re: Stanley's unnecessary slam at Jay Leno's last show. I respected Leno's cheer for his union shop, and his respect for his team as the family that replaced his own lost one. But Stanley is too busy curating her reputation as a snark to register any of this
1
A gutsy guy, he essentially told Rush Limbaugh and Bill O'Reilly to their faces in a nice way that they were just windbags of hot air.
2
Bravo! I am a member of the generation of Dave fans from the very beginning. I never missed a show and they hold so many happy memories for me. His last show was perfect and the montage/Foo Fighters performance at the end was beyond perfect. I will forever think of Dave when I hear Everlong.
1
I greatly appreciate his war zone visits and having recent Medal of Honor recipients on as guests for extended segments. In college, when I first heard he was getting Late Night, I was disappointed because I really liked the weird Tom Snyder show - quickly cured of that! and how cool/gracious was it that Dave brought Snyder back to follow him on CBS? Those of us who also got to see Late Night were really lucky - Leno's tuxedo'ed "what's your beef, Jay" segments, Teri Garr's game for anything visits - but if you only got to see the Late Show, you were lucky as well. I think Seth Meyers captured it for a lot us by noting that part of the sadness with this era ending is that it means we're getting old, too.
1
Dave tor president...2016
2
I preferred David Letterman's show to Jay Leno's show, but am weary of media critics who cannot discuss Letterman without bashing Leno. I understand their inability to grasp how Leno could have beaten Letterman and Conan in the ratings consistently despite all the pundits' friends never watching Leno, but why be so bitter about it and so smugly dismissive of fans of the other show?
2
Dave has been a super refreshing bright spot in the world of celebrity for his entire career. He's never taken himself nor other celebrities too serious and that's the secret to his success, IMHO. Class act all the way. I will miss him immensely.
1
David Letterman leaving late night television is like losing a part of the family. I have watched him his entire career, but since he came to CBS any show I missed I taped, a true dedicated fan. I also tried to get tickets during the last few months of his tenure but was unable to get them and it was very disappointing. My real statement here is the choice of replacement Stephen Colbert could be the most extreme opposite of Letterman they could have ever picked and I believe it is the worst mistake CBS could make. I can't stand Colbert and sure have never never found him to be funny. I know this probably makes no difference to CBS but they have lost a dedicated fan, by hiring Colbert. Colbert should be a host on Fox television as that is where he fits, as he is so political his attitude is sure not anything like he is supposed to replace. Goodbye CBS late night. Loved Letterman and already miss him.
Wish him well but not my cup of tea:
http://mcbaseballcafe.blogspot.com/2015/05/top-10-reasons-i-didnt-watch-...
http://mcbaseballcafe.blogspot.com/2015/05/top-10-reasons-i-didnt-watch-...
Oddly--I felt sorry for Letterman....I got the sense he didn't really get the last laugh after a lucrative ride doing sardonic interviews & jokes.
It seemed he accurately recognized he had not achieved the level of mastery in music, drama, life that he truly admired. He saw his work as puny.
Of course, it took skill to hold folks' interest for 33 years, let alone his own, and sometimes 'natural talent' is grossly underestimated.
But Letterman seemed rueful--trying to find depth in a future wisened by heart disease, family, 9/11 & philandering.
I think he wishes he had spent his life doing something with more heft. At least he is grateful for his wealth & the options ahead.
It seemed he accurately recognized he had not achieved the level of mastery in music, drama, life that he truly admired. He saw his work as puny.
Of course, it took skill to hold folks' interest for 33 years, let alone his own, and sometimes 'natural talent' is grossly underestimated.
But Letterman seemed rueful--trying to find depth in a future wisened by heart disease, family, 9/11 & philandering.
I think he wishes he had spent his life doing something with more heft. At least he is grateful for his wealth & the options ahead.
I wonder what's going to happen to the wonderful set piece behind his desk, the brilliantly realized New York City-scape with its bridges, highways and buildings. I hope it hasn't already been torn apart and thrown into a dumpster.
1
I DVR'd the finale and put off watching as long as I could. It loomed over me, an obligation, like a funeral. Dave struck all the right chords, strolled just long enough down memory lane, didn't forget to thank a soul. and put just enough star power on display. This is the saddest I've ever felt, still, after a show has ended.
3
The problem with his being so self-referential is — was — that he would spend so much setting up, putting down, commenting on, looking to Paul to comment on — whatever he was doing that it was just too much of a slog to watch it.
1
For those whose cable companies cut off the last 20 minutes (thank you, Comcast!) of the DVR, you can go to cbs.com and watch the whole show, right to the closing credits. A lot happens in this stretch!
2
David Letterman: The Best.
Letterman valued the history of the genre. Instead of simply following suit, and mimic past masters, he took it to new levels, as yet unexplored heights.
I've lived to have seen them all. From Steve Allen, whose show initially ran 1 hr/45 min. in NYC (the 11pm News only ran 15 minutes), to the sensitive and mercurial Jack Paar, followed by the too cool for school Johnny Carson, a perfect fit for TV, dubbed the "cool medium".
Letterman was not the voluminous joke teller Jay Leno was. Letterman borrowed and fused his predecessors into one: The outrageous Allen, who took his show out of the studio and into the street, the personable Paar, the ice cold Carson. David could, depending on his mood, be a combo of all three.
And while, over time, Leno became the people's favorite, the ratings topper, Letterman was the prickly one, the acquired taste, the one pampered stars were wary of, the one they feared, because they never knew if Dave was going to placate them, cater to their needs, soothe their fragile egos, treat them the way they've grown accustomed to, being fawned over.
Dave is not a fawner. And that's why I loved him.
Letterman was hard on some guests. The more pompous, the more he pushed back, made them squirm. But as hard as he was on them, he was the hardest on himself. He tried to give us good TV. He failed many times but he'd be the first to admit it.
For 33 years, you made me laugh, Dave.
Thank You.
D.D.
Manhattan
Letterman valued the history of the genre. Instead of simply following suit, and mimic past masters, he took it to new levels, as yet unexplored heights.
I've lived to have seen them all. From Steve Allen, whose show initially ran 1 hr/45 min. in NYC (the 11pm News only ran 15 minutes), to the sensitive and mercurial Jack Paar, followed by the too cool for school Johnny Carson, a perfect fit for TV, dubbed the "cool medium".
Letterman was not the voluminous joke teller Jay Leno was. Letterman borrowed and fused his predecessors into one: The outrageous Allen, who took his show out of the studio and into the street, the personable Paar, the ice cold Carson. David could, depending on his mood, be a combo of all three.
And while, over time, Leno became the people's favorite, the ratings topper, Letterman was the prickly one, the acquired taste, the one pampered stars were wary of, the one they feared, because they never knew if Dave was going to placate them, cater to their needs, soothe their fragile egos, treat them the way they've grown accustomed to, being fawned over.
Dave is not a fawner. And that's why I loved him.
Letterman was hard on some guests. The more pompous, the more he pushed back, made them squirm. But as hard as he was on them, he was the hardest on himself. He tried to give us good TV. He failed many times but he'd be the first to admit it.
For 33 years, you made me laugh, Dave.
Thank You.
D.D.
Manhattan
2
I've loved Letterman since day one. Back when David Letterman had his morning show, of which I was a big fan, my brother, Jonathan Poretz, was working at NBC. He had me over to the commissary for lunch one day and then took me for a brief tour. The morning show had been cancelled and was down to its final week. We went onto Letterman's stage so I could see his desk, etc. up close. I asked if he ever saw Dave around 30 Rock, and he hadn't. We left the building and, to our great surprise, saw Letterman across the street taping a "Man in the Street" interview bit. We watched him finish the bit and, when it was over, we introduced ourselves to Letterman, offering both praise and condolences. I said, "I was just sitting behind your desk playing David Letterman!" Dave replied, "Well come back on Friday and you can do it for real." I'm pretty sure he was joking.
2
He was wonderful on the show after Today. He was pretty good in the post-Carson slot that the Great Carsoni snatched into his production company after enduring the Tom Snyder who loved to rattle Carson. Once he was stuck on CBS rather than NBC, he turned into Ebenezer Scrooge. He leaned on mediocre comedy bits like top ten lists and stupid pet tricks. Carson never did much for me either, but I saw more of his shows because he was the only there there, for a long while until there were finally far more than 3 networks. I tried to binge watch Mad Men a year or two ago. In second season I bogged down, stopped. Watched the finale the other night, just to see if anything changed. Nothing. Less IS MORE!
1
Life Will Be Different ...
Oh my, for years it has been, "Turn on the tv to catch the Daily Show ... then, after John Stewart introduces 'your moment of Zen,' it's over to Dave and The Late Show."
As Dave emphasized on Wednesday night, it's all about a great many people who make "this" work. Where will they go? What will they do? Where will Alan Kalter show up next? ... Biff Henderson? ... so many more?
I will especially hate to see an end to the Late Show music. I almost wish Stephen Colbert could keep Paul Shaffer and the CBS Orchestra intact, but I know that wouldn't be "right."
For myself? ... what will I do without catching a few glimpses of Felicia Collins every night? I have been in love with her for at least two decades.
Thanks Dave!
Oh my, for years it has been, "Turn on the tv to catch the Daily Show ... then, after John Stewart introduces 'your moment of Zen,' it's over to Dave and The Late Show."
As Dave emphasized on Wednesday night, it's all about a great many people who make "this" work. Where will they go? What will they do? Where will Alan Kalter show up next? ... Biff Henderson? ... so many more?
I will especially hate to see an end to the Late Show music. I almost wish Stephen Colbert could keep Paul Shaffer and the CBS Orchestra intact, but I know that wouldn't be "right."
For myself? ... what will I do without catching a few glimpses of Felicia Collins every night? I have been in love with her for at least two decades.
Thanks Dave!
5
A number of the people you mentioned are well past retirement age. If they want to continue working, I wish them all the best. Otherwise, between their CBS/NBC pensions and 401(k) plans, Social Security, savings, Dave's severance, etc,. I imagine they will be fine if they prefer to just kick back.
1
I've been watching Dave since about 1986 and I will miss him terribly. He's a displaced Midwesterner of modest origins, like me, so I get and appreciate his sense of humility mixed with prickly anti-elitism, his innocence and pride laced with worldly alienation and self-doubt, his clownishness marked by diffidence about public performance. There's no replacing him or his show. He deservedly goes down in history as one of America's great performers. Thanks and best wishes, Dave.
6
Yes, a class act. We will miss Mr. Letterman. He got us thru the Bush years...
6
Yes, Lettterman when he was funny he had some good classic ones but they seemed to be fewer and fewer over the years and sometimes when you stopped to think you wondered why in the world anyone was laughing, especially at the Top Ten lists. Many of his jokes and pranks were totally juvenile and Schaffer's laughter usually irritating. His prank on his finale is a good case in point --- was it really funny to behave like a jerk to customers and then think it was hilarious if they became mad --- come on. His repetition of the same stories and jokes night after night points to a certain lack of fresh ideas and laziness by the writers as well as himself.
But thank you David for your often great equalitarian spirit which was often so important when putting in place self-important bozo, usually politicians. You did have the courage to take them on and sometimes actually engage them in an actual debate.
But thank you David for your often great equalitarian spirit which was often so important when putting in place self-important bozo, usually politicians. You did have the courage to take them on and sometimes actually engage them in an actual debate.
1
Good night, Sweet Prince. Late night TV will never be the same. You will be sorely missed. (Seriously folks...get the reruns scheduled...NOW!)
3
your last sentence says it all: "---in the end Mr. letterman won the legacy". great article!
5
Whatever it was about Leno, I can't remember ever laughing at any of his jokes, and eventually I watched him only occasionally, if at all. Maybe I smiled a bit, but never really laughed. He was simply too canned, his humor written for the masses, the lowest common denominator, almost like sitcom humor, if humor is what it was. He came out, stood like a stuffed mannequin on his stage mark and delivered his monologue with all the passion, inventiveness and animation of an ATM machine.
Dave was the anti-Leno, which explains his #2 ratings spot over the years (after all, when it comes to commercial TV, most late-night American viewers
would prefer "ATM" to actual laughter). Dave's humor was amazingly inventive, quirky, off-the-wall, sardonic, mobile, and most of all brilliant in its often simple conception and execution. His signature stunt of running across the stage set in the background before the opening of every show signaled that energy and mobility and wildness. Man, he made me laugh! Not every joke, not every clip, to be sure, but most of them! Really laugh. Late at night, often after a tough day, for years and years, he made me laugh. He was a terrific interviewer, too, but the laughter is what I'll miss the most. Kimmel, Fallon, Corden....nah. So long, Dave, it's gonna be tough.
Dave was the anti-Leno, which explains his #2 ratings spot over the years (after all, when it comes to commercial TV, most late-night American viewers
would prefer "ATM" to actual laughter). Dave's humor was amazingly inventive, quirky, off-the-wall, sardonic, mobile, and most of all brilliant in its often simple conception and execution. His signature stunt of running across the stage set in the background before the opening of every show signaled that energy and mobility and wildness. Man, he made me laugh! Not every joke, not every clip, to be sure, but most of them! Really laugh. Late at night, often after a tough day, for years and years, he made me laugh. He was a terrific interviewer, too, but the laughter is what I'll miss the most. Kimmel, Fallon, Corden....nah. So long, Dave, it's gonna be tough.
