a very funny guy! He made me laugh the past 33 years!
25
I used to love watching Late Night. It was fresh, funny, and wacky. Then, over time, I tuned out. Letterman became unapologetically partisan and mean-spirited. His harassment of his young interns made matters worse.
We have enough angry, extreme left-wing commentators and journalists on the air. Unfortunately, CBS is replacing one political scold with another.
I want Jay Leno back.
We have enough angry, extreme left-wing commentators and journalists on the air. Unfortunately, CBS is replacing one political scold with another.
I want Jay Leno back.
3
This is what passes for discourse these days. There are no "extreme left-wing commentators and journalists" working anywhere today. Not one. Those who have lurched so far to the right now consider centrist positions to be "extreme." We have a lot to learn.
13
He's in a class by himself-a true genius. I'll miss him.
6
Jimmy Fallon recently did something I thought was impossible. He had the Monty Python group on his show and he made them boring.
And not only did Dave listen, he knew what to say in response and not just some inane remark (I loved it when after the comedian Kathy Griffen bragged on the show that she had a much younger boyfriend, Dave asked if he was an archeologist.) The great thing about Dave is that he came up with funny things that most of us wouldn't even think of. I remember him on his appearances with Johnny Carson long before he got his own show and even then he was different from virtually all the other comedians on the show.
He will be very much missed.
And not only did Dave listen, he knew what to say in response and not just some inane remark (I loved it when after the comedian Kathy Griffen bragged on the show that she had a much younger boyfriend, Dave asked if he was an archeologist.) The great thing about Dave is that he came up with funny things that most of us wouldn't even think of. I remember him on his appearances with Johnny Carson long before he got his own show and even then he was different from virtually all the other comedians on the show.
He will be very much missed.
43
The Monty Python crew have been pretty boring of late. That is no falut of Fallon's. Spam-a-lot was pretty bad. Eric Idle hasn't been funny in decades. Terry Gilliam's glorious subversive film career petered out 15 or 20 years ago. They tour once in a while to sweep up cash and go on a talk show to promote that and its quite tedious. The Times interviewed them last time around I think and it was a dull as dull can be as well.
We have to honor our aging comics (Letterman and Cleese and Crystal and all of them) and let go of the idea that they still can get the job done all the time. We can be wistful and grateful, but we can't expect Dave to keep up with the Jimmys anymore.
They don't all retain that energy: Chevy and Ackroyd and Martin Short and Eddie Murphy all lost most of what they had. The Python guys are excruciating to watch now: their insights or occasional outbursts of silliness is better suited now for Charlie Rose.
Someone like Fallon has to slow the whole show down and lob them easy ones and it gets sad quickly.
We have to honor our aging comics (Letterman and Cleese and Crystal and all of them) and let go of the idea that they still can get the job done all the time. We can be wistful and grateful, but we can't expect Dave to keep up with the Jimmys anymore.
They don't all retain that energy: Chevy and Ackroyd and Martin Short and Eddie Murphy all lost most of what they had. The Python guys are excruciating to watch now: their insights or occasional outbursts of silliness is better suited now for Charlie Rose.
Someone like Fallon has to slow the whole show down and lob them easy ones and it gets sad quickly.
Your Dave Lettermans and Steve Allens are a rare form of talk show hosts indeed ! Underneath their silliness lies intelligence and integrity. A touch of Charlie Rose with some silliness thrown in. Wishing Dave only the best...but he will be missed. Hoping to see him now and then on an interview.
14
So true about Jimmy Fallon. He is his own best guest. Often, he doesn't even give his guest a chance to talk, because Jimmy never shuts up. He finds himself hilarious. Fallon gushes over his guests so much that it's embarrassing.
I always loved Letterman's sense of humor. He didn't gush, he just acted like a grown-up. He did get grouchy with some people, but usually because they were nitwits, and Letterman doesn't suffer fools. I'll certainly miss him.
I always loved Letterman's sense of humor. He didn't gush, he just acted like a grown-up. He did get grouchy with some people, but usually because they were nitwits, and Letterman doesn't suffer fools. I'll certainly miss him.
55
I grew up in Indianapolis - Dave Letterman was the weather forecaster on WLW-I channel 13 in the early 1970s. When he made the big time, he never forgot his roots; and Dave's mom was always as interesting an interview as any Hollywood star. Lately though, I can't watch the endless parade of celebrities and his inane questions about their kids and vacations. It isn't worth staying up to hear that drivel, so after the Top 10 List; it's lights out. I hope Colbert breathes some life into the show.
5
I've got a feeling that is why Dave retired. If he could have had endless shows with guests like Nathan Lane or Martin Short, he might have stayed till they carried him out.
3
Since this is the opinion page, my opinion is that vast numbers of people have been spending too much time watching mediocrity on television when they could be: watching a classic movie, reading a good book, practicing the violin, having sex, or sleeping. Talking about who is better amongst these various cats is splitting hairs on a bald man.
21
By the same way of thinking, we should only show Shakespeare plays on Broadway as clearly no writer has written anything as good since then. And we should close down the publishing industry as not one of the books on the bestseller list come close to books written by Dickens, Tolstoy, or Trollope.
5
I have mixed feelings about Letterman. I did not start to watch him until he came to CBS. I have enjoyed him but I have always thought he was a bit overrated. It has seemed that in the last few he has been mailing it in. I have always believed that in a head to head matchup, Jay Leno was a far better comedian.
2
I'm retiring watching the late shows along with David Letterman. I started with Johnny Carson years ago when we lived in Chicago on Central time. It wasn't too late for someone who had to be up at a hospital by 7:00 a.m.
Letterman was interesting, never annoying! The new guys are just silly and it annoys me so I'm going to bed earlier.
Letterman was interesting, never annoying! The new guys are just silly and it annoys me so I'm going to bed earlier.
7
Looking forward to more fresh faces on YouTube, or elsewhere online.
The canned routines from NYC and LA are too stale and predictable.
Although I will miss Jon Stewart.
The canned routines from NYC and LA are too stale and predictable.
Although I will miss Jon Stewart.
5
My favorite Letterman moment involved Mr. T in his 80s heyday. Mr. T was on to promote his appearance in a wrestling match which he was taking quite seriously. Dave kept jabbing away at this to the audience's amusement till T said "you know, I could get hurt in there!" Lettterman paused for a few seconds and then replied "so I guess we're not going fishing, huh?"
3
I think Dave has the same genuine interest in speaking with Rupert Jee from the deli around the corner as he does with any Hollywood star. His interviews don't have the canned and fawning insider quality that Fallon and Kimmel have on their shows. Letterman's outsider approach allowed for more spontaneous moments, and certainly added to his appeal.
10
I've got nothing against either of the Jimmys....but for me, both are best taken in small doses. I could watch Dave and Jon Stewart forever, but I'm afraid we are now forever mired in "short attention span theater".