5
Each generation of late night viewers says there will be no one like him - and for that person I suppose it is true. As a teen I grew up watching Carson starting in the late 60's and early 70's forward. I could practically buy those silly clips of old shows they advertise of Johnny, Doc, & Ed because he is etched upon my psych - that dead pan look as a joke hit rock bottom and the audience launched into a delayed roar. Then the later hours with the kind of odd Tom Snyder interviews. Some folks are getting this as they read it, some think of Jack Parr, some certainly of Letterman - or Leno... or the knew crop of talkers. Time waits for no one - but it is always comforting to have your favorite late night host to acknowledge you're not alone in this whacky world and help you feel like somebody is there to tuck you in.
1
It was always clear to me - an undisputed fact actually, that Letterman was Carson's true successor. But where Johnny always played it safe, David was rebellious and edgy, and I love him for that. My very favorite "bit" was when he tried to deliver a fruit basket to the president of GE when they bought the network. The paranoiac response of the security staff was priceless - and very telling about corporate power and vulnerability. Damn, I'll miss him.
8
Letterman was pitch perfect. And so was Conan who on the same night began his show by expressing genuine gratitude to Dave for his career and telling his audience to change the channel when The Late Show began. https://youtu.be/tV7NC0DGgVg
In the sad, emptiness I felt after Letterman's sign off it occurred to me that Conan, not the Jimmys, is now the keeper of the Letterman zeitgeist. Conan has the Letterman DNA as evidenced in clips like this:https://youtu.be/fVDOB9mby_w.
He actually sat in Dave's chair and remains the closest comedic sensibility to Letterman left on the air.
In the sad, emptiness I felt after Letterman's sign off it occurred to me that Conan, not the Jimmys, is now the keeper of the Letterman zeitgeist. Conan has the Letterman DNA as evidenced in clips like this:https://youtu.be/fVDOB9mby_w.
He actually sat in Dave's chair and remains the closest comedic sensibility to Letterman left on the air.
6
dylan's closing appearance on letterman was thoroughly, symbolically appropriate for singing the jazz classic "The Night We Called It A Day," a song I had never heard before but now one I will never forget.
4
"Mr. Letterman defined himself as the loser in his long, bitter battle with Mr. Leno. His rival got the “Tonight Show” gig and higher ratings, but in the end, Mr. Letterman won the legacy."
Very well said. It's a thing of beauty when the more profound, authentic, unformulated, and daring rival wins the legacy war, even when (or especially when) losing in sales and mainstream affection. Whether in this case, or in other creative endeavors. Sometimes the right one wins both, like Mad Men. Sometimes 30 Rock loses out to the likes of 2 1/2 Men and King of Queens. I was blown away by Daves finale. It's mind-boggling how much humility and gratitude Dave practices. A decent man. Two of the greatest marks of character. But in Hollywood, keep digging in that haystack. It's ok Dave, if you feel unsure in your abilities. We all do. Not Justin Bieber or Kim Kardashian or anyone like that. Normal folk. Thoughtful folk.
Very well said. It's a thing of beauty when the more profound, authentic, unformulated, and daring rival wins the legacy war, even when (or especially when) losing in sales and mainstream affection. Whether in this case, or in other creative endeavors. Sometimes the right one wins both, like Mad Men. Sometimes 30 Rock loses out to the likes of 2 1/2 Men and King of Queens. I was blown away by Daves finale. It's mind-boggling how much humility and gratitude Dave practices. A decent man. Two of the greatest marks of character. But in Hollywood, keep digging in that haystack. It's ok Dave, if you feel unsure in your abilities. We all do. Not Justin Bieber or Kim Kardashian or anyone like that. Normal folk. Thoughtful folk.
5
Must there be a 'review' of everything?
1
Everything has been said. We all know how much we loved Dave, how incredible his farewell to the public is.
But I am so happy for Dave that Harry came into his life. This young boy is what Dave cherished and Regina and Harry will complete his many days.
I don't have to worry about him.
But I am so happy for Dave that Harry came into his life. This young boy is what Dave cherished and Regina and Harry will complete his many days.
I don't have to worry about him.
4
Thoroughly enjoyed him.
4
I agree with previous commenters about the remarkable show devoted to Warren Zevon, terminally ill with lung cancer. Letterman was at ease with Zevon's own deadpan humor about his situation ("you better get your dry cleaning done on special"), and conducted the interview with grace. He asked Zevon if from his perspective now, did he know something about life and death that maybe Letterman didn’t? Words from Zevon’s reply later became the title of a tribute album: Enjoy Every Sandwich. Both men knew how to leave the stage.
8
Ready to sign up for scientology. Thanks for the laughs, Dave. Enjoy the bird watching and other cool stuff with Harry!
3
I've been laughing til I cried with Dave since the 1950's. Wait, you say. Dave's only been at it for about 33 years. Yes, but Dave grew up in Indianapolis where the Cincinnati mini-network of WLW had a station. Millions love Dave's knack for looking right through broadcast technology and straight into the innocent, goofy side of your brain that compels you to apply your inner child's honest wonderment to what you see going on around you. A few of us from the Midwest watch Dave go into the zone and see standing behind him the ghost of the guy whose talk show Dave watched in black and white on WLW when we were all kids in the 1950's. The guy was Paul Dixon and he was a scream. Dixon found that peculiar vein of live studio audience and straight man band leader comedy that is uniquely live TV. Dave saw Dixon's rubber chicken weddings, saw him take a sponsor's raw hot dog right out of the package and shake it at the camera until it broke (the mostly female morning audience loved that recurring bit), saw him ask the ladies who was "on the nest," and do his endless other bits. I never met Dave in person. But if I did I always imagined I'd shake his hand and whisper Paul's name in his ear. I knew he'd grin. Dave went stratospheric in NYC with his talent. Dixon is a relic of early regional TV. As eulogies in the press all point out, Dave is now part of talk show TV's legacy. With Dave, there is more than Steve Allen et al., though. Ask him. Thanks Dave.
8
David and his friends must go
So we leave you with a song
We're all kind of sad to go
Glad to know it won't be long
Letter-manic friendships don't end
We'll all be back and then
David and his friends will go
On with the show again!
So we leave you with a song
We're all kind of sad to go
Glad to know it won't be long
Letter-manic friendships don't end
We'll all be back and then
David and his friends will go
On with the show again!
3
"...in the end, Mr. Letterman won the legacy".
Damn straight!
Damn straight!
7
I remember Dave's morning show. It never really hooked me and I stopped watching it, but later, in 1982, I remember getting up and watching his late show for the first time. There was some running gag that everything on his show was a mirror image and to "prove" it, the camera would show words on cue cards and sure enough they were a mirror image. Paul complained it was making him dizzy or something. It was so goofy and I loved it. It was so original and you just didn't see things like that on TV at the time. I would continue to watch Dave's show all throughout college.
4
Dave's modest and self-deprecating exit should not disguise the fact that he has meant more to late night television than anyone ever, full stop.
I try to explain away the Leno ascendancy by pointing out that the country, in roughly the same time frame, elected George W. Bush twice.
Dave has always been the real deal. His wry, midwestern, exquisitely timed brand of comedy is without an equal; he is without a peer.
Snarky commentators suggest he should have quit long ago. On the contrary: we're lucky to have had him as long as we have.
He made a lot of money doing what he does. I rarely say this, but: it's not enough.
I try to explain away the Leno ascendancy by pointing out that the country, in roughly the same time frame, elected George W. Bush twice.
Dave has always been the real deal. His wry, midwestern, exquisitely timed brand of comedy is without an equal; he is without a peer.
Snarky commentators suggest he should have quit long ago. On the contrary: we're lucky to have had him as long as we have.
He made a lot of money doing what he does. I rarely say this, but: it's not enough.
4
The first time I remember seeing David Letterman, it was on his daytime show. He was on a rooftop, covering daytime fireworks. It was certainly not television as usual. People forget, or are too you to know, how most television shows were so formulaic back then. Letterman broke the mold and introduced a new dynamic to television.
4
Third line should read. "People forget, or are too young to know...."
I first discovered dave back in the early days of his NBC show.. I was 11 or 12 at the time, and would sneak into the den at night to watch TV.. it was his sardonic humor that helped me learn what still to this day I find funny.. Although as an adult I stopped watching regularly, I was and still will always be, a Letterman fan. Thank you for the memories.
3
Been following Dave since I can remember. I especially like old film of him as a weatherman before he went to California. I remember thinking - wow - would we love to have that kind of weatherman around here...And I got to watch his NBS morning show in the early 80s. I thought - this guy is funny and I hated to miss that show. Just nuts and fun. Lucky for us, Dave then got to follow Johnny Carson and set the standard for late-night then on. Just a few years younger - and Letterman got to tape his show in early evening - I can rarely stay up late to watch TV. But in my college and post-college days, I think David Letterman kept us all in-tuned. For me - I just loved that my travels into my 20s then 30s then 40s then 50s....there was David Letterman laser observations. There is no Peter Pan Syndrome here. Yea, we all grew up but we never lost our healthy anger at the world - most important, we never lost our affection for silly-ness - like the Bugs Bunny in us all. Thanks Dave!
3
When Letterman's show premiered on CBS it was also the first American talk show to be broadcast on Australian TV. I taped it every night and then watched it the following day after school. It was such a revelation for me. I loved his bits outside the studio, his interactions with the staff, the joyful irreverence of it all.
But I also discovered so many of my favourite bands through their premiere performances on Dave's show. I still remember Eddie Veddar's first cameo, after weeks of Dave do-doing the last refrain of 'Black' and then Dave rushing after him through the Bill Murray doors and finding him gone saying 'he's ghost'. Stuff like that was like Christmas had come early.
The thing that struck me most while watching the finale was just how much our relationship with media and memory has changed during Dave's tenure. Teenagers today no longer have to tape the show and then dub VHS tapes to immortalise their favourite moments, as I spent so many hours doing back in the 90's. Even my favourite moments from back then are now all there on Youtube. I am not saying this for reasons of envy or regret but I do think it means that in age of constant accessibility people miss out on treasuring such special moments. It is precisely because I met Dave in the pre-internet age that he meant so much more to me than any performer ever could again.
But I also discovered so many of my favourite bands through their premiere performances on Dave's show. I still remember Eddie Veddar's first cameo, after weeks of Dave do-doing the last refrain of 'Black' and then Dave rushing after him through the Bill Murray doors and finding him gone saying 'he's ghost'. Stuff like that was like Christmas had come early.
The thing that struck me most while watching the finale was just how much our relationship with media and memory has changed during Dave's tenure. Teenagers today no longer have to tape the show and then dub VHS tapes to immortalise their favourite moments, as I spent so many hours doing back in the 90's. Even my favourite moments from back then are now all there on Youtube. I am not saying this for reasons of envy or regret but I do think it means that in age of constant accessibility people miss out on treasuring such special moments. It is precisely because I met Dave in the pre-internet age that he meant so much more to me than any performer ever could again.
5
A wonderful farewell; I laughed throughout, but now so sad we won't have more. The expressions of love for Dave from Norm, Ray, Jimmy, Regis - say a lot. What a class act - to have Rupert on, on the penultimate show.
5
I think of my Mom who just retired from her body a few months ago.
Whenever I was staying with her and we turned on the Letterman Show, invariably after a few minutes of watching him- I can still hear her laugh and say "Oh, he's nuts!"
Whenever I was staying with her and we turned on the Letterman Show, invariably after a few minutes of watching him- I can still hear her laugh and say "Oh, he's nuts!"
4
Somewhere Warren Zevon must be smiling. But as a true David Letterman fan I would say he sold more vcr's back in his hay day at NBC than any one else. I had to tape his show because it was unpredictable and quirky and he maintained that at CBS. He was an entertainer in the truest sense of the word.
3
David Letterman redefined what the late-night format could be, then continued to show everybody how to age into it with grace, humility and honesty. I am glad things turned out so well for Dave after his heart surgery. At any point, things could have gone badly south for him. CBS and Les Moonves deserve credit for sticking by him through his bad times. Moonves handled him brilliantly.
It is a tribute to the loyalty of Dave's employees that after his sex scandal, there were no major lawsuits, or public outbursts by those affected by his unseemly behavior. And women played major behind-the-scenes roles in his show, too. His on-air confession was stunning and difficult to watch, but effective in helping him get past his transgressions. Also, notice, his wife stuck by him. I am glad.
I'd say Conan O'Brien, then Jimmy Kimmel are the only ones remotely close to being considered heirs to Letterman's legacy. Fallon is much closer to the Leno mold as far as late-night hosts go, and Seth Meyers is a major disappointment, with his nightly tribute to being a high-strung, privileged white guy. James Corden reminds me of a trained seal, barking for fish treats during his opening segment. I wasn't a huge Craig Ferguson fan, but he was better than Corden. I see a lot of regression to mediocrity in this TV backwater time slot. Oh, well. I am done with it, for the most part. Letterman was my guy, and he is gone.
4
Agree that Conan comes closer than anybody to Dave's comic sensibility, they share the same comedy DNA.
It he had been chosen to succeed Dave for the Late Show instead of Tonight Show, it probably would have worked out for him.
I love Stephen Colbert, but he is a "breed apart" from anything we've seen up to this point. He's not truly "Lettermanesque", but he's already proven himself to be brilliant and innovative on his own terms. His 2005 correspondents dinner performance was so adversarial and gutsy that it literally made me squirm in my chair as he methodically took apart GWB piece by piece until there was nothing left. I've never witnessed satirical devastation of that magnitude, it was nothing short of a tour-de-force.
I think the show is in good hands, but it will be interesting to see how he figures out how to drive in third and fourth gear after driving flat out in fifth for so long. It's going to be like Einstein teaching high school math in some ways.
It he had been chosen to succeed Dave for the Late Show instead of Tonight Show, it probably would have worked out for him.
I love Stephen Colbert, but he is a "breed apart" from anything we've seen up to this point. He's not truly "Lettermanesque", but he's already proven himself to be brilliant and innovative on his own terms. His 2005 correspondents dinner performance was so adversarial and gutsy that it literally made me squirm in my chair as he methodically took apart GWB piece by piece until there was nothing left. I've never witnessed satirical devastation of that magnitude, it was nothing short of a tour-de-force.
I think the show is in good hands, but it will be interesting to see how he figures out how to drive in third and fourth gear after driving flat out in fifth for so long. It's going to be like Einstein teaching high school math in some ways.
Yes, indeed, Dave was "inventive and seditious in his heyday" and that Taco Bell clip was a prime example of those qualities. The great mystery is why all that came to an end and why the Late Show ended up as a slightly better-than-average talk show with a somewhat better-than-average host. Why did all those signature bits of absurdism and comedic anarchy disappear at some point in favor of the standard monologue-and-sit-downs-with-celebrities format? Larry (Bud) Melman went to his reward but what became of Sirajul and Mujibur and the Strong Man, the Fat Man and the Genius and the folks in bunny suits cramming into Starbucks and the folks in the camera store showing off their photos? All that stuff was so fresh and so liberating. Where did THAT Letterman go?
3
Yes,I miss that funny Dave too.But over the last decade Letterman has fobbed off on us a lot of mediocrity.That deli owner sketch with Glbert Gee was cringe inducing in its torpor.Letterman almost seemed to be doing a deliberately terrible talk show,with pathetic imitations of Jack Benny.and Johnny Carson.And ,Letterman was always whining about how Jay leno"stole" the "Tonight Show" from him and was clobbering him in the ratings.I think.Letterman's inabity to deal with losing his dream job and Leno.being.more popular than him,hurt his comedy.
He didn't go anywhere (For the most part). It was everyone else who has changed. And mostly not for the better.
Carson is no longer looked at Fondly & before long Letterman will be/would have been torn down too. It's what people do after anointing. The tearing down. Sad
Carson is no longer looked at Fondly & before long Letterman will be/would have been torn down too. It's what people do after anointing. The tearing down. Sad
Some of the "on the street" comedy went badly including when the manager of Hello Delli was threatened with a knife. Reality hit that comedy show and yes, we lost an entertaining segment of the show. But, I'm with Dave, keeping his staff safe was more important than getting a laugh.
2
I thought it was excellent in all respects, and so relieved it wasn't mawkish.
There was a "day in the life of" behind the scenes bit they did showing what goes on in their offices during the day. Something that struck me about that was how old and tired he looked there, which was extremely depressing as I am almost exactly the same age -- born within a month or so of him. Perhaps it was made worse by all the old footage they've been showing of younger Dave stunts in earlier years. Made me think no wonder he decided to quit (and good for him to be able to make that decision).
So maybe now is time for him to sign up for Comedians Driving Around in Cars Drinking Coffee?
There was a "day in the life of" behind the scenes bit they did showing what goes on in their offices during the day. Something that struck me about that was how old and tired he looked there, which was extremely depressing as I am almost exactly the same age -- born within a month or so of him. Perhaps it was made worse by all the old footage they've been showing of younger Dave stunts in earlier years. Made me think no wonder he decided to quit (and good for him to be able to make that decision).
So maybe now is time for him to sign up for Comedians Driving Around in Cars Drinking Coffee?
3
David Letterman has already appeared on Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, and was one of the better guests. He and Seinfeld look around the coffee shop and realize they can both buy the place.
1
The ratings went to Leno. The legacy goes to Dave.
15
Won't miss him. Being from the midwest myself, his self deprecation all too often declined into a sly celebration of ignorance. All too much of television is dumbed down these days and the number of thinking persons programs are more rare every year. Give me David Frost interviewing Nixon, Edward Murrow, Eric Sevareid or Bill Moyers or occasionally even Meghan Kelly when she remembers to be a journalist.
Ah, so it's Letterman's fault that you mistake CBS for PBS.
As such, "Stupid Pet Tricks" isn't allowable because it isn't intellectual.
Whatever.
Me, I'll miss Letterman because he'd find your comment hysterical.
And it's the intellect behind the wit that you don't seem to see.
Pity.
As such, "Stupid Pet Tricks" isn't allowable because it isn't intellectual.
Whatever.
Me, I'll miss Letterman because he'd find your comment hysterical.
And it's the intellect behind the wit that you don't seem to see.
Pity.
35
cms, I don't think Meghan Kelly ever worked for PBS so it is your fault you mistake Fox News for CBS. Second, why do you think Letterman called it Stupid Pet Tricks? He had you where he wanted you from the start. Lastly, Letterman's schtick was right out of the VFW and American Legion halls across the upper midwest which you have apparently never seen as well as the way he was laughing at you behind the intellect behind the wit. Pity you saw only two layers deep of Letterman.
5
Meghan Kelly????? Come on Dave! Stop with the absurd jokes. You retired last night!
2
I have to be a contrarian, at least to push back against the widespread commentary today that Letterman was somehow "better than Carson." I never developed a taste for the ironic distance that Dave created between himself, his guests and his viewers. Yes, much of his shtick is still as funny as ever, but just as often Dave was self-absorbed and off-putting. (That insincere laugh.) Carson was the master of the form -- not only through his own comic skill, but also his ability to put the spotlight on his guests no matter who they were...while never letting anyone forget he was the star of the show. Sorry, Dave, but detachment can only get you so far.
2
In his endearing, goofy way, Dave Letterman was sexy. I'll never forget his interviews with Teri Garr. He obviously had a thing for her. When God made David Letterman, he threw out the mold.
6
Did anyone catch Brother Theodore at the end in the recaps?
7
Time gets away from you in a hurry.David was my connection to my Fathers’ Time.I remember my Parents watching Johnny,who had David as his protege. I watched late night with Letterman religiously when I could. The other hosts were pretenders.I feel like someone died in my family today.Good Luck Dave.Best wishes to your family in retirement.
4
Yes, we feel as though someone died. We need wake. Where is the Irish whiskey?
4
Everyone is entitled to an opinion, and I loved David Letterman from day one.
I couldn't criticize one moment of the last few weeks.
You know the guests he liked and the ones he loved.
He was gracious to the staff he worked with, and very warm to the fans.
The highlight last night was his gracious thoughts and love to his wife and beautiful son Harry.
I will miss Dave. I hope he enjoys his time to relax.
I couldn't criticize one moment of the last few weeks.
You know the guests he liked and the ones he loved.
He was gracious to the staff he worked with, and very warm to the fans.
The highlight last night was his gracious thoughts and love to his wife and beautiful son Harry.
I will miss Dave. I hope he enjoys his time to relax.
10
I first watched Dave on Late Night as a sleep-deprived pre-adolescent in the mid-eightees. In fact, I dragged an old, humongous cabinet style black and white television into my bedroom, so I could fall asleep to him. I didn't understand almost anything he was joking about, but I undersood that Dave was different from any adults I'd known and I was mesmerized by everything about him: wearing sneakers with a suit, his goofy smile, and all the amazing antics that weren't like anything else on tv. His sense of what's fun and funny about about life: his hair line (the way he would refer to it as the "Christmas Isthmus"), the "shoulder gerbiles" of his jacket, the way he harrased his neighbors at Live at 5....it was all so influential on my own sense of humour that I don't know if I would have my particular sense of humour without him. It was so wonderful and moving after all these years to watch him say goodbye in way that made this fan feel grateful to have taken part in Dave's world for so long.
He revolutionized comedy, television and certainly my life by being himself: smart, funny and truly one of a kind. I hope he will find as much joy in this next phase of his life as he has given all of us. I hope even more that he gets an idea that will bring his unique talents to another medium.
He revolutionized comedy, television and certainly my life by being himself: smart, funny and truly one of a kind. I hope he will find as much joy in this next phase of his life as he has given all of us. I hope even more that he gets an idea that will bring his unique talents to another medium.
11
I hope that CBS replays the show (with the correct length in the program listing) so people who missed the last 17 or so minutes due to the show running longer than their DVR thought will be able to watch the amazing ending.
I will really miss Dave. Maybe I'll get to sleep earlier now, so I can have something good come from this.
I will really miss Dave. Maybe I'll get to sleep earlier now, so I can have something good come from this.
8
You can watch the entire show on the web. I just did. And my DVR missed the end too. Here's the link: http://www.cbs.com/shows/late_show/video/vV2AnIC_njUJeNu3_6QkyLni3cD7X4P...
"Is this anything?" Yes, it certainly is. Thank you Dave, Paul, and the whole crew. Amazing, culture changing television.
14
As I mentioned in a previous pub. comment to one of your contributors, when it comes to saying farewell at the end of a more than 30 year run on nationwide run on t.v. "less is more." Letterman should have left the stage modestly at the end of the show, as did Johnny Carson, who was the best t.v. host and comedian we will probably ever see. Instead, we the viewers were treated to a Hollywood style extravaganza with about a dozen fading or faded stars standing alongside the him to wish him the best." Even Letterman's jokes that final night were lamer than usual.The more seriously you take yourself, the less seriously you will be taken by the viewers. Carson's gift was not only his timing and his comedic sense, but his ability to suppress his ego when talking with a guest, a quality that Letterman lacks.
4
I'll never forget Johnny Carson's heartfelt (his words) signoff to close The Tonight Show. More sincerity in that moment than in 33 years of Dave.
2
Did you watch the final episode that everyone else saw? It sure wasn't the one that I did. If anything, it was as about as anti-"Hollywood extravaganza" as you could possibly get. Thanking his family, and all of the people involved with making his show a reality was quite possibly the most modest exit I've ever seen.
The montage set to "Everlong" was priceless, and I'm thankful for the floodgate of great memories it spawned. I know I'm not alone in that sentiment.
The montage set to "Everlong" was priceless, and I'm thankful for the floodgate of great memories it spawned. I know I'm not alone in that sentiment.
1
Dave had a special brand of humor. Some of them jived with me and others didn't. Like the top 10 were great, but throwing stuff from tall buildings seemed kind of puerile. Jay Leno seemed to work better for me more often than not, particularly the monologue. Jay captured the hole that Johnny Carson left behind in terms of describing what is happening in the country via the monologue.
1
David Letterman's humor was highly clever. Intellectually enjoyable to watch and listen to him. I liked his sense of the absurd.
7
yeah I stopped watching Letterman a long time ago, so long ago I can't remember quite when it was but was probably about 2 or 3 years into the CBS Late Show run. The show was already running downhill and watching felt like a waste of time unless you were too wasted to do anything else. But I did use to watch when watching "Dave," as my then little boy use to call him (why I don't know) didn't feel like a waste of time but a guilty pleasure.
And I watched again last night and (as opposed to the night before which was a terrible show, which as Letterman said last night, most of the shows probably were) partly thanks to the magic of video—and now digital video!— had the oddly sublime feeling of remembering just how subversive, misanthropic and just plain guilty fun the show used to be. And for that I thank them.
The thing about Letterman is that in spite of his best efforts, he betrays depth and that's pretty uncommon in television.
And I watched again last night and (as opposed to the night before which was a terrible show, which as Letterman said last night, most of the shows probably were) partly thanks to the magic of video—and now digital video!— had the oddly sublime feeling of remembering just how subversive, misanthropic and just plain guilty fun the show used to be. And for that I thank them.
The thing about Letterman is that in spite of his best efforts, he betrays depth and that's pretty uncommon in television.
5
It is interesting that you took the time to write about Dave, and you really didn't care for him.
I do not have time to do that, actually no point to do so. Maybe you will like Stephen Colbert.
I do not have time to do that, actually no point to do so. Maybe you will like Stephen Colbert.
4
Honey,
you miss the point.
you miss the point.
6
Do not know the point I missed. You have said all negative things, and if you look at the comments, they all thought wonderful things.
I could also include the many celebrities and CBS WHO LOVED HIM. I can't imagine Les Moonves having anyone on for 33 years if his ratings weren't good. It really doesn't matter, your opinion was expressed and I for one will miss this man.
I could also include the many celebrities and CBS WHO LOVED HIM. I can't imagine Les Moonves having anyone on for 33 years if his ratings weren't good. It really doesn't matter, your opinion was expressed and I for one will miss this man.