21
Can't picture Fallon EVER interviewing anyone with gravitas...George W. Bush? Bill O'Reilly, John McCain, President Obama ...and doing with the seriousness, intelligence, or depth of Letterman. Can't picture Fallon or Kimmel handling the first show after a "9-11" with the sensitivity and depth of feeling that Letterman did. It just won't happen with them. I am holding out hope that Colbert will be a replacement for both Letterman and Stewart - he certainly has the intelligence, he is always well informed, and he is connected enough to our world to make his interviews relevant. Time and experience...aging...will hopefully also give him that ethereal "Daveness" that makes Dave seem like he is one of us all. We will miss Dave and Jon in our family and I fear the country will miss them more than it realizes.
18
Dave, you are a great comedian. Thanks so much for making me laugh!
5
Thank you for a very thoughtful, insightful piece. Part of David Letterman's charm, all the way back to the days when he had the morning show, was his belief that he was working in an in an absurd industry, located in a corporate structure that had become, for it and the nation, oppressive; he exposed them by mocking them. Like Jon Stewart, he tugged at the curtain from the inside, artfully crossing the line between insider and outsider to reveal the illusions, lies, and absurdities of the world we inhabit. Some despised them for questioning the status quo, others chastised them for being too much on the inside (sellouts, even), but it was from that space that they were able to reach a broader audience. It seemed like Letterman's politics became more pointed over the years as he became increasingly fed up with what they were doing to the country that he grew up in and loved. In doing so, he spoke to the growing frustrations and disbelief of many of us, and he will be sorely missed. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you, Stephen Colbert.
19
I agree that Letterman is really the only one on right now that gives a good interview - as you point out "he asked real questions and actually listened to the answers". As much as I like Jon Stewart and his Daily Show - he is a terrible interviewer that elicits virtually nothing of interest from his guests. I have high hopes for Dave's replacement though. Stephen Colbert is a quick wit, who also displays a genuine curiosity and amusement with his guests. I think he is the perfect replacement.
12
Very good points. I love Letterman for the same reasons, and while I get a vicarious thrill watching Stewart's rants, his interviews are lackluster.
I am so intrigued by the personna Mr. Colbert will bring to the show. Who is he, anyway? His Colbert Report character is so ingrained in my perception, I can't imagine him any other way.
Looking forward to more late-night TV. I love to laugh before bed.
I am so intrigued by the personna Mr. Colbert will bring to the show. Who is he, anyway? His Colbert Report character is so ingrained in my perception, I can't imagine him any other way.
Looking forward to more late-night TV. I love to laugh before bed.
7
Here's hoping that the "real" Stephen Colbert is as incisive an interviewer as Dave. But for a host who can charm his guests into really opening up and who is unsurpassed at cutting through artifice - we still have Howard Stern.
4
I share Mr. Zoglin's admiration for David Letterman but I think there's room for more than one style in late night talk. I loved Dave's monologues and I agree with Zoglin's analysis of his interviewing skills. These will be sorely missed. But weren't sketches like "Will It Float" "performance" segments? To me, most of those were not nearly as funny as the Jimmy Fallon segments that Zoglin mentioned. Yes, Jimmy is a little too fawning toward his guests, but we sure do smile and laugh a lot during his show.
I hope Letterman follows Seinfeld's lead and takes up something like Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee. Maybe he could do Comedians in Funny Pants Playing Golf. I'd watch that.
3
Really good piece and all true. I love David's complete honesty and humility when he was caught in embarrassing situations such as his back stage affairs not the norm, and his love for his son is truly genuine. His gentle understated humor is the best sleeping pill with mostly few side affects.
5
Adios, Dave. You were terrific late night entertainment. You leave a huge vacuum behind you and one fondly hopes that Colbert will continue with the kind of entertainment which appeals to reasonably intelligent people. Alas, without this hope, the offerings after the local news is over with get pretty darned skimpy.
7
Excellent analysis (though I think Letterman's monologues are often lacking). You did not mention Seth Meyer, who follows Fallon - I think he has the potential to walk in the Carson/Letterman footprints. And one can hope that Colbert will take heed & will not be just a silly entertainer, talented though he is.
2
Unless it is to illustrate how much more talented and professional Johnny Carson was than Letterman, Carson’s name should not even be mentioned when discussing Letterman. I still believe Letterman was occasionally refreshing and funny early in his career. Somewhere along the way he stopped being funny and interesting. At a time in our life when everything on the news is so depressing, one of the few bright moments was hearing that Letterman is finally retiring. I look forward to learning if Stephen Colbert will make his mark on late night. Letterman is a truly mean-spirited, nasty person to those guests he does not like. He has also abused his access to the television audience to espouse his own political views, a tactic that has become too prevalent among the Hollywood Rock star 1%ers crowd, most of whom are sadly uninformed. I have to say I do not know anyone in my circle of friends, relatives and business associates that have respect or appreciation for Letterman. I find it rather sad that a number of journalists are making feeble attempts to catapult Letterman’s place in entertainment to a level far above his achievements. It is an insult to the great ones that were truly remarkable. Good riddance!
5
Let me guess - your circle of friends, relatives and business associates are conservatives who are over age 50 i.e. the Fox News crowd? Your comments as well as your geographical comments suggest that may be the case. I think it safe to say that the majority of the rest of us will be sad to see him go.
2
Other than the passing of time...the passing of my own youth...I find little to lament in Letterman's farewell. Once an avid and dedicated viewer, I have, in recent years, had a hard time watching the man, his jokes and his style fade into irrelevance.
Or is it only I -- the same age as Letterman -- and my generation that has faded into irrelevance?
Or is it only I -- the same age as Letterman -- and my generation that has faded into irrelevance?
3
Your are correct sir.
Aging Baby Boomer
Aging Baby Boomer
1
While I think Fallon has his place for people who want a lighter mood before going to bed, I can't help but hear Dave's voice say "Dance, Monkey. Dance." at a majority of his bits. The two men are apples and oranges.
There is an honesty to Letterman that is nowhere else to be found. He loves talent and humor and it is that very reason he can barely get through some of his own jokes without the "let's just get through these mediocre jokes and see what comes next" vibe. I feel his writers aged faster than he did and he loyally kept them on. Dave himself is sharp and that is why the interviews were the best part; no one else had a hand in what he said. Last night was the perfect example:
Julia Roberts: “... I think stupid people annoy you.” (She was spot on)
Letterman: “Well, that explains my problem with self-loathing."
It's that annoyance with stupidity and deep respect for the earnest that never let him deliver a lame joke with fake exuberance, but it let him be incredibly kind and warm to the everyday person who took time to teach their pet a ridiculous trick, to the young bird caller or scientist.
Stephen Colbert, dropping the persona, seems to be of the same ilk. If he so chooses, he has the ability to bring some depth to late night that isn't going to be there once Dave leaves. And by the way, I never knew I could happily listen to Paul Shaffer tell stories (sans videos) for hours.