1
I grew up in a small town in Montana, and my family always watched David Letterman at the end of each day. Watching the Late Show with David Letterman was a constant for me throughout all of life's changes, the show has been on longer than I've been alive. Undoubtedly my parents watched this show when up late with me as a baby. I have fond memories of watching it with my grandmother after a long day of work outside. It was the only television show my grandmother permitted me to watch as she staunchly disagreed with television during the daytime, and it was such a treat. My brother and I coveted top ten lists growing up. Into adulthood I've found the Late Show to be a shared experience among my family and a constant source of comfort. The fact that my family lived so far away from New York City or anything approaching celebrity culture but still felt "in" on the joke is a huge testament to David Letterman's universal appeal. I know that the people of Montana are so proud that David Letterman has made a home in our state and will undoubtedly do all they can to protect his privacy. In a state that rejects development and is not impressed by status, and nearly always resents new people moving in, this goes to show how highly regarded Mr. Letterman is among the people of Montana.
10
sS the Foo Fighters played and the montage of skits from the past rolled by, I had an unexpected moment, I was seeing chapters of my own life there on the screen. Letterman's insousiance, irreverence, and to my surprise, those very familiar vignettes acting as placeholders in time... brought me to this very emotional place. Dave was retiring, sure, but so am I, and just then i was seeing not only Dave's skits from decades gone by, but mt own life suddenly returned ro me vividly, a remembrance of things past, as if Dave had dunked that proverbial madelaine in tea for an entire nation. It was all i could do to not start blubbering like a little baby.
Thanks, Dave. Many thanks for all the memories...of a lifetime.
Thanks, Dave. Many thanks for all the memories...of a lifetime.
16
Richard, you put into perfect words how I felt last night as well.
1
It seems many of us were having this commonality of feeling, and in many cases, perception...all to Dave's credit I think. Hard to believe 30 years have gone by. Thanks for your kind words.
1
I'm fascinated by how bitter the haters are. They obviously never got the joke. Every negative comment I've read here is made up of cliches. The haters are phoning it in. Hilarious.
I watched the finale. I choked up. I loved seeing his wife and son. I loved the Top Ten List celebrities. I loved the music, but mostly, I loved that Dave was still Dave.
Anyone who reads between the lines, or anyone who has been following Dave since day one, knows that he runs a great company and his employees were well-paid and had great health care. He vocally supported gay marriage, and many of his top production team are gay women. He was a curious man who wasn't afraid to ask feeble politicians tough questions. CBS should have given Dave "Face The Nation." He understood that the Earth's environment is in jeopardy. He didn't suffer fools gladly.
Dave was also man enough and strong enough to praise CBS president Les Moonves for putting up with his mockery. That's respect.
I would love every CBS "Late Show" episode to be put on DVD. I would also love it if CBS gave Dave an hour at 10:00 on Saturday night to do whatever the heck he wants.
Thank you Mr. Letterman for all you've given to television and to your fans.
I watched the finale. I choked up. I loved seeing his wife and son. I loved the Top Ten List celebrities. I loved the music, but mostly, I loved that Dave was still Dave.
Anyone who reads between the lines, or anyone who has been following Dave since day one, knows that he runs a great company and his employees were well-paid and had great health care. He vocally supported gay marriage, and many of his top production team are gay women. He was a curious man who wasn't afraid to ask feeble politicians tough questions. CBS should have given Dave "Face The Nation." He understood that the Earth's environment is in jeopardy. He didn't suffer fools gladly.
Dave was also man enough and strong enough to praise CBS president Les Moonves for putting up with his mockery. That's respect.
I would love every CBS "Late Show" episode to be put on DVD. I would also love it if CBS gave Dave an hour at 10:00 on Saturday night to do whatever the heck he wants.
Thank you Mr. Letterman for all you've given to television and to your fans.
19
Very well said.
A priest during Mass once said "We deserve nothing; everything is a gift." The Late Show With David Letterman was indeed an incredible gift to the United States of America.
Thank you, Team Dave. Be well!
A priest during Mass once said "We deserve nothing; everything is a gift." The Late Show With David Letterman was indeed an incredible gift to the United States of America.
Thank you, Team Dave. Be well!
14
I particularly remember how he made sure all his staff was paid during the writers' strike that went on for weeks. Did Leno take care of his folks? I don't think so.
1
What is sad that you wrote to criticize those that did not get Dave. I am guessing you are one of those phonies that preaches about "free-speech" but won't respect anyone's right to disagree with you. I'm pretty sure that there are a lot of people in this country that did not appreciate Dave. How ever, will you be able to go on knowing this?
1
I was on tour, in 1983. Every night I would come back to my hotel room, light up and inhale something that originated in southern Oregon, and watch Dave get weird. This one, I recall, almost made me pee myself: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2-gRkQ19Sw
4
I had the pleasure of being at Dave's show when it was on NBC--11 times over 9 years (still amazed by that!). As someone just a bit younger than Dave, I had the joy of being able to watch both Johnny Carson and then David Letterman make TV late-night history.
I'm really going to miss that original humor and hope that a certain guy named Colbert (another hero) will bring some of that Letterman Magic to HIS show.
I'm really going to miss that original humor and hope that a certain guy named Colbert (another hero) will bring some of that Letterman Magic to HIS show.
6
Nobody handled Bill O'Reilly better than David Letterman.
Bill: Well, do you want America to win or not?
DL: Oh, I don't think I want to answer that sort of questions.
Bill: Why not?
DL: (With a grin) Because I am a thoughtful person.
Nobody neutralizes that kind of silly and zealous political grilling better Dave, and nobody can make the questioner look stupid like Dave.
Bill: Well, do you want America to win or not?
DL: Oh, I don't think I want to answer that sort of questions.
Bill: Why not?
DL: (With a grin) Because I am a thoughtful person.
Nobody neutralizes that kind of silly and zealous political grilling better Dave, and nobody can make the questioner look stupid like Dave.
32
You are exactly right!! Occasionally Johnny C. would put thoughtful, serious questions to guests; but this was something Dave was really good at. He could skewer someone like O'Reilly, who's not a deep thinker and who attempted to put him on the defensive. And Dave was the only late night host who gradually brought on experts on climate change and the environment to satisfy his own curiosity and put the topic before a huge national audience. And then resume his unique, weird, wonderfully creative brand of humor!
2
Yes, David Letterman definitely won the legacy. What a great final show and amazing career. What am I going to watch late at night now?
10
It is the end of an Era that somehow started way back with big personalities, larger-than-life late night television comedians and conversationalists who put America to bed each night. From Jack Paar’s extemporaneous small talk to Steve Allen’s infectious laugh to Johnny Carson’s witty monologues, and all the big personalities that filled the guest chairs, America has had a love affair with late night television programming for years. Leno is gone and now Letterman. Change in generations and change in the way we see and process reality. I am glad that I was a witness of the Golden days.
4
For the entire time I watched Letterman last night, I regretted having missed parts of his 33-year run.
But I do have a fond memory of watching in real time the little girl with the stunned expression who said hello to her sister ("Hi, Rachel").
Those moments - unplanned, compelling, hilarious in the end - is what made Letterman so worthy of our time.
Thanks for the sheer belly laughs, David, and do pay us all a visit somehow every once in a while.
But I do have a fond memory of watching in real time the little girl with the stunned expression who said hello to her sister ("Hi, Rachel").
Those moments - unplanned, compelling, hilarious in the end - is what made Letterman so worthy of our time.
Thanks for the sheer belly laughs, David, and do pay us all a visit somehow every once in a while.
12
He was where he came from.
Just remember his mom. And that his father the florist was the life of all parties -- until he dropped dead of a heart attack. (like Albert Brooks', Calvin Trillin and Billy Crystal's dads) And that his family were Hoosiers from the best of Indiana, not Dan Quayle's country club.
Just a tall, cute, loopy kid, class of 65 (like Larry David), from the Midwest, who followed that kid from Nebraska,, Johnny Carson, into show biz. And somehow they both negotiated a fine line: usually entertaining, never rude, and a key point -- very rarely confrontational even when most of us thought America really needed a slap and a cold shower.
Great company and party hosts. Allergic to the self indulgence that plagued Jack Parr and Steve Allen.
A perfect formula that their replacements can't possible duplicate because none of them were born in Indiana in 1947.
So now he retires to spend time with prince harry, well rewarded, as rich as Joe Kennedy, but we mustn't forget that he gave us his whole life, 24-7. He deserves retirement.
Congratulations to Alessandra Stanley for a great piece. She not only gets David Letterman, but she got what she got into the last line. I'm only sorry David Carr isn't around to write some, too.
Just remember his mom. And that his father the florist was the life of all parties -- until he dropped dead of a heart attack. (like Albert Brooks', Calvin Trillin and Billy Crystal's dads) And that his family were Hoosiers from the best of Indiana, not Dan Quayle's country club.
Just a tall, cute, loopy kid, class of 65 (like Larry David), from the Midwest, who followed that kid from Nebraska,, Johnny Carson, into show biz. And somehow they both negotiated a fine line: usually entertaining, never rude, and a key point -- very rarely confrontational even when most of us thought America really needed a slap and a cold shower.
Great company and party hosts. Allergic to the self indulgence that plagued Jack Parr and Steve Allen.
A perfect formula that their replacements can't possible duplicate because none of them were born in Indiana in 1947.
So now he retires to spend time with prince harry, well rewarded, as rich as Joe Kennedy, but we mustn't forget that he gave us his whole life, 24-7. He deserves retirement.
Congratulations to Alessandra Stanley for a great piece. She not only gets David Letterman, but she got what she got into the last line. I'm only sorry David Carr isn't around to write some, too.
16
My wife never understood why I found Dave funny, I never could explain that to her, I guess not all people understood him which is why he never could beat Leno in ratings. I will definitely miss him and his type of humor.
10
I anticipated seeing one or two "uber guests", so at first I was disappointed; however, on hind-site the road less taken became an unexpectedly neat stroll down memory lane.
4
I agree completely. Was waiting for the moment when I could mourn the loss of DL on TV. Watching again on, thankfully it never came. He was either a genius or the weirdest person. It's rhetorical because he's an original, and what could be better than that? Others will come along, but none will compare.
While remaining so very private, he showed he has work to do with his life just like the rest of us. No one should be put on a pedestal, but he could come close!
While remaining so very private, he showed he has work to do with his life just like the rest of us. No one should be put on a pedestal, but he could come close!
1
The occasional smarmy comments about Letterman say more about the commenters than they do about him. Hurt feelings because DL wasn't effusive enough when you lauded him? Too political for you? He was one-of-a kind and his longevity should account for something. His humanity, too, faults and all. Happy and healthy retirement, Dave.
12
I remember watching Carson's last show when I was a teenager. The press rhapsodized and said there would never be another Carson. Well, that's true, for a certain generation. And for another generation, there will never be another Letterman. Sharp as a tack, witty, self-effacing, at his best when things go wrong, openly flawed, gracious, intelligent interviewer, articulate, and even able to soothe us during difficult times (9/11). The finale showed most of these sides of Letterman, right down to his insistence that the celebration be about his staff and crew, more than about him. Dave, you will be missed.
15
One day some years ago I went down to the DMV to get my driver’s license renewed. After doing the paperwork and waiting in line, I was told to stand in the small area where my picture would be taken. Right after the click of the shutter I heard something to my right and looked over to see Dave standing right next to me, getting HIS picture taken for HIS license renewal. He had a crew with him and was obviously doing one of his remote segments.
I didn’t interrupt, but have always carried with me that moment as a reminder of what a joy it has been to have Dave in my life. It just seemed so random, and yet lifted my spirits, just as he did last night when he opened his jacket to show the lining. Who does that?
Dave does, and it’s those kind of random moments I will miss, along with all the rest. While there is a sadness at the passing of something I have enjoyed so much, it is greatly overbalanced by the pleasure he has given me throughout the years. Best of luck, Dave!
I didn’t interrupt, but have always carried with me that moment as a reminder of what a joy it has been to have Dave in my life. It just seemed so random, and yet lifted my spirits, just as he did last night when he opened his jacket to show the lining. Who does that?
Dave does, and it’s those kind of random moments I will miss, along with all the rest. While there is a sadness at the passing of something I have enjoyed so much, it is greatly overbalanced by the pleasure he has given me throughout the years. Best of luck, Dave!
17
I'm pretty sure Conan does that sometimes, among other things.
1
Single best hour of television I ever watched (in my 50+ years of watching) was when Warren Zevon was on with Dave. He knew he had a couple months to live and that this would be his final appearance. Rarely have I seen anyone be able to deal with death in such a straightforward manner. It was sad and funny and interesting and profound and entertaining...amazing. I'll miss you Dave.
12
Letterman had some of the funniest stuff ever on television. He would have won all the ratings wars to this day if he hadn't decided to show his leftist political bent and alienating half of the nation. I guess living in NY you can't help it.
Johnny, who was a big Democrat supporter, and the rest of the old stars at least had the class to not let you know which side they stood on.
Johnny, who was a big Democrat supporter, and the rest of the old stars at least had the class to not let you know which side they stood on.
Oh, good grief, must everything be measured according to politics?
First of all, I don't think he cared about winning all the ratings, whatever that means. Moreover, the claim that he alienated "half the nation" is just so childish.
Honestly, do yourself a favor and don't see everything through the lens of "Do you agree with my politics or don't you"? One misses out on some great pleasures in life by engaging with the world in such a narrow way, which, it seems, you did, at least in this case.
How sad for you.
First of all, I don't think he cared about winning all the ratings, whatever that means. Moreover, the claim that he alienated "half the nation" is just so childish.
Honestly, do yourself a favor and don't see everything through the lens of "Do you agree with my politics or don't you"? One misses out on some great pleasures in life by engaging with the world in such a narrow way, which, it seems, you did, at least in this case.