There is an honesty to Letterman that is nowhere else to be found. He loves talent and humor and it is that very reason he can barely get through some of his own jokes without the "let's just get through these mediocre jokes and see what comes next" vibe. I feel his writers aged faster than he did and he loyally kept them on. Dave himself is sharp and that is why the interviews were the best part; no one else had a hand in what he said. Last night was the perfect example:
Julia Roberts: “... I think stupid people annoy you.” (She was spot on)
Letterman: “Well, that explains my problem with self-loathing."
It's that annoyance with stupidity and deep respect for the earnest that never let him deliver a lame joke with fake exuberance, but it let him be incredibly kind and warm to the everyday person who took time to teach their pet a ridiculous trick, to the young bird caller or scientist.
Stephen Colbert, dropping the persona, seems to be of the same ilk. If he so chooses, he has the ability to bring some depth to late night that isn't going to be there once Dave leaves. And by the way, I never knew I could happily listen to Paul Shaffer tell stories (sans videos) for hours.
31
Letterman has always outclassed his competition but his show became more and more conventional over the years. I missed the supporting sharacters (Sirajul and Mujibur, the late Calvert de Forrest, et al) and the crazy little dadaist stunts like "How Many Easter Bunnies Can You Get into a Starbucks," "The Strong Man, the Fat Man and the Genius" and "Can we See your Photos Please?" Once he restricted himself to the usual monologue- and-interview format his show became far less interesting (the nightly Top Ten notwithstanding).
4
I don't miss those bits as much as I do his interactions with real people on the show which used to occur much more frequently (although it appears he does it off camera with the audience). What differentiated him from his competitors was that he usually came up with something funny that most of us wouldn't even think of.
1
It took me about 2 mos. to grow tired of Fallon's juvenile slumber party.He is NOT serving up a Talk show,more a fawning mutual admiration klatch with infantile games he engages in with celebrities.I gladly returned to Letterman where I can actually LEARN something from a smart, seasoned,self deprecating gentleman.Mr. letterman is the last of his kind and will be sorely missed by many,especially me who except for the 2 mos. NOT scenic detour to Fallon ,have watched him devotedly for 33 years.Please write a loooong book to get me over the painful withdrawal of your absence at 11:30
7
This is art and no 2 hosts are the same. The comparisons are interesting in that some take an easier road than others, but if they make you chuckle, and keep you watching they have achieved their less than lofty goals. After all it's just a little bit of amusement at the end of the day.
1
He needed to retire.
His best years were behind him and his "jokes" were not funny.
In recent years he got big laughs out of the studio audience by alluding in his monologue to an audience member who had -- during the pre-show warm-up -- said something or other to Dave. As Dave did this the camera zoomed in on that person and she (or he) and the rest of the studio audience laughed hysterically.
That's when I'd flip to another channel to watch someone (anyone!) who knew their job was to entertain the millions watching on television, not the couple-of-hundred in the studio.
Enjoy your retirement, Dave.
His best years were behind him and his "jokes" were not funny.
In recent years he got big laughs out of the studio audience by alluding in his monologue to an audience member who had -- during the pre-show warm-up -- said something or other to Dave. As Dave did this the camera zoomed in on that person and she (or he) and the rest of the studio audience laughed hysterically.
That's when I'd flip to another channel to watch someone (anyone!) who knew their job was to entertain the millions watching on television, not the couple-of-hundred in the studio.
Enjoy your retirement, Dave.
3
The headline of this article says a lot. Letterman does his homework and has good questions - and candid sparring - with his guests. Jimmy Fallon doesn't know how to interview or talk with anyone. He's actually a toady who seems to suck up to his guests rather than get a good conversation going with them. And his leftover skits skills from his SNL days are nowhere near as original or funny as Dave's off-the-wall antics. We don't know yet what Stephen Colbert will do, but we do know that Dave's retirement is indeed the end of a great era.
8
What is interesting is how some of Letterman's more ridiculous bits nevertheless seem to somehow take on actual cultural relevance. Like his bit from a few years ago "Is That Anything?" where he and Paul would review some brief gimmick by asking if it was actually anything at all. My wife and I still say that when we see movie previews, online videos, and even, alas, news reports.
12
Felt his attitude a bit condescending to viewers , great interviewer. He couldn't hold Steve Allens briefcase of original work . What did Dave have 3-5 writers?
1
Steve Allen essentially created the late night show so virtually everything he did was original. He, Letterman, and Ernie Kovacs are the only true comic geniuses ever to come out of American TV.
2
What is most telling for me is how much Dave is seeking knowledge on how to raise his son Harry--now eleven.
Even with Bill Clinton his main topic was Charlotte, Chelsea's 7 month old baby. He is constantly relating his time with Harry. Dave described reading to his son every night then cuddling him and singing...Dave said he knew two songs. Then one night he asked Harry''"Which song shall I sing?" "No song."
Dave has met the one person who completely amazes him--his son. He used to be able to sarcastically put anyone down who believed their own pomposity such as O'Reilly...but with his son he is seeing someone very real. A human being he loves deeply and who loves him back without reservation.
His humor and put downs have always allowed him to separate himself from people which angered his guests. Last night he asked Julia Roberts... "Everyone says that I was very critical of people...why do you think I acted that way?" You could tell he was hurt...just now at the end looking back and asking "Why did I treat people so badly?"
It's too bad that Harry didn't come along much sooner. But I am happy for Dave for this introspection. I hope he just gets closer and closer to the best thing he has been a part of. Bonding with his son.
You also see that with Jon Stewart. His bonding and fascination with his children. Ya can't fool children. They see right through you and find what is best in you. And they love you unconditionally. Good for both Dave and Jon.
Even with Bill Clinton his main topic was Charlotte, Chelsea's 7 month old baby. He is constantly relating his time with Harry. Dave described reading to his son every night then cuddling him and singing...Dave said he knew two songs. Then one night he asked Harry''"Which song shall I sing?" "No song."
Dave has met the one person who completely amazes him--his son. He used to be able to sarcastically put anyone down who believed their own pomposity such as O'Reilly...but with his son he is seeing someone very real. A human being he loves deeply and who loves him back without reservation.
His humor and put downs have always allowed him to separate himself from people which angered his guests. Last night he asked Julia Roberts... "Everyone says that I was very critical of people...why do you think I acted that way?" You could tell he was hurt...just now at the end looking back and asking "Why did I treat people so badly?"
It's too bad that Harry didn't come along much sooner. But I am happy for Dave for this introspection. I hope he just gets closer and closer to the best thing he has been a part of. Bonding with his son.
You also see that with Jon Stewart. His bonding and fascination with his children. Ya can't fool children. They see right through you and find what is best in you. And they love you unconditionally. Good for both Dave and Jon.
16
Thank you, David Letterman, for so many great years. We'll miss you. I hope you start turning up in random places with Bill Murray.
16
Dear Mr. Zoglin,
Thank you for your most accurate critic of David Letterman. My Wife have followed him since he went on CBS. Before he was favorite of our Children when he was on the Late Late show on NBC, in fact, our children put us on to Letterman.He always put us to sleep with a smile on our faces. He will certainly be missed in our home.God Speed Mr. Letterman, & may you continue to bring good cheer into the lives of the millions who love you.