How sad for you.
4
Dave was himself, and he doesn't suffer fools gladly, including politicians. He's a talented, smart comedian, and therefore how could he resist making sharp commentary on the absurd, absolutely unbelievable events and people of the last 20 years of politics? Thank God he was around to help us laugh when many of us despaired for the future of our country. If only Colbert can fill Dave's shoes in this regard.
2
Mark, everyday celebs on Fox News crow about the virtues and superiority of the Right. It turns out, who owns the media really does matter. So, it was a pleasure and a relief to watch Mr. Letterman poke holes in the bloated, self-importance we refer to as the Right. The Right has become the party that glorifies hate and ignorance. Mr. Letterman kept exposing the truth about it. I am so grateful that he did that. I bet if Carson had been a talk show host during the Bush years, he would have done the exact same thing.
3
"Mr. Letterman’s crack about younger performers who use Twitter and Facebook was a shout-out to the talk-show host’s core audience, the late-night viewers who decades ago defined themselves as the insurgents who preferred Mr. Letterman to Mr. Leno."
But what _was_ "Mr. Letterman's crack about younger performers who use Twitter and Facebook"?
But what _was_ "Mr. Letterman's crack about younger performers who use Twitter and Facebook"?
1
"i intend to devote the rest of my life to Social Media!"
1
Beautiful review of Letterman's final show. Feeling a bit melancholy but grateful that I was able to grow up first with Carson and then with Letterman (yes, watching on a television set). Not only did Letterman win the legacy over Leno, he was a Kennedy Center honoree. The masses had Leno but the folks who are drawn to innovation, intelligence and a bit of risk-taking, undoubtedly watched Letterman. End of an era indeed.
13
Dave blew away the competition last night as he always did. Really, there was no competition. The periodic zoom shots on members of the audience smiling were symptomatic: you got to feel you were let in on the private jokes that the adults in the room understood. Bye, Dave. (And thanks, Mom, for giving us Dave.)
9
When I was in high school, long after the Thanksgiving Day meal that day, and the after incessant Skip-Bo games played with the whole extended family we visited every year in Artesia, NM, I remember my brother, Dad and I always looked forward to watching Dave guess what pies his mom baked for Thanksgiving. He did it for years and somehow watching and guessing along became a tradition the three of us shared each year. Even after I moved away to college, and later across the country, one of us would inevetiebly bring it up when we called each other on Thanksgiving (even though Dave hadn't done it for years).
Sometimes something as seemingly insignificant as a skit on TV, can create a moment and a memory that brings a smile to your face for years.
Thanks Dave! (I hope you have pumpkin and banana creme this year!)
Sometimes something as seemingly insignificant as a skit on TV, can create a moment and a memory that brings a smile to your face for years.
Thanks Dave! (I hope you have pumpkin and banana creme this year!)
10
Just want to add my thanks and appreciation.
There were some pretty great highlights in his career.
So creative. His talent for quick wit comes through in so many circumstances, especially the put ons out in the world.
He had his highs and lows.
He delighted us, made us laugh really hard, bored us, inspired us and occasionally made us want to just shut the TV off and go to bed.
He let us become a friend with his self-deprecating style and like any friend sometimes we liked him and sometimes we needed a break.
But we kept the relationship going if we were inclined to and if not that was fine too.
I'm glad he was in my life.
I laughed a whole heck of a lot and I also respected Dave the man. Even when he went off the rails at times.
Who among us has not?
Enjoy life Dave… and thanks man.
There were some pretty great highlights in his career.
So creative. His talent for quick wit comes through in so many circumstances, especially the put ons out in the world.
He had his highs and lows.
He delighted us, made us laugh really hard, bored us, inspired us and occasionally made us want to just shut the TV off and go to bed.
He let us become a friend with his self-deprecating style and like any friend sometimes we liked him and sometimes we needed a break.
But we kept the relationship going if we were inclined to and if not that was fine too.
I'm glad he was in my life.
I laughed a whole heck of a lot and I also respected Dave the man. Even when he went off the rails at times.
Who among us has not?
Enjoy life Dave… and thanks man.
10
I suspect that Letterman will want to re-appear in some form but will be conflicted because Carson didn't.
1
Nope. Dave's not coming back. He's done. Thanks, Dave.
I'll miss you Dave, you've made me laugh out loud over many years. Have a great life!
3
Like David Letterman or not, you can't get away from the fact that the core look and feel of all modern late night TV is pretty much some variation of the style and format that he made famous.
His last show was oddly and endearingly low key. The thanks to any and all were quite sweet, as was the focus on his family - although Harry looked painfully embarrased and uncomfortable with all the attention. When you consider Leterman's age (just turned 68) and the age of his son, you can see that leaving to allow for more time with his family was the right thing to do.
Happy Trails, Dave... and many thanks!!
His last show was oddly and endearingly low key. The thanks to any and all were quite sweet, as was the focus on his family - although Harry looked painfully embarrased and uncomfortable with all the attention. When you consider Leterman's age (just turned 68) and the age of his son, you can see that leaving to allow for more time with his family was the right thing to do.
Happy Trails, Dave... and many thanks!!
13
Letterman's last show was perfect. I've always thought him far more entertaining than Leno. If Letterman had gotten The Tonight Show, I might've watched it. Letterman's Late Night was always the better program. I'm sorry to see him go but I know Stephen Colbert will be fantastic. I hope Mr. Letterman has a wonderful retirement and many happy days with his family.
10
What about the episode in which he was involved in inappropriate relationships with the female employs who are working under him. He created a extremely unprofessional and hostile atmosphere for the female employs who are working under him. it s really sad that the prominent people from all walks of life coming to his show also never bothered to question his attitude nor they decided to boycott him. what kind of message are we giving to working women and the kind of atmosphere they face in so called professional work places
1
The relationships were consensual. No one ever claimed he created a hostile atmosphere for anyone.
10
yes relationships are consensual, but you get noticed or promoted only if you sleep with your boss, is this right kind of work atmosphere
It was unprofessional but not hostile. He was not a weasel.
1
I looked at the guide on my tv to see who will be in Dave Letterman's time spot tonight and it is a repeat of a show no one will remember in 12 months.
How can this be?
Dave is the greatest and is irreplaceable. So sad to see him go.
How can this be?
Dave is the greatest and is irreplaceable. So sad to see him go.
2
Letterman's retirement is long overdue. The show starting getting stale and boorish over these last 10 to 15 years which is about the time I stopped watching him very much. To me he just kind of lost his inventiveness for whatever reasons.
3
What a terrific show and class act Dave is- Thanks to the NYT for such great coverage, articles and reviews.
I hope that every single one on his wonderful staff can find new positions soon, they deserve it!
-a fan from the beginning
I hope that every single one on his wonderful staff can find new positions soon, they deserve it!
-a fan from the beginning
7
i wasn't always a fan but these last two weeks showed how special he was: the precise use of language, the self-deprecating humor, the piercing questions deflating egos and hype, the timing. his show last week with george clooney and tom waits, the best of what talk shows can be! be sure to watch on you tube if you missed it.
4
It was perfect! Over the 30+ years I've watched the show I came to realize his self deprecating humor wasn't just humor. It was sincere. He ended the run the same way. His appeal is that he shows his honesty, world view and flaws with all his humor and humanness. That is where his adoring, less talented, adoring viewers met him and almost became his equal. We got him...he is us! I think the more self righteous type in this country can't get that a mensch like him, with warts and all, has an audience who shares his values and irreverent humor for the absurdities and still adorable world we live in ...Rupert, people on the street, kids and dogs! He expressed disdain sometimes for his 2-bit enterprise I think because he wasn't curing cancer or saving the world from terror and ugliness and unfairness, but he saved our Sanity. I adore him for it. I thank Dave so much and wish him and his precious family good health, peace and contentment. Mazel Tov!
11
I remember so well being in college and watching Dave when he 'd appear on the Tonight show. We loved this guy. He was such an original. And then the joy when Dave got his own gig and defined what a late night talk/comedy show was and should be. He always made his audience feel they were right there with him. It was a joyful ride. Catch you on the Merritt Parkway Dave!
4
Dave had been on the air so long, I now fall asleep before he is on. Thanks a bunch for posting this before I had a chance to catch my VHS recording of last night's episode. Spoiler Alert: He retired! I feel old!
2
Big Letterman fan, until he started his political diatribes, against anyone/anything Republican. And, with all those writer, his monologues were horrible, and if it weren't for the "flashing," applause signs, the audience would just cringe.
1
Letterman was more than gracious and humble on the show last night, saying over and over again how much better his writers and staff were than he was on any given category. Any of the commenters below: just consider your own relationship and measure it against his 33 year run. It had its ups and downs, so some of you have bailed on your spouses or relationships because there wasn't anything there to commit to (well, nice judgment call). Letterman inspired loyalty because you knew he was multi-dimensional, he was real, he came from the mid-west and never lost that touch, and didn't suffer fools easily. And he refused to be type-cast, reinventing comedy and late-night almost every year.
SO enjoy the young crop of high-stepping Hollywood junkie late night fakes with their attention spans of chipmunks.
SO enjoy the young crop of high-stepping Hollywood junkie late night fakes with their attention spans of chipmunks.
4
Very well said. Letterman was such a big presence in my childhood/teenage years. I don't think I realized until recently how much he influenced my generation's sense of humor. When he came along, he seemed made for us. He was our late night host, the sarcastic, lovable crank. We loved his irreverent view of the world and himself. He was rebellious and goofy. Our parents didn't get him, which made us love him all the more. He could make me laugh with just a facial expression or by giving away a canned ham to an audience member. I'll miss him dearly. Your last paragraph is the most true. His legacy is secure. He is obviously adored by the current crop of hosts. As it should be.
12
I came to the US as a young adult and watching David Letterman helped me understand America-- a certain kind of America, of course, but then everyone forms their own lens and this one works for me. I especially loved his courage and straight-forwardness on political matters over the past 8-10 years.
17
Sadly for many viewers, Dave Letterman is gone - and forgotten. A week from now, people will forget all about him. That's the world Dave helped create.
If you don't have something currently going on, you're history. The world moves on. Even Colonel won't be missed 24 hours after he tunes out. - The Colonel
If you don't have something currently going on, you're history. The world moves on. Even Colonel won't be missed 24 hours after he tunes out. - The Colonel
I've always been a big fan of David Letterman. The endearing Larry "Bud" Melman certainly caught this Mellman's attention in the early days of "Late Night With David Letterman".
I enjoyed one of his repeating segments, "Dave's Record Collection", in which he'd show peculiar, unknown records, purportedly from his personal collection, and play excerpts from them. One night, in the early '80's, he played a ten second excerpt from one that he said was a personal favorite, "Larry Storch Reads Philip Roth's 'Epstein'".
A few days later, in New York City, I saw a street vendor selling used lp's. Always a sucker for records, I rummaged through the pile, where I happened upon "Larry Storch Reads Philip Roth's 'Epstein'". I bought it, thinking that God was sending me a signal that Dave and I had some kind of cosmic connection; that Dave, through his comedy, was speaking directly to me. I know that that was just sycophantic idolatry, but it was exciting to latch on to someone who observed the absurd in such a brilliant and hilarious way.
I loved watching his mind at work; how, even in his most somber moments - the first show after the 9/11 attacks, his return to tv after heart surgery, the remembrance of Warren Zevon, his mea culpa in his sex scandal - a comical aside would interrupt his reflections. His commentary would, without losing any of its seriousness, take on a lighter tone, and usher him, and all of us, back to business-as-usual. I will miss that daily dose of comic genius.
I enjoyed one of his repeating segments, "Dave's Record Collection", in which he'd show peculiar, unknown records, purportedly from his personal collection, and play excerpts from them. One night, in the early '80's, he played a ten second excerpt from one that he said was a personal favorite, "Larry Storch Reads Philip Roth's 'Epstein'".
A few days later, in New York City, I saw a street vendor selling used lp's. Always a sucker for records, I rummaged through the pile, where I happened upon "Larry Storch Reads Philip Roth's 'Epstein'". I bought it, thinking that God was sending me a signal that Dave and I had some kind of cosmic connection; that Dave, through his comedy, was speaking directly to me. I know that that was just sycophantic idolatry, but it was exciting to latch on to someone who observed the absurd in such a brilliant and hilarious way.
I loved watching his mind at work; how, even in his most somber moments - the first show after the 9/11 attacks, his return to tv after heart surgery, the remembrance of Warren Zevon, his mea culpa in his sex scandal - a comical aside would interrupt his reflections. His commentary would, without losing any of its seriousness, take on a lighter tone, and usher him, and all of us, back to business-as-usual. I will miss that daily dose of comic genius.
18
There was really only one late night host and that was Johnny. All the rest were imitators and followers. I mostly gave up on those shows when Johnny retired. The genre has totally changed, Letterman was the sole holdout from the old days, and now late night is directed more at kids with a much less sophisticated humor that seems to me to be more silly and childish than funny. No thanks.
4
I wanted Dave's last show to be pretty much like all the others; funny and smart. He didn't disappoint.
13
Dave was funny in the early 80's. I was a big fan. (Check out Dave and Chris Elliot for example.
The last 25 or more years, I haven't watched. Talk about phoning it in.