Thank you for your most accurate critic of David Letterman. My Wife have followed him since he went on CBS. Before he was favorite of our Children when he was on the Late Late show on NBC, in fact, our children put us on to Letterman.He always put us to sleep with a smile on our faces. He will certainly be missed in our home.God Speed Mr. Letterman, & may you continue to bring good cheer into the lives of the millions who love you.
9
Mr. Letterman's impending retirement has made him newsworthy for a short time. Pieces like this one that explore the genre of late night TV give the appearance of relevance of what happens on your local network after the news. I work in a professional setting with a wide variety of adults in different age groups - no one ever talks about late night shows, with the exception of the Daily Show. Millions may watch Letterman, Fallon and Kimmel but they don't seem to make a lasting impression.
10
It is now difficult to talk about the late shows in a professional setting because it is then clear you are up late watching tv when a reasonable person is sleeping.
it is also possible that you have never tipped them off that they can comfortably talk to you about the joys of late night tv. People at my work place ended up watching Jimmy Fallon lip synch contests together during a lunch one day on a classroom smart board when a meeting ended early. We'd all seen them already. We all laughed in amazement.
It is clear that certain people can spot an opinionated person at work and avoid discussing anything that might set them off. At my job five or six of us delight in Obama and Clinton discussions quietly at odd moments, and laugh at the idiocy of republicans routinely too. But we don't do this near the people who'd be anti-Hillary or pro-republican: why bother.
These things all make an impression with many of us, but not so that we would speak of outside our niches.
No one talks about football or happy hour with me because they know I won't be interested.
You may be experiencing the same phenomena.
it is also possible that you have never tipped them off that they can comfortably talk to you about the joys of late night tv. People at my work place ended up watching Jimmy Fallon lip synch contests together during a lunch one day on a classroom smart board when a meeting ended early. We'd all seen them already. We all laughed in amazement.
It is clear that certain people can spot an opinionated person at work and avoid discussing anything that might set them off. At my job five or six of us delight in Obama and Clinton discussions quietly at odd moments, and laugh at the idiocy of republicans routinely too. But we don't do this near the people who'd be anti-Hillary or pro-republican: why bother.
These things all make an impression with many of us, but not so that we would speak of outside our niches.
No one talks about football or happy hour with me because they know I won't be interested.
You may be experiencing the same phenomena.
1
"gopher1," David Letterman did not do as much political satire as say Jon Stewart and Stephen Colber[t[. But, David's cynical approach to humor and general honesty concerning his take on life left a lasting ambiance for our nation since his NBC show which was followed by CBS for a total of 33 years. He, using his own style spoke much truth to power.
In short, David Letterman served as the all around MAD Magazine via the medium of TV for a third of a century ... often skewing all of humanity including himself. Life made little sense and he told this to all of us.
In short, David Letterman served as the all around MAD Magazine via the medium of TV for a third of a century ... often skewing all of humanity including himself. Life made little sense and he told this to all of us.
2
David Letterman, the gold standard? I should really watch more television, I would be so much more with it.
2
Letterman's rapier wit was often overshadowed by the goofy schtick that appealed to a broader audience. He's an American institution and Colbert, as good as he is, has big shoes to fill.
3
It's worth noting that according to Bill Carter, the former Times reporter, Leno essentially gave up all wit at the request of NBC in order to appear to a broader audience. He was never as good as Letterman but he was much funnier when he used to do standup than he ever was on his show.
2
It has been a thrill to watch David Letterman for all these years, though I find it harder and harder to stay up to watch him given my increasing age and an ever-earlier alarm clock for work. The bits he does are amazing and I never tire of them.
I remember when his show was relatively new and he was unknown to many of us. I was a college student in Binghamton, NY and we were disappointed that the local NBC affiliate signed off the air directly after Johnny Carson's Tonight Show. We wanted to see Letterman and we got the national anthem followed by a test pattern!
I remember when his show was relatively new and he was unknown to many of us. I was a college student in Binghamton, NY and we were disappointed that the local NBC affiliate signed off the air directly after Johnny Carson's Tonight Show. We wanted to see Letterman and we got the national anthem followed by a test pattern!
3
I'm sorry; I'm as old as Letterman, and I find him incredibly boring, grouchy and sometimes just plain mean. I only watch his show when there's a guest I really want to see. Jimmy Fallon is actually there trying (and generally succeeding) to entertain me and I appreciate him for it.
6
A little over the top in admiration of Dave.
Often he was just a purveyor of snide adolescent humor.
Later he learned to interview in a semi-serious way.
He was often aided by the willingness of leading lovely actresses to banter with him; they were often more interested than Dave.
Colbert may well bring a higher level of intelligent humor. It's too early to mourn.
Often he was just a purveyor of snide adolescent humor.
Later he learned to interview in a semi-serious way.
He was often aided by the willingness of leading lovely actresses to banter with him; they were often more interested than Dave.
Colbert may well bring a higher level of intelligent humor. It's too early to mourn.
1
When it comes to "late night" entertainment, Johnnie was King and Letterman gets my vote for first runner up. But "spontaneous, genuine, unrehearsed conversation" hasn't gone from TV, it is actually thriving at an earlier time-slot: if Charlie Rose could only do stand-up!
1
Perhaps the reason Fallon and other new talk show hosts resort to scripted routines is because the people they interview are inherently not very interesting. They are mostly actors -- their job is to pretend to be people who are interesting. That does not necessarily mean they are interesting people themselves. A better way to ensure a lively conversation is to invite guests who have expressed innovative, thought-provoking ideas as their genuine selves, and have a discussion with them.
7
One of the few good things about Dave's closing weeks is that he has jettisoned all those interviews in the second spot with uninteresting actresses and actors who were on to sell something. You could tell Dave wished he was somewhere else during them.
1
Completely agree with the essay. But it's hard to blame Fallon for delivering what people want to see. Success in show business these days means mainstream. And today's mainstream audience was raised n reality TV and 30-second YouTube clips.
1
Just a note, I believe Dave was in on the J. Phoenix performance, it was a stunt and Dave had his lines ready.
1
I was a NBC page back in the mid 80's, when Letterman was on the 6th floor. He was a Maverick, and yet I see the same traits in Fallon and Kimmel.
Best memory was witnessing Eddie Murphy and his entourage arrive for the show. He is a movie star through and through. And also Michael J. Fox, Pre-Parkinson's. Best.Job.Ever. I love Dave, and will miss him!
Best memory was witnessing Eddie Murphy and his entourage arrive for the show. He is a movie star through and through. And also Michael J. Fox, Pre-Parkinson's. Best.Job.Ever. I love Dave, and will miss him!
3
As we say- "some people talk because they have something to say, and some because they have to say something"
4
I never really got Letterman. Found him to be an awkward interviewer, very egotistical and hammy. His chair sits much higher than that of his guests, so as to lord over them, the sign of an insecure person. Then again, I didn't watch his, or any late night show, very often. I heeded the advice of Andy Rooney: "Resist the temptation to stay up and watch late night TV. You're better off going to bed."
5
I am the end-user. It's about what entertains me and what I'll allow to capture my interest and consume my time. Slapstick just ain't it. It was Johnny Carson and Jay Leno that knew what it took. When they left, I did too.
1
Bring on Chelsea Handler!
1
I never much cared for Letterman's interviews, but, as a result, I didn't watch him a great deal. He squandered his guests, in my opinion. All he ever asked them about were their children and their holiday plans. Boring. A part of Letterman fears and despises the abnormal (or the avant garde or the cosmopolitan or the bohemian or the European or the beatnik or whatever you want to call it) and that part led him far too often to limit his conversation to quotidian Americana.
2
In comparison to the new generation of show host, well yes Mr. Letterman is a better "talker" and better at drawing out his guests into the personal.
Remember, tho, that Letterman himself was never half as good an interviewer as his predecessors (Carson, Cavett, etc.) and seemed almost permanently ill at ease with straight conversation.
Perhaps the larger trend over several generations of talk shows and show hosts - is the downward curve towards pandering. Over the years these shows have become dumber, because their audiences have become younger and smaller in size. The shows are scrounging for the last scraps of a once-adult genre in a death spiral.
Remember, tho, that Letterman himself was never half as good an interviewer as his predecessors (Carson, Cavett, etc.) and seemed almost permanently ill at ease with straight conversation.
Perhaps the larger trend over several generations of talk shows and show hosts - is the downward curve towards pandering. Over the years these shows have become dumber, because their audiences have become younger and smaller in size. The shows are scrounging for the last scraps of a once-adult genre in a death spiral.
6
Thanks for this observation. Carson could be funny, with quick repartee, and yet a more sincerely curious and interested interviewer. Cavett, after all, came up as a comedy writer, but did first rate interviews the likes of which Dave has rarely ever approached.
I Know My Cuts of Beef now, Mr. Letterman. Thank you.
Trying to remember when I last watched a late night talk show.... hmmm... oh, yeah; Johnny Carson was wearing a plaid jacket.
Re: Jimmy Fallon, "no space on his show for anything authentic."
The very reason it is unwatchable. And is slow-jamming the news funny? Really?
The very reason it is unwatchable. And is slow-jamming the news funny? Really?
8
Don't understand why these pieces always seem to try to force readers to pick a side. Letterman was the man - always enjoyed him. Sad to see him go. Fallon's terrific - he's a huge fan of show business. Enjoy him too! Different guys, different styles. As a viewer, I feel lucky to experience the transitions.
24
Exactly.
I think the point here is to distinguish how one form is superior to the other. The author is using Fallon to illustrate that the era of the interview is over. Skit comedy, which has its place, is now becoming the long form of what was once an entirely different show. Fallon is fine, but his humor is not dry; whereas Letterman's is and his story is intertwined with Fallon and Leno. It was a contest of the sage grumpy dry humor vs. silly and sappy. People felt strongly, particularly after the Tonight Show went to Leno. Pick a side; its the American way.
When Dave started in the early 80s he was not a very good at celebrity interviews, but he obviously worked very hard to improve. Now there is no one (with the possible exception of Kimmel) who can talk to guests without fawning and hyperventilating. Jimmy Fallon is terrible at monologues and lousy with interviews. Perhaps in a few years he will develop these essential skills to have a successful late night talk show.
We will miss you Dave!
We will miss you Dave!
4
Well, we are glad Oprah and Dave Letterman seemed to patch up.
You have to admit - they are two that both know how to "talk" and that fact will go down in talk show history.
You have to admit - they are two that both know how to "talk" and that fact will go down in talk show history.
2
Conan O'Brien is the true heir to the Letterman crown of groundbreaking late night comedy but by the time he rose to the "Tonight" show, NBC couldn't risk innovation or at least the lower ratings Letterman was allowed at CBS. Hence, Fallon. As safe and bland as Leno, just younger.
1
Dave Letterman has been the gold standard since Johnny Carson retired. I watched Jay Leno's first Tonight Show waiting for a hoped-for, long-winded tribute and thanks to his predecessor. It never came. We were immersed in the Leno era by ignoring the Carson era — cold turkey. Over the years Leno turned to hurtful snark during the monologues using the latest locker room, frat-boy, R-rated bombast that would appeal to the 18-34 male. Not Dave Letterman.
Luckily, Dave Letterman was there to continue the traditions of Carson's insights and respect for audience ears, just in case the kids stayed up late with mom and dad. Yes, Dave got caught in a tryst with a crew member but with his public apologies to his family, colleagues and his audience, he recovered, and so did we. Dave, we discovered, was fallible but human enough to make things right.
The downside to late night talk for me has simply been "age" — mine. The closer I inched up to 70 years old, the harder it became to stay awake for Letterman. I usually made it as far as the monologue before my eyes slammed shut. Fortunately, there were those occasions when I could catch most of the show.
BTW, if you can catch Dave in an episode of Jerry Seinfeld's "Comedians Going for Coffee in Cars," it is a must see. Google it and enjoy the ride.
Aaaaahhhh, the memories ...
Luckily, Dave Letterman was there to continue the traditions of Carson's insights and respect for audience ears, just in case the kids stayed up late with mom and dad. Yes, Dave got caught in a tryst with a crew member but with his public apologies to his family, colleagues and his audience, he recovered, and so did we. Dave, we discovered, was fallible but human enough to make things right.
The downside to late night talk for me has simply been "age" — mine. The closer I inched up to 70 years old, the harder it became to stay awake for Letterman. I usually made it as far as the monologue before my eyes slammed shut. Fortunately, there were those occasions when I could catch most of the show.
BTW, if you can catch Dave in an episode of Jerry Seinfeld's "Comedians Going for Coffee in Cars," it is a must see. Google it and enjoy the ride.
Aaaaahhhh, the memories ...
18
This piece is delusional. For one thing, Letterman is a terrible interviewer. Look at the Clinton interview the other night. Before Clinton came on, Letterman and Shaffer told a story about how a Clinton staffer asked Shaffer, "Do you work here?" Did Letterman even ask him about that? No. Letterman barely asked anything about Hillary, either.
All the guests on the show are pre-interviewed. There's almost no spontaneity. And as for the Joaquin Phoenix appearance, that was completely staged. The only people being played were the viewers.
All the guests on the show are pre-interviewed. There's almost no spontaneity. And as for the Joaquin Phoenix appearance, that was completely staged. The only people being played were the viewers.
2
What so many of us love about David Letterman is that his most edgy side is subversive. He can get away with a few punches landed in the right place aimed at they who are, or what is, most deserving. Such a persona is contrary to tighter and tighter corporate control. It is all the more reason why Jon Stewart was so popular and why there remains such a following for Rachel Maddow. A counterweight is so sorely needed against the blatant propaganda machine of Fox News and their ilk. Most of the current "late night" TV is cotton candy for the brain: all fluff, no nutitional value; and bad for your health.