The last 25 or more years, I haven't watched. Talk about phoning it in.
2
Hey Dave, You were deadpan and fun. We laughed. Thank you and goodnight.
6
To be fair to Jay, Dave had Leno's final show to watch and provide appropriate contrast. That said, Letterman hit just about every note on his way out .. from an appropriately strange but touching Dylan version of a song Sinatra made famous to a tightly edited, high-intensity photo montage exit. He may have lost a few steps in recent years but that last show was vintage Letterman .. and not just because it provided ample vintage Letterman clips. Went out mid-sprint, dry-eyed, and with an Elian Gonzalez joke in the monologue. Era over.
5
Television talk shows have two styles. Before Letterman, and after.
15
I hope he has a good retirement. There was a time when the man was funny, but it's been years. He became such a bitter political hack, I just couldn't stand him any more.
funny ... i feel the same way about Fred
I never was a big fan of late night talk shows, but when I did watch one from time to time it was Late Night with David Letterman. I was in college when his first evening show aired, and I often found myself unwinding and relaxing with a good laugh back then and throughout the years. So #ThanksDave for helping to take some of the edge off of life and for sharing your particular brand of humor with the world.
2
I came to New York City to attend college and discovered Dave one morning when my roomate called us in to his room to watch this "guy". As I learned to navigate the streets of NYC, I watched Dave reveal the mysteries of this city, and his place in Gotham. To this day I laugh about skits , characters and lines from the show ("live from New York, Where the crimes of tomorrow are comitted today!") He has been there as I dated, got married, got fired, survived recessions, kids, divorce, male pattern baldness- you know , life.
I cried last night watching to show- We were blessed to have him as part of our lives for so long.
I cried last night watching to show- We were blessed to have him as part of our lives for so long.
94
I too was bawling like a baby at times last night. You are correct, we were truly blessed.
2
I cried last night. And I'm crying now reading some of the comments including yours.
2
Watching Dave and his musicians and staff, I was struck by how different Dave's world is to the world young people live in today.
He respected everyone who has been with him, and praised and thanked them. He has people who have worked with him for 30+ years.
Today, young people think it's great to job hop, and that the job hopscotch game is a power play. They don't recognize that life deepens with long term, lovely relationships.
Thank you Dave and crew for a really fun farewell. May we meet again.
He respected everyone who has been with him, and praised and thanked them. He has people who have worked with him for 30+ years.
Today, young people think it's great to job hop, and that the job hopscotch game is a power play. They don't recognize that life deepens with long term, lovely relationships.
Thank you Dave and crew for a really fun farewell. May we meet again.
14
A truly great finale, and a bit heartbreaking. We're all going to miss this guy, even the people who are complaining.
20
I preferred Letterman to Leno on about a 1,000 to 1 ratio back when I bothered with late night. It is important, interesting to remember that the shows once, in the era before 100+ channels, had some of the urgency of news and current events. The rest of television was literally canned, stored on video tape or film and spooled back for entertainment or laughs so commercials could jump out at you. People tuned in not just to giggle, but also to at least touch the larger world, to get a sense of what might be important elsewhere and get some of the vibe of New York or Los Angeles. To those who were "off the grid" in the pre-Internet days, it was a vital motivation.
Virtually all comedians these days spin around the notion of the ironic and some self mockery. I have always wondered this: where do you go from there? Once you have established this "inside looking inside and out" kind of irony, what's left? Can you then mock your mockery?
Still all in all, there's no going back to the days of cloying sincerity with line ups of stars who knew they were putting on the public, but only they were in on the joke. We get the joke now ourselves and we can't be unjoked.
Tuning into Italian television a few years ago on a visit, they seemed stuck in the early 1960s. The whole thing, top to bottom, could be taken as some sort of parody, but it isn't. Letterman, among others, helped us move into a new and different era, but the question remains: where do you go from here? Dave?
6
His long-farewell to the hard-living, odd-ball musician Warron Zevon and a semi-regular on the show, recently decesaed (2011) was some of the most moving TV and what made Letterman an extraordinary TV host.
10
I find something to like with pretty much all the late night TV hosts but Letterman was state of the art and the clips from the past only reinforced that opinion. Razor sharp wit with a heart.
The back stage segment together with the closing credits listing his entire staff with their photos was a fascinating insight into just how many people it takes to put out a show every night. I was there for a live taping in 2009 when the only guest was Michael J. Fox. Dave showed just how good an interviewer he can be with a fascinating and (as Dave noted) very funny guest like Fox.
The back stage segment together with the closing credits listing his entire staff with their photos was a fascinating insight into just how many people it takes to put out a show every night. I was there for a live taping in 2009 when the only guest was Michael J. Fox. Dave showed just how good an interviewer he can be with a fascinating and (as Dave noted) very funny guest like Fox.
8
He was boring and talentless-
Just go away.
Just go away.
4
Dude! You've made the Top Ten Hosts!
7
I'm 61, and during the past 5 years or so even I found the "talk show" format of Tonight, Kimmel, Letterman and Ferguson boring. What the Late Late Show is doing with James Caldor is remarkable in its entertainment complexity and risk.
2
I still miss Carson 23 years after he went off the air, and I'll bet 23 years from now I'll still be missing Letterman too.
9
The brilliant montage of clips that aired while the Foo Fighters played their final number made me realize that almost every important politician, entertainer, artist, and celebrity I have known in my adult life had been part of Letterman's show. I felt suddenly not only that an important episode of television history was ending but that a chapter of my own life was closing.
98
Jeremy
Yes, the sequencing of those clips was totally amazing and genius.
Thank you for commenting on them. Closing chapters, yes. Let us be grateful we were part of it. Some of the younger set will not be able to enjoy things the way we have......those clips and those days are ours to keep, though - forever.
Yes, the sequencing of those clips was totally amazing and genius.
Thank you for commenting on them. Closing chapters, yes. Let us be grateful we were part of it. Some of the younger set will not be able to enjoy things the way we have......those clips and those days are ours to keep, though - forever.
8
Jeremy, I felt similarly. I turned to my husband after it was over and said It feels like my adult life just flashed in front of me.
1
Ditto. And that's because it is ... closing. I hate big montages that gobble up decades -- MY decades -- for this very reason. Unsettling 'reminders' of the relentless tick, tick, tick of the clock.
Foo Fighters were fierce, tho!!
Foo Fighters were fierce, tho!!
just because men dont show their feelings doesnt mean they dont have them.
thanks for letting me down easy Dave
wonderful last night. truly. bravo!
thank you thank you
enjoy
thanks for letting me down easy Dave
wonderful last night. truly. bravo!
thank you thank you
enjoy
8
I now have no excuse not to watch Charlie Rose. I'll be a bit smarter, but I wont be happier. Thanks Dave. Happiness is a good thing.
8
I was at the taping. The reason the audience laughed when Dave said 1996 was because the first time around he said 1976, so the bit had to be redone. I thought it was odd to go to such trouble when he could simply have corrected himself but instead they started again, from the commercial break.
I've also heard people wonder if Jerry Seinfeld might have been blindsided by Julia Louis-Dreyfuss' Top Ten entry. On the contrary -- he thought it was hysterical, and they were the first to hug after that bit was over.
I've also heard people wonder if Jerry Seinfeld might have been blindsided by Julia Louis-Dreyfuss' Top Ten entry. On the contrary -- he thought it was hysterical, and they were the first to hug after that bit was over.
10
I will miss Dave Letterman the most during next year's Presidential campaign. Dave asked the candidates the "elephant in the room" questions avoided by many others. In his low key, but penetrating, Midwestern style, he refused to let candidates off the hook until they gave a forthright answer or he pointedly called them out for the bobbing and weaving around the truth.
13
Maybe Dave and Jon Stewart can get together for an election interview special.
4
David is a leader. He guided with wit and compassion for 33 years.
Making people look at themselves and the issues and laugh is a rare gift, a talent. Higher marks to David than 99.999% of our elected leaders.
Get some rest but do come back on some basis. We need your take on things.
Making people look at themselves and the issues and laugh is a rare gift, a talent. Higher marks to David than 99.999% of our elected leaders.
Get some rest but do come back on some basis. We need your take on things.
2
Letterman was the only Late Night talk show I watched & Nightline, when Ted Koppell was hosting (totally dating myself).
Perhaps I enjoyed his show as I did get his humor. Thanks for keeping me up at night.
Perhaps I enjoyed his show as I did get his humor. Thanks for keeping me up at night.
6
It's a slightly absurd thing, to watch your own time passing through the eyes of television but there it is: Dave we've gotten older together, wiser by the humor.
Thank you and I love you.
Thank you and I love you.
8
His humor always had a meanness about it that seemed to reveal a troubled fellow--though he was good at protecting the favorite children of the left. But vicious cynicism seems his game. NBC made the right decision. Letterman was just New York City street "humor" writ large. Glad to see him go, finally.
3
"Pharaonic" Carson? Was this a guest appearance by Steve Martin or some confusion of memory with the Great Carsoni?
1
You young folks don't get how "straight" TV was, back in the day they set the agenda, set the trends, and framed all discourse, political and otherwise. (Look up how Cronkite saying that Vietnam was a no-win cracked the whole debate)
Today, of course, everything is reduced to absurdity and used as a basis for ridicule. Letterman, back in those staid days, winked at us. He used the medium and tweaked it back when no one else did. Carson never questioned the whole thing...he was a masterful presenter, but was not in on the joke. Letterman wasn't only in on the joke, he shared it with us....
Today, of course, everything is reduced to absurdity and used as a basis for ridicule. Letterman, back in those staid days, winked at us. He used the medium and tweaked it back when no one else did. Carson never questioned the whole thing...he was a masterful presenter, but was not in on the joke. Letterman wasn't only in on the joke, he shared it with us....
90
Another long list of comedians who tried to cover up his internal insecurity with goofiness. At times great. Others zaniness only a 6 year old should find funny.
After his sex scandal I lost interest. What other person could keep employed once admitted to such behaviour. I wonder why anyone would want to elevate him to legend status. That should be his legacy
After his sex scandal I lost interest. What other person could keep employed once admitted to such behaviour. I wonder why anyone would want to elevate him to legend status. That should be his legacy
6
irene, I'm sure you have lived a flawless, saintly life. But for most of us, Dave's honest admission and apology, instead of trying to bury the whole thing, were admirable and very human. Also, he helped the cops catch the blackmailer!
9
If we excised the creative legacy of every great artist and performer who has ever transgressed, we'd be left with a very long list of sinners and a very short list of major contributors to arts and culture.
5
I will truly mist this show. David Letterman came across as everyman, and you thought that anyone could do what he did. Then you realized that he was so talented that no one else could.
9
As we know, David Letterman was from Indiana and Ball State (formerly) Teachers College in Muncie. (The Ball Brothers made home canning jars.) How much more a Midwesterner could anyone be--with feet firmly planted on the ground, observing and mocking the absurd behavior of people.
3
I found the whole thing rather flat. Unlike Carson, Letterman did not project warmth on screen and he wasn't someone who really helped shape people's careers, unless you count Larry "Bud" Melman. the traditional bittersweet departure really couldn't work with him. I never really got him as an innovator--by his own admission he borrowed heavily from Steve Allen (whose later talk show I saw) and Ernie Kovacs whom I mostly knew from reading and clips. He was a bit more edge that either of them, but not really a pathbreaker. His tendency toward nastiness, esp. with fragile people made me stay away from the show for years--he seemed to resort to this most heavily at a time when he also seemed bored with the show, but I've warmed up to him in more recent times. Given the many other hosts with somewhat differing styles but similar formats, he really doesn't leave the whole that Carson did. OTOH< he's leaving on truly his own terms, unlike Leno, whom I never found particularly funny as a host or a particularly good with guests. Leno wanted to be liked almost pathologically; Letterman didn't seem to need that and ultimately it made him a more durable host.
8
Thank you, Dave, a wonderful time was had by all, we will miss you.
16
Never minded Letterman's sarcasm. That was what made him great. And blowing up things.
Show business need that genuinely thrown at them. He was able to nail phoney well.
Show business need that genuinely thrown at them. He was able to nail phoney well.
9
This is crazy...Letterman's retirement was a long, drawn out event, generated by CBS, not some imaginary fan base.
Be honest...Dave is an accomplished broadcaster, but he never could beat Leno, Kimmel, or even Fallon in ratings.
Sad to read a disparaging account of Johnny Carson's, or even Leno's final shows.
Why the polarizing "either / or" mentality?
Be honest...Dave is an accomplished broadcaster, but he never could beat Leno, Kimmel, or even Fallon in ratings.
Sad to read a disparaging account of Johnny Carson's, or even Leno's final shows.
Why the polarizing "either / or" mentality?
6
Who cares about ratings? Dave was smarter and funnier than all three of those guys combined.
29
Wow. Talk about disregard for the obvious and misrepresentation of the facts. No one's claimed he held the lead in ratings - did you not read her final sentence? Indeed he achieved much more - an impenetrable legacy. Where is all this vitriol coming from? And the guy below you still smarting from being snubbed? Ever consider that being aloof reflects social discomfort rather than arrogance? Good grief, people, give it a rest. He would be the first to admit his imperfections, which is in part why he endeared himself to many, but the notion that the honoring he's received in leaving is undeserved is flat out preposterous and ignorant. He single-handedly changed the institutions of comedy, late night (and perhaps ALL) tv, and broadcast interviews. If you want to continue to rail against whatever injustice you perceive in his considerable acknowledgement across all media formats for his retirement, know that you are indeed in rare company.