27
Dave will be missed! His authenticity and relaxed nature will be terribly missed in our ovverhyped pumped up 21st century.
10
There was something organic and genuine about Paar and Carson... and Letterman has that, too... It's a priceless characteristic in the artifice world of 'entertainment'...
The rest, including Stewart, seem to me to be playing for the ratings....
"If 'outrageous' sells, let's be 'outrageous'!"
Dave will be sorely missed...
The rest, including Stewart, seem to me to be playing for the ratings....
"If 'outrageous' sells, let's be 'outrageous'!"
Dave will be sorely missed...
7
Spot on, Mr. Zoglin. David Letterman wanted to interview the real person. He had little time for the "persona" (no matter the guests' field - acting, politics, etc.). He was bound and determined to find out, for both himself and his viewers), I think, who his guest REALLY is. If the guest didn't want to cooperate, then they were fair game for Dave!
8
Too bad he didn't know how to behave!
4
Two folks consensually together in a bed somewhere have nothing to do with my life.
5
Haters gotta hate.
Dave has been around a long time. When he fist began, I was young enough to stay up to catch the show. With the passage of time, I have become old and in bed and asleep by 10:30. Sorry Dave, but I'll always remember you when....
4
Do what I did. Get a DVR and you can watch Dave when it's convenient for you.
"...another unsettling sign? Jon Stewart's leaving The Daily Show, just as Letterman's retirement, are a part of life. Sure, they and their shows are popular and will be missed but, somehow, I think the world will survive and keep on spinning.
1
Just not as well.
3
Jimmy Fallon screeching at us. That clown on the Late-Late-Late-Late is the latest Keystone-Kop assaulting us; he should be on later, possibly lapping himself.
Thanks for the retrospective on how Late-Night developed; I had forgotten Steve Allen. But ... who could forget Jack Paar? And ... Here's-Johnny!
Mr. Letterman, Sir, you are the denouement; I hope you make the most of it.
Thanks for the retrospective on how Late-Night developed; I had forgotten Steve Allen. But ... who could forget Jack Paar? And ... Here's-Johnny!
Mr. Letterman, Sir, you are the denouement; I hope you make the most of it.
28
Thanks Richard,
You're spot on on David's place in TV history, and particularly how well he listened and responded to his guests during their sit-downs. This is something folks have missed about David - his talent at bringing out honest and sometimes quite interesting thoughts from stars, and doing so in a funny, self-deprecating manner. I count myself (and several buddies of mine and my brother and sister included) lucky in having David's winning humor and observations to turn to after long days at the office.
Thanks so much David for bringing us your show all these years, for making us laugh at what's happening and at ourselves, and for always giving us something to think about.
You're spot on on David's place in TV history, and particularly how well he listened and responded to his guests during their sit-downs. This is something folks have missed about David - his talent at bringing out honest and sometimes quite interesting thoughts from stars, and doing so in a funny, self-deprecating manner. I count myself (and several buddies of mine and my brother and sister included) lucky in having David's winning humor and observations to turn to after long days at the office.
Thanks so much David for bringing us your show all these years, for making us laugh at what's happening and at ourselves, and for always giving us something to think about.
98
Dave will be missed. I wish him a very happy next-phase.
Many memorable moments. Negative: letting General Shock-'N-Awe Franks lie about terrorists using Iraq as a base. Very high: that moment when BillO challenged Dave: Yes or No--do you want America to win? Dave: I don't answer questions like that?
Billo: Why not? Dave: Because I'm a thoughtful person.
Many memorable moments. Negative: letting General Shock-'N-Awe Franks lie about terrorists using Iraq as a base. Very high: that moment when BillO challenged Dave: Yes or No--do you want America to win? Dave: I don't answer questions like that?
Billo: Why not? Dave: Because I'm a thoughtful person.
82
Des Johnson,
"Yes or No--Do you want America to win?" "I don't answer questions like that." "Why, not?" "Because I'm a thoughtful person." Very nice response. Wish I'd seen that. Wish I'd said it.
"Yes or No--Do you want America to win?" "I don't answer questions like that." "Why, not?" "Because I'm a thoughtful person." Very nice response. Wish I'd seen that. Wish I'd said it.
2
Letterman changed the vibe of late night talk show with his edgier humour and was unafraid to speak off the cuff. He attracted earthier guests, many controversial. He changed the dynamics of talk shows in general including the economics of network television. But he got caught up in sexual shenanigans with his staff that should have had him bounces from the show, he certainly arragantly perceived himself as king of the hill and at the end of a long run his brand looked long in the tooth. He leaves at a time that television viewership has moved elsewhere and that this type format is dying fast if not dead.
4
NO one, except you, apparently, cared about what he did off air. He was TV guy and what he did on TV Is what mattered.
4
I always found Jay Leno to be much funnier than Letterman (actually, I don't think Letterman is all that funny), and I'm really looking forward to Stephen Colbert taking over Late Night. Colbert could turn out to be the funniest of them all. And this comment is the first time I've used three forms of the word "funny" in a Times op-ed comment.
7
If you found Leno, especially during his time on the Tonight Show, funnier than Letterman, I'm afraid you're going to be disappointed in Colbert, who might have an even edgier side than Letterman. Leno is slapstick and jokes targeted at the readers of People Magazine.
6
Never understood the appeal of any of the late night "talk" shows, going back to Paar, Carson, etc. The format seems incredibly 1950s, early TV rigid: those desks and the lined up chairs, the house band, the monologue, everything dated beyond belief. Anyone expecting to hear worthwhile talk with celebrities seeking publicity and shilling for whatever it is they are doing, will be disappointed. And that includes Mr. Letterman. Even if he was more acerbic and less gushing, he was still a host chatting to mostly uninteresting guests for a very limited period of time.
Late night talk show is a misnomer.
I hope Colbert throws out that tedious set. It would be a start.
Late night talk show is a misnomer.
I hope Colbert throws out that tedious set. It would be a start.
3
I am 59, so not Jimmy Falon's core demographic, yet I find him to be refreshing, no artifice, totally authentic.
I get joy watching Fallon.
Never got Letterman. His delivery is flat, timing is always slightly off. His irony was lame. In fact, that's how I view Lettermen overall - he was half-hearted. Never really seemed to engage.
I get joy watching Fallon.
Never got Letterman. His delivery is flat, timing is always slightly off. His irony was lame. In fact, that's how I view Lettermen overall - he was half-hearted. Never really seemed to engage.
8
His timing is off??? Yeah, I don't think so...
4
Ahhh, good to see someone still watches TV.
4
With Jon Stewart and Dave Letterman gone I won't mind going to sleep by eleven.
28
Let us not forget that Letterman is being replaced by Stephen Colbert, who also knows how to have a conversation with someone, one-on-one.
I love Letterman and will miss him terribly for his goofiness. I'll miss Stupid Pet Tricks and Know Your Cuts of Meat and Will It Float, and especially the Top Ten lists. But I am looking forward to the Stephen Colbert era because I think he might be able to give us something wonderful, and I am excited to see what it is.
I love Letterman and will miss him terribly for his goofiness. I'll miss Stupid Pet Tricks and Know Your Cuts of Meat and Will It Float, and especially the Top Ten lists. But I am looking forward to the Stephen Colbert era because I think he might be able to give us something wonderful, and I am excited to see what it is.
182
I won't miss the tossing of watermelons and TVs from the roof and high windows just to see what a mess they make when they hit the pavement and break. How juvenile could Dave get?
Colbert has a very tough act to follow. I wish him luck.
1
I too think Colbert is talented; hence the success of the "Report". However, can lightning strike twice --especially in a different format, different persona?
Letterman is, in my view, far more interesting off-air than on. Alec Baldwin interviewed him recently, and for 45 minutes or so we got to know the real Letterman.
But his show was less than he was. I hate to say that, because I was never a great admirer. But hearing him do the no-holds-barred interview with Baldwin made me appreciate him.
I don't think the medium has room anymore for guys like Letterman. I guess that's just the way it goes.
But his show was less than he was. I hate to say that, because I was never a great admirer. But hearing him do the no-holds-barred interview with Baldwin made me appreciate him.
I don't think the medium has room anymore for guys like Letterman. I guess that's just the way it goes.
18
Yes! Baldwin's 'Here's the Thing' interview with Letterman on WNYC was wonderfully revealing and insightful. Truthfully, all the HTT podcasts I've listened to have been surprisingly great; even guests I didn't know about were often riveting.
3
Spot on, a horrible persona in a worthless role doing nothing but presenting human advertisements.
In 1980, shortly before Dave went Late Night, he had a syndicated show in the post Today show time slot. It didn't last long, as he soon graduated to the post Carson time slot. But he was still completely Dave, and it was the perfect blend of whimsical irony that a know-it-all college student needed with his coffee to start his day. I was hooked then and there, and I cannot believe so much time has passed, and yet both Dave and I are still as young as we ever were!
Miss you already!
Miss you already!
97
"totyson," A minor correction: the morning show was on the NBC Network -- not syndicated. It got low ratings and was cancelled. Then NBC President Silverman was using the AM program as a sort of 'out of town tryout' but felt that if he followed Carson it might work. And it did.
I totally agree: I spent the summer of 1980 bartending in Atlantic City during the daytime [24-hour casinoland], and Dave's morning show was a hoot: he had a motley assortment of very funny regular guests, like Edie McClurg. Definitely helped me start my day off right! Really going to miss Dave....
1
Just a small correction: I believe his morning show was on NBC, not a syndicated show. In fact, if I recall correctly NBC paid him for doing nothing for a number of months after it went off the air and before he began doing his late night show so that it wouldn't lose him to another network.
1
Mr Letterman began his late night career as a replacement for Tom Snyder, whose Tomorrow Show ran after Johnny Carson from 1973 to 1982. Mr Letterman so admired Mr Snyder that he hired him to do a show after his when Mr Letterman moved to CBS.
Tom Snyder was a chain-smoking heavy hitter who interviewed everyone from Ayn Rand to Kiss.
When Mr Letterman and Mr Stewart leave the airways, it will pretty much be the end of the interview-based late night TV show. And it's a shame--those shows kept us informed as well as entertained and awake.
Tom Snyder was a chain-smoking heavy hitter who interviewed everyone from Ayn Rand to Kiss.
When Mr Letterman and Mr Stewart leave the airways, it will pretty much be the end of the interview-based late night TV show. And it's a shame--those shows kept us informed as well as entertained and awake.
42
I miss Tom Synder.
3
"Dave" has always been my favorite! Liked Carson too, but there was just something special and different about "Dave"!
6
Normally, I can't remember jokes, but one of the items from a Letterman Top 10 list from a couple of weeks ago sticks in my mind. Focusing on the deli at street level of their building, the fourth item was, "Legally, we can't call them hot dogs." This one captured the randomness of Letterman's humor.
Although never a regular viewer of any of them, I've enjoyed Jack Paar, Johnny Carson, and David Letterman; each of them exhibited an essential compassion toward people, even while joking about them or their situations. But Letterman stands out as capturing the humor in the randomness of life. Much like Monty Python did 40 yrs ago.
But maybe the biggest thing was, at least publicly, Paar, Carson, and Letterman never desired to be the interviewed, rather than the interviewer. I recall maybe 10 yrs ago checking out an event at the 92nd St Y. Skimming a blurb, it mentioned Katy Couric and someone I had never heard of. I assumed that Couric was interviewing the other person. Reading the item more closely, I realized that Couric was the interviewee. And that's pretty much how it goes these days: celebrities famous for their fame (thank you David Boorstin in The Image: A Guide to Pseudo-Events in America for first noting this sad phenomenon). Like his predecessors, Letterman always avoided this reversal in roles. I wish more would.
Although never a regular viewer of any of them, I've enjoyed Jack Paar, Johnny Carson, and David Letterman; each of them exhibited an essential compassion toward people, even while joking about them or their situations. But Letterman stands out as capturing the humor in the randomness of life. Much like Monty Python did 40 yrs ago.
But maybe the biggest thing was, at least publicly, Paar, Carson, and Letterman never desired to be the interviewed, rather than the interviewer. I recall maybe 10 yrs ago checking out an event at the 92nd St Y. Skimming a blurb, it mentioned Katy Couric and someone I had never heard of. I assumed that Couric was interviewing the other person. Reading the item more closely, I realized that Couric was the interviewee. And that's pretty much how it goes these days: celebrities famous for their fame (thank you David Boorstin in The Image: A Guide to Pseudo-Events in America for first noting this sad phenomenon). Like his predecessors, Letterman always avoided this reversal in roles. I wish more would.
7
I don't understand the praise for Letterman. The first time I saw him do an interview he was woefully unprepared. He couldn't seem to remember what his guest was famous for and so stuck to the most generic questions, and he kept staring at his notes. Add to that his sex-harassment scandal.
7
You're entitled to not like him or understand why millions of people do. I don't get Carrot Top but he sells out in Vegas. Go figure.
12
There was no sex harassment scandal. Sex "scandals" ( he had wholly consensual affairs and was blackmailed as a result) are not the same in any way shape or form.
56
In my previous comment I misspelled "and" sorry.
3
When, some years ago, within the framework of Italian state-owned TV turned digital's schedule, it decided to air on its so called "thematic channels" - channels that were dedicated mainly to one topic only, very much US style - the David Letterman's show (though not live but a day later) Italy's cultural output got a massive boost: the shows are aired late at night with Italian subtitles, very well translated incidentally, and each night Italy gets a taste of the better America; Letterman's caustic ironies are unparalleled and many US expats watching the show feel being cosseted and happy. By the way, David Letterman may not know but a significant number of US voters abroad, when summoned to vote, do take heed of what politicians say on his shows and make up their minds accordingly. Add to it the best English accent David displays, music to US expats' ears, and you get an immensely well accomplished job culturally and socially. If teaching American English worldwide is anything to go by as a touchstone, I'd say listen to the David Letterman's show every evening.