29
Because some of us never thought Jay was funny. But I love it when Jay talks about cars. He missed his calling. Top Gear with Leno!!!
4
Arrogant @ss is the best description for this person. I had the misfortune to come within his presence twice in my life. They were 10 years apart once in Indiana as a young man and then in California. Both times he was obstinate and aloof in my attempts to telling him how much I admired his work. He may be friendly and congenial on the television but in real life he is what I just described. I am so glad he is never going to fake his charming congeniality in public again.
7
Don't you think that just because he was in your living room on your TV does not mean he wants to interact with you on a personal level. He may well be a private person "in private" and reluctant to interact with the public when not "at work". Everyone deserves privacy in their private lives.
16
@oneolddude-
I understand where you are coming from, but Letterman the host is exactly what people are talking about. I hate to tell you, but apparently Johnny Carson was not particularly cuddly to people he met on the street, and the number of people who on screen who come off as 'nice guys' who are jerks in real life are legion (some, like Jimmy Stewart, apparently in real life were like their screen image, I have heard Leno in real life is nice to people, but others not so much, Robert Young of "Father Knows Best" and "Marcus Welby" fame apparently was a nasty person, for example).
I understand where you are coming from, but Letterman the host is exactly what people are talking about. I hate to tell you, but apparently Johnny Carson was not particularly cuddly to people he met on the street, and the number of people who on screen who come off as 'nice guys' who are jerks in real life are legion (some, like Jimmy Stewart, apparently in real life were like their screen image, I have heard Leno in real life is nice to people, but others not so much, Robert Young of "Father Knows Best" and "Marcus Welby" fame apparently was a nasty person, for example).
3
Thus far, I haven't anyone -- neither the reporter nor commenters -- hit one of the key elements of Letterman's persona that distinguishes him: Witty though he is, he was mean. Not bully-mean or even particularly angry-mean, but his humor often had that sarcastic edge that was, well, mean. Perhaps he mellowed and softened it as he became more self-deprecating, but, yes, he was mean, not that he wasn't funny with it, the meanness was inseparable from his humor.
17
I didn't watch him for that reason. I've probably seen more David Letterman in the past three days than in the past 33 or whatever years. But I wish him, his young wife, and young child well.
2
I always thought he was kind. I always wished he'd poke fun at me. I am not famous so that cannot happen, But I thought he had a kind way to poke fun at everyone, especially himself.
9
he was indeed mean. and that was why my husband and I would have the end of day situation -- "who tonight? Leno or Letterman?" So the coin toss won, OR the better guest lineup won.
loved the respectful tribute by James Corden immediately after!
26
Letterman was over years ago, but he just got the memo.
I remember he began as goofy, funny, nutty and fun.
He became snarky, political, nasty, lecher, and old.
Leno beat Letterman at the end because his monologue was funny, while Letterman's was not.
Letterman became the epitome of politically correct, and in my free time I don't like reminders of that mind control.
I remember he began as goofy, funny, nutty and fun.
He became snarky, political, nasty, lecher, and old.
Leno beat Letterman at the end because his monologue was funny, while Letterman's was not.
Letterman became the epitome of politically correct, and in my free time I don't like reminders of that mind control.
7
Reading others' comments, there is really nothing more to add. At least I'm in good company mourning a wonderful, selfless, funny entertainer and his dedicated, creative band and staff.
You all made life easier for us.
Happy retirement!
You all made life easier for us.
Happy retirement!
20
Mr. Letterman, you will be sorely missed for a long, long time.
Thank you for so many many years of out loud laughs.
You're the greatest! We will miss you!
Thank you for so many many years of out loud laughs.
You're the greatest! We will miss you!
17
Several of us baby boomers are going to become “late night widows” this year with David Letterman and Jon Stewart out the door. Bill Maher is the only other guy I watch on a regular basis, but he does his show only once a week. So I hope Stephen Colbert carries on a more classic late night tradition (à la Carson and Letterman) because the Jimmy’s, while entertaining, appeal more to a different demographic group. Thank you, David, for putting us to sleep with a smile on our faces for over three decades!
9
Both Jimmy shows are for the under 30 crowd.
It takes old people to love Dave.
Without knowing all the back stories that he touches on, yep. Gonna be pretty dull if you have no idea what Caddy Shack is!
It takes old people to love Dave.
Without knowing all the back stories that he touches on, yep. Gonna be pretty dull if you have no idea what Caddy Shack is!
1
I could never understand how people could sit through a Tonight Show with Jay Leno. He was an excruciately terrible interviewer who would ask his guest a question and then interrupt him/her and finish the thought for the person. I found this trait utterly annoying. Dave was so much for comfortable in his own skin when interviewing guests and his conversations with them benefitted immensely as a result.
21
Also, Buckaroo, while there is a place on the dial for someone who is "establishment" those who are not are always more compelling. Leno was thoroughly establishment. Dave was anything but.
9
Jay is a sweet man in the wrong job!
A car show! His encyclopedic knowledge as a gear head
is crazily entertaining. I think he loves cars and that could have made a wonderful Top Gear program. But his show otherwise was not fun.
A car show! His encyclopedic knowledge as a gear head
is crazily entertaining. I think he loves cars and that could have made a wonderful Top Gear program. But his show otherwise was not fun.
1
Amazing. Impressive, and fabulous. And his late night time represents 54% of the years of late night.... estimating from 1954 with Steve Allen, to date -- that 61 year period -- Letterman's been on for more than half of that.
Only Carson had a longer run -- representing 78% of all late night time...
Both were brilliant in his own way.
I wish you luck Dave Letterman. We love you.
Only Carson had a longer run -- representing 78% of all late night time...
Both were brilliant in his own way.
I wish you luck Dave Letterman. We love you.
12
I never thought I would miss watching watermelons being thrown off a roof! Thanks for the memories Dave.
12
I am amazed at the lavish hype and over coverage of this non-event. The Letterman goodbye has garnered more press than Shell getting the blessing of the POTUS to invade the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. I ask: which event will have more impact on our lives?
9
Can't say I understand all the hoopla over Letterman and his show. Never found his antics funny, just juvenile. Tuned him out years ago.
8
and that is why Leno was on for people like you who couldn't understand a more unique type of comedy, compared to Leno's ordinary simple approach.
4
Found Leno entirely unfunny, too. In fact, late night TV just seems a wasteland of bad jokes and juvenilia.
1
I'm old enough to remember Steve Allen's totally wacky show on the long-defunct Westinghouse network. The only one who has ever come even close to that is Letterman.
That's a compliment.
That's a compliment.
18
The Foo Fighters was a fitting choice, because as Dave likes to say, they are "the real deal".
The David Letterman show is the reason I own a TV, and about the only thing I've ever watched on it, besides Jon Stewart's The Daily Show. Now both are just about gone. Time to recycle that 32" beast.
The David Letterman show is the reason I own a TV, and about the only thing I've ever watched on it, besides Jon Stewart's The Daily Show. Now both are just about gone. Time to recycle that 32" beast.
11
But, hark! COLBERT is in the bullpen. We shall see.
It will be interesting to see the non-republican Colbert character!
It will be interesting to see the non-republican Colbert character!
5
"His rival got “The Tonight Show” gig and higher ratings, but in the end, Mr. Letterman won the legacy."
That sentence perfectly captured what Johnny Carson knew, what Jimmy Kimmel knows, and what many of us fans experienced. If anything the media coverage this past week has been a window into the world of comedy and comedic peers and it is clear who 'won' the 'late night wars'.
That sentence perfectly captured what Johnny Carson knew, what Jimmy Kimmel knows, and what many of us fans experienced. If anything the media coverage this past week has been a window into the world of comedy and comedic peers and it is clear who 'won' the 'late night wars'.
27
Today I feel about the same as I did when M.A.S.H. concluded. I'll miss the characters and the "truths" they told. Completely different context, same familiarity and statement about the times we lived in.
11
What a wonderful show this was! As a die-hard fan, I requested and got a ticket to the Tuesday night show. I flew up to NYC that morning and got in line to receive my ticket. The staff and all those connected with the show were so friendly and respectful as was Dave himself when he came out prior to taping to talk to the audience. He is definitely a class act, and yes, he deserved front page coverage on the Times. We will not see the likes of Letterman ever again. My overnight trip to the Big Apple was well worth the effort. I will always remember the experience! Go in peace, Dave, good luck and thanks for the memories!
51
Will miss bits like Dave saying to Paul, hey Paul what did you do this weekend and they cut to videotape of Paul in his bathrobe sitting at kitchen table eating his cereal.
19
I'm 48. As a gay American-hillibilly male, trying to find my own identity, watching Letterman's authenticity inspired me to find my own self-expression... humor and lightheartedness. The fear, pain and anger I grew up living with, has been replaced with love, goofiness and self-acceptance... in part thanks to this guy.
Dave, thanks for being who you are, and helping me find out who I am!
Dave, thanks for being who you are, and helping me find out who I am!
28
Excellent sentiment. We are all with you, Mr. Bray. That is what he could do. Make a sometimes cruel world seem quirky. That is a darn good thing
3
A great entertainer retired, I will miss his subtle jokes and he will not fade from my memory like others gone away.
9
I see that there are a few people who wonder why The New York Times "wastes" time and space on "just a TV show". Well, I just watched a segment on Dave's last show on the BBC World News, so maybe it is a big deal, and you're just not getting it?
26
Ms. Stanley, I don't often find myself agreeing with your assessments, but my God, did you nail this one. Your closing words are sublime. Thank you for honoring the man with such a kind and heartfelt review.
14
Dave was innovating even on his way out. A final talk show episode with no guests interviewed? Irony by design. Very touching. On his last night, he preferred to put the camera on his crew, his family and us. Somehow he did it without being maudlin. As Paul would say -- fabulous!
127
I was 22 year olds when Mr. Letterman began his late night career & following Carson & for me , he was it ! Johnny Carson was great but he was my mom & dad's tv show for late night , Letterman was mine ! He just knew how to keep this 23 y.o.'s attention & never let go . Thank you Dave for 33 outrageous & super interesting (For the mot part) years. You will be missed !!! P.S. Thank god for youtube !!!
7
Class...and intelligence. He put it all across on his last show with that knowing, ironic distance from the material, even when it was about real goodbyes. Since I got up today, I've been in a.New York state of mind. Thanks, Dave. Thanks for the memories.
15
it's been a life dedicated to his work, Im glad he gets to really start spending quality time with his lovely wife, http://dailyentertainmentnews.com/tv/regina-lasko-letterman-david-letter...
1
As Leno and others fade into the mist of time, Letterman will go on the short list of the greats with Carson, Sullivan and Griffin. As it should be.
24
Class act all the way.
15
Alessandra, good review of David Letterman's last show. In addition to thanking studio audiences and viewers for their support, expressing appreciation and affection to his family (including his mother), he graciously honored the work of all who helped in the broadcast of The Late Show from CBS execs to maintenance staff. In last night's show he said thank-you from the stage and thank-you through clips of getting the show ready, and in the credits with pictures. The Taco Bell prank demonstrated through humor how one insensitive employee impacts negatively a customer's experience and a corporation's reputation. Bad behavior affects more people than those immediately involved as Dave Letterman came to know. Protestant Christianity teaches that all saints are sinners and all sinners can be saints. While David Letterman's self-effacing instincts would decline saint as his character trait, nevertheless, there is a genuine humility that comes through in his appreciation of others. Hence, I agree, " "Mr. Letterman won the legacy" .
11
Understated, unsurpassed.
17
Well worth watching a classic funny man! Good luck Dave!
9
Bit with all the Presidents at the beginning was classic. Liked the montage of his interactions with kids, but mainly, it was amazing how much was recognizable when they quickly blew through hundreds of moments at the end. Also got to agree with Paul that watching Larry Bud, dressed as Santa Claus and struggling through the NIght Before Christmas, because one of the staff had accidentally switched books on him, was the best.
12
Congratulations! And thanks for your thoughtful and funny farewell. You will be so missed! Wishing you all the best. Enjoy!
10
"... but in the end, Mr. Letterman won the legacy." What a wonderful tribute.
49
Agreed.
Everything Ms. Stanley wrote was right on the mark.
One other note I'd like to add, and this is something I don't think I've ever done in a forum like this, is to actually thank a major corporation.
CBS and Les Moonves deserve credit for creating the space for Dave to do what he did for as long as he did.
It has been discussed at length that Dave's ratings were not great for a good part of his run, and other networks and/or network execs. might have pulled the plug on his career when the ratings took a turn for the worse.
I've always considered it a minor miracle that an entertainer with a subversive streak as big as David Letterman was able to have such a long career on a flagship, "big three" network show.
He wasn't only good, he was a bit lucky, too, in that he had the right network and executives who for whatever reason stuck with him through thick and thin.
Everything Ms. Stanley wrote was right on the mark.
One other note I'd like to add, and this is something I don't think I've ever done in a forum like this, is to actually thank a major corporation.
CBS and Les Moonves deserve credit for creating the space for Dave to do what he did for as long as he did.
It has been discussed at length that Dave's ratings were not great for a good part of his run, and other networks and/or network execs. might have pulled the plug on his career when the ratings took a turn for the worse.