Thank you David for all you've done an will do after your retirement.
Thank you David for all you've done an will do after your retirement.
29
It's also very sad to realize that the David Letterman from thirty-three years ago probably or even definitely could not get hired today. They would ask, "What does he do?" and "Can he perform like Fallon?" Letterman's interview/guest interaction skill was always underrated and it will certainly be missed by those who remember what it was like when hosts actually made their celebrity visitors squirm just a bit (or in the case of Cal Ripken, making him field groundballs). Without his obvious insecurities, much of Dave's shtick would have come across as excessively mean (even if to people like Carl Lewis it did anyway) and would not have been as durable, I don't think. The "I'm Broadway Dave" line would have seemed excessive.
He wasn't the best 11:30P host, but he probably was the best ever at 12:30A. What he did in the mid-to-late 1980s revolutionized the medium, if not inventing irony on television then certainly making it an art form. It's regrettable that we seem to have decided that we're moving on from that, almost exclusively, to the old-time, not-as-good-as-the-original variety show hour. But Fallon, and perhaps in time Corden, are succeeding because that's what we want to see at 11:30P now. There is more than a bit of Dave in Jimmy, of course, but that's seemingly as close as we're going to get for some time to come.
He wasn't the best 11:30P host, but he probably was the best ever at 12:30A. What he did in the mid-to-late 1980s revolutionized the medium, if not inventing irony on television then certainly making it an art form. It's regrettable that we seem to have decided that we're moving on from that, almost exclusively, to the old-time, not-as-good-as-the-original variety show hour. But Fallon, and perhaps in time Corden, are succeeding because that's what we want to see at 11:30P now. There is more than a bit of Dave in Jimmy, of course, but that's seemingly as close as we're going to get for some time to come.
3
No space for anything authentic on Jimmy Fallon's show?
Not quite getting that. I feel pretty authentic when I'm laughing during his show.
Not quite getting that. I feel pretty authentic when I'm laughing during his show.
11
We love you Dave! I feel like my beloved older brother is leaving home. I studied for the bar exam while watching Dave's "new" show in 1982, and we've visited most weeknights since via the miracle of television. This retirement stuff is tragic.
28
The new guys are all unwatchable. This good girl and I watch videos of old Johnny Carson, Jack Paar and Dick Cavett programs. The guests were way much better.
25
Those old Dick Cavett shows are astonishing to watch: actual thoughtful conversations, guests from diverse walks of life, no shouting over each other, no bits.
As Jerry Seinfeld said, Good luck with all that...
As Jerry Seinfeld said, Good luck with all that...
1
I was waiting for someone to mention the great Dick Cavett!
1
Dave has heart.
And he's quick. At his best when being dissed by The Man Under The seats and later Lyle The Intern - my favorite. Like Carson, even when he's bad he's good. When his competitors have an off night with weak material they just fall flat.
And he's quick. At his best when being dissed by The Man Under The seats and later Lyle The Intern - my favorite. Like Carson, even when he's bad he's good. When his competitors have an off night with weak material they just fall flat.
18
It was never the interviews I valued about The Late Show with David Letterman, although some of them have been memorable, such as those with Madonna, Cher and others who would confront Letterman about his sometimes abrasive style with show-business types. It was first and foremost, Dave himself, and secondly, the type of comedy and comedy writers he surrounded himself with, people like Merrill Markoe, Gerard Mulligan, Chris Elliott, then later Joe Grossman, and head writer, Bill Scheft, among many others.
I think Letterman truly loves America's everyday characters and working people. He involved his own employees in skits and sketches, often with hilarious results. Tony Mendez, his cue-card 'boy' was a talented performer. Stagehands Pat and Kenny Read Oprah Transcripts was a hilarious bit. Larry "Bud" Melman's stiff acting style was comedy gold. The list goes on and on.
When I saw a live taping of the Letterman show on April 29th, stagehand Gene Syzmanski, known for his many Letterman comedy sketches, was buffing the floor just before taping began. Deli owner, Rupert Jee, was hard at work after the show was over, selling Late Show merchandise in the lobby of the Ed Sullivan theater. These people all had dual roles on Letterman's shows, but maintained their work lives, too. It was Letterman who decided to put them on camera, often with great results. It was Dave's love of everyday people and the comedy performances he got out of them that I treasured.
122
And nobody ever got more out of an announcer than Dave did out of Alan Kalter, another very gifted performer.
And Paul and the band are not only great musicians but also added a whole different level of comedy. (My all time favorite was the choice of the number for the first commercial on the show following the announcement of the death of Osama Bin Laden: "Sea Cruise" a sly reference to the fact that Navy Seals got him and that his body was taken on and disposed of by a ship.) I can't think of another show that used its musicians so well; I only wished the home viewers got to hear more from them. I always envied the studio audiences that they got to do so.
And Paul and the band are not only great musicians but also added a whole different level of comedy. (My all time favorite was the choice of the number for the first commercial on the show following the announcement of the death of Osama Bin Laden: "Sea Cruise" a sly reference to the fact that Navy Seals got him and that his body was taken on and disposed of by a ship.) I can't think of another show that used its musicians so well; I only wished the home viewers got to hear more from them. I always envied the studio audiences that they got to do so.
4
I will miss David Letterman. No more late night for me, sorry Fallon, you are too prone to gushing admiration and I don't find your bits entertaining. Jimmy Kimmel is just ok and Craig Ferguson who could make me laugh out loud is gone.
35
You left out Dick Cavett who actually made live interviews an art form. Guests were truly interesting and if they weren't he elevated (or levitated) the conversation with probing questions, humor, and intelligent and substantive insights. His skewering wit; priceless!
107
Cavett could be quite good and certainly had guests that others didn't have on (although those of us old enough to remember when Johnny Carson was 90 minutes recall that the last 30 minutes were the cultural oasis when he would be done with the Hollywood phonies and be able to talk to authors or other non-show business folks about serious subjects; Jack Paar also had these people on too when he had the show) but I always felt that he felt that he had to show off his intelligence. I think Letterman is every bit as intelligent but didn't need to keep reminding people of it (I guess Cavett felt the need to make sure people knew he went to Yale).
3
The art of conversation is being lost to 140-character quips.
84
He wrote in 60 characters.
1
I want to echo Ann's comment. Dick Cavett remains unequaled in his gift for engaging brilliant guests in witty, intelligent conversation. Watching his show was like being at the best dinner party in town--every night. And I still have fond memories of the hilarious and sharp intelligence of my late-night hero, Steve Allen, whose show from LA in the '50s is, for me, the gold standard for all of the routines and devices of his successors.
1