I've always considered it a minor miracle that an entertainer with a subversive streak as big as David Letterman was able to have such a long career on a flagship, "big three" network show.
He wasn't only good, he was a bit lucky, too, in that he had the right network and executives who for whatever reason stuck with him through thick and thin.
2
He reminds me of my mom, my Midwesterner step dad, and of all of the fun and quirky things I love about life. He is sexy too!
3
Somebody please: my DVR stopped recording a few minutes before the conclusion. We only saw the fast-moving montage over the Foo Fighters. PLEASE tell me: how did the show actually end?
that was it, ended with just the montage- he didn't reappear.
In the end, Dave was Dave - thumbing his nose at convention and running 10 minutes long. (Thanks to folks on Twitter for posting that news last night prompting me to adjust my DVR.)
Goodbye Dave Letterman. Thanks for 33 years of joy. Enjoy your retirement years with Harry.
Goodbye Dave Letterman. Thanks for 33 years of joy. Enjoy your retirement years with Harry.
10
Bo, without commenting too much on your ha allow, myopic self-centered view of the world. Go back and watch a few Dave highlights. Any comedian or late night show host you like today modeled their bits from Dave. Every single one. Many musicians and comedians got their big break on his show because he took some risk with his guests. Have a little appreciation for a true master of the craft who was as rebellious and anti-establishment as you portend to be. #thanksDave
3
Back when Letterman had his show on NBC, and it was relatively new, he did an on-the-street segment called "Shame of the City" where he would find some silly or innocent thing and spotlight it to an absurd level. One day I bumped into Letterman and his crew in the Staten Island Ferry terminal shooting a segment on panhandling break dancers. It was a goofy bit. I knew Letterman's work from his morning show and his stand-up bits from the tonight show with Carson, so I approached him to tell him how much I enjoyed his stuff. He shook my hand and responded very warmly - even shyly, as if he wasn't sure the piece was working and was a little embarrassed by it. I always remembered this when he became this huge comedy monolith. You could feel his self-doubt.
I will miss him and his comic sensibility.
I will miss him and his comic sensibility.
103
I remember him doing that, too, Ken!
No disrespect, but who is David Letterman, and why does a late night tv show that most of my generation hasn't ever watched rate first page coverage in the NY Times?
4
This might be telling you something about the cultural significance of "your generation". Certainly your comment and it's wording ("but who is David Letterman") speaks volumes to that point. Thanks, though, for popping your head out from the YouTube comment section.
14
So if something isn't relevant to you, then it's not worthy of attention. No disrespect, but that's fairly naive and self centered.
23
Because yours is not the only generation on the planet.
24
My life would not have been nearly as fun and my outlook on life would not be the same, if not for Dave.
As a kid in Louisville, it was eye-opening when I saw a Midwesterner on national television hilariously taking down everything from celebrity entitlement to the idea that show business has to be polished and well-rehearsed. I didn't get that when I was a kid, but I see now how it shaped me.
My family had a VCR with a wired remote control that my brother and sister and I wore out. I couldn't wait to get home from school every afternoon to watch what happened the night before. It was always something hilarious and unexpected, and always something that could never happen on any other show on television.
Dave was punk rock and the rest of television was just not.
As a kid in Louisville, it was eye-opening when I saw a Midwesterner on national television hilariously taking down everything from celebrity entitlement to the idea that show business has to be polished and well-rehearsed. I didn't get that when I was a kid, but I see now how it shaped me.
My family had a VCR with a wired remote control that my brother and sister and I wore out. I couldn't wait to get home from school every afternoon to watch what happened the night before. It was always something hilarious and unexpected, and always something that could never happen on any other show on television.
Dave was punk rock and the rest of television was just not.
19
Carson believed that Letterman was the best. Carson was right. That was the real Dave last night--humility, sincerity, and humor. No wonder so many people adore him. Dave proved long ago who was the king of the genre. Not big jaw. Not even Carson. Letterman.
27
Thank you.
2
The montage of clips during the Foo Fighters performance was great. So many memories. I was pleased to spot the "Just Shades" storefront and a young
Teri Garr looking very happy. Thanks Dave (and Paul)!
Teri Garr looking very happy. Thanks Dave (and Paul)!
14
I have been amazed at all the coverage of the end of David Letterman. I enjoyed his show on and off over the years, but it must be you have nothing to write about. The same seems true of the end of Mad Men... What a waste of words.
2
I felt consoled and honored to have watched every minute of it- woke up this morning with all the cobwebs of doubt out of my brain and a great hope for me and mankind and looking forward to Steven Colbert who got encouragement from David as well as the CEO of CBC and everybody got nothing but positive vibes-- WE NEED TO ALL ACT LIKE DAVE...
5
I hope he buys a video camera and starts posting to youtube.
8
One of the best finale's I've seen. heartfelt but not funereal. Funny and heartwarming. How does one encapsulate 33 years in 75 minutes? Like this. Happy retirement, Dave.
23
Oh Dave, we already miss you.
9
What a delight of a person, he will be remembered and missed.
7
"Letters, we get letters, we get stacks and stacks of letters." They read my letter in 'Viewer Mail' in about March, 1991. It referred to LL Bean so their comedic response concluded with Dave and Paul's heads pictured in the Bean catalog adorning duck decoys. Years later, there was/is a daily contest online to submit ideas for the top ten, given the topic. When the topic was 'Top ten reasons I think my wife is a robot', I wrote 'When we are making love, she screams, "Affirmative! Affirmative!". Someone else beat me to it: They won with the same answer as I had submitted.
11
My Life's work has been bookended by Carson and Letterman. I was about to start my surgical career after watching Carson's last show, now I am in the final innings of my career watching the end of Letterman. Not bad options. My best to DL in his future plans
9
The only way to have a good night's sleep is to have a great belly laugh with Dave. What'll we do now?
6
The finale was amazing. The machine-gun sequence of clips hitting us like the climax of the best Fourth of July fireworks show ever. And then there were real fireworks. Thank you, Dave. Since 1982 in a dorm room at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Thank you.
23
You either got Dave, or you didn't. And when you got him, you felt vindicated, like finally someone got you.
220
Mr. Letterman's next interaction with the public should be obvious: a memoir. Carson never wrote one but the equally publicity-averse Bob Dylan did and is supposed to be working on volume two.
"Even after more than 30 years, Mr. Letterman ... did not sink into the easy, quid pro quo conventions of late-night talk shows, but kept defying them."
Disagree: the NBC show was defiant, anti-Hollywood glitz. The CBS show did in fact sink into the stale talk show format. For some reason, only a recent New Yorker article is expressing this accurately.
Disagree: the NBC show was defiant, anti-Hollywood glitz. The CBS show did in fact sink into the stale talk show format. For some reason, only a recent New Yorker article is expressing this accurately.
2
So happy to have had him in my life.....so sad to see him go...
9
Can't believe it's over. Can't believe it all started with "hail stones the size of canned hams." Thanks, Dave. It was a great ride.
11
Dear David Letterman,
Thank you for 33 years of laughter. Priceless.
Best to you and your family.
Thank you for 33 years of laughter. Priceless.
Best to you and your family.
10
It never crossed my mind not to stay up last night--and even though I am running today on only four hours of sleep--the late night was worth it. Dave was the last grown-up on TV and those of us of his generation, grew up with him. We cracked up at his dunking himself into a tank while dressed in an Alka-Seltzer suit, but evolved with him as he faced his own mortality, addressed nation-wide grief when none of our politicians could do that effectively, opted for parenthood and sometimes screwed up in a publicly humiliating way, but accepted responsibility for his actions in a forthright way.
I know Dave is not dead--he in fact reminded us to save some encomiums for his funeral--but he will be terribly missed.
Thanks, Dave, and best of luck.
I know Dave is not dead--he in fact reminded us to save some encomiums for his funeral--but he will be terribly missed.
Thanks, Dave, and best of luck.
18
Watching Letterman the last couple of weeks and many old clips of previous shows and bits reminded me of what a truly anarchic comedic genius he is. Won't you reconsider, Dave? At least continue putting out your Top Ten List.
11
I'm glad I was able to watch it, seeing snippets of old footage brought back a lot of memories of my younger days. Thank you Dave.
10
A perfect farewell episode with montage of clips from the timeline of his shows. I was glad to see the "velcro" skits he used to do which were hilarious. He was always keeping it fresh, trying new things, and even though all weren't funny, it was his ability to experiment with comedy that made me loyal to his show. He was always inclusive of other talent and it was good to see the image from his show with Gilda Radnor. He didn't run out of energy or ideas, it's just time to be with his family. He's not ours, but his show put me in a better mood at the end of the day. Thanks, Dave, you're the greatest.
8
WHAT PEOPLE OFTEN FORGET ABOUT DAVID LETTERMAN . . .
Yes, he is a great innovator of both new comedic ideas ... and, has a razor sharp and quick wit...
But, he is a great interviewer and given guests who are capable of intelligent conversation, he can often match them; he is also the antithesis of showbiz chutzpah as he and Paul always continue to make a parody of the self important showbiz stars ... who will probably not be remembered in five years. And his frequent guest Martin Short uses a great deal of time on Letterman and in many other venues skewering.
And, he behaves as "a regular guy" which may be the greatest compliment. Or, as "Socrates" (see comment below) offered the comment earlier: David Letterman is "a mensch par excellence" with the capacity to call many phonies with accurately, wit and dignity.
Yes, he is a great innovator of both new comedic ideas ... and, has a razor sharp and quick wit...
But, he is a great interviewer and given guests who are capable of intelligent conversation, he can often match them; he is also the antithesis of showbiz chutzpah as he and Paul always continue to make a parody of the self important showbiz stars ... who will probably not be remembered in five years. And his frequent guest Martin Short uses a great deal of time on Letterman and in many other venues skewering.
And, he behaves as "a regular guy" which may be the greatest compliment. Or, as "Socrates" (see comment below) offered the comment earlier: David Letterman is "a mensch par excellence" with the capacity to call many phonies with accurately, wit and dignity.
10
What better way to head to slumberland than after laughing so much and so hard for such a great guy, his smart, talented, hilarious staff and his last, final, brilliant show!
8
Letterman retired? When did this happen? I must have been living under a rock for the past ten days.
2
I remember watching Dave in high school while writing papers late at night. He was a companion in high school, college, graduate school. He saw all of us through so many life phases. We aged as he aged. His blend of Midwestern ways and New York humor, with just the right amount of cynicism was the perfect mix. He was the younger version of Carson who was quirky and not afraid to try new things that made us all laugh. He was the only late night talk show host who was an excellent journalist and this enabled him to conduct the best interviews, ask the right questions and reveal the truth without embarrassing his guests. Few drew attention to the many ways he helped some with medical bills who could least afford to pay them, and gave people their first breaks. He also taught us that kindness still exists in the world. I felt bad when Carson left, but was consoled by the fact Dave was here. But now, Dave, the talk show host of our generation is gone, what will we do? I too grieve the show's passing. No one will fill his shoes. The show will never be the same. It's the end of an era! Never doubt Dave that you made us laugh and your humor enabled us to put things in perspective. Losing Dave and Mad Men in one week reflects the passing of time. Thanks for everything Dave! You were great! We will miss you!
11
I was incorrect in calling David Letterman a journalist. I meant to say that David Letterman was the only talk show host who was a broadcaster. His background in broadcasting and communications allowed him to conduct excellent interviews that focused upon the heart of an issue in a tactful way without making his guests uncomfortable. In fact he described himself as an "average student" and said that his college communications course enabled him to identify an area that interested him and later allowed him to purse a career in broadcasting/comedy. I hope that communications professors at community college and universities remember this story and share it with their students, especially those who need encouragement.
1
It was probably 1993 or 1994, and I remember watching TV around 1145 or so. I was barely 10, and that was extremely late for me.
The defining moment for a huge part of my adult life was watching Dave introduce the Rude Christmas Tree; as a kid, I had no clue what most of his jokes were about but the Tree made me laugh hard. I wrote down everything it said, and I kept laughing when I think about it.
This is the kind of memory that stays with you, and even after 20 years, I still laugh when I remember that Tree being rude to its guests. It was a very rough time in my childhood, and I laughed. That led to listening to George Carlin, which led to using comedy and laughter as a counter balance to everything that was going wrong with life, family, and school.
Dave taught me to laugh just because its nice to feel yourself let go, even with things that don't make sense. As of that moment, I drifted (and still do) towards comedians, because they're like Pagliacci: laughing outside to deal with what can't be spoken about on the inside. And that's made my life so much better.
Thanks, Dave. ("Merry Christmas. You suck!")
The defining moment for a huge part of my adult life was watching Dave introduce the Rude Christmas Tree; as a kid, I had no clue what most of his jokes were about but the Tree made me laugh hard. I wrote down everything it said, and I kept laughing when I think about it.
This is the kind of memory that stays with you, and even after 20 years, I still laugh when I remember that Tree being rude to its guests. It was a very rough time in my childhood, and I laughed. That led to listening to George Carlin, which led to using comedy and laughter as a counter balance to everything that was going wrong with life, family, and school.
Dave taught me to laugh just because its nice to feel yourself let go, even with things that don't make sense. As of that moment, I drifted (and still do) towards comedians, because they're like Pagliacci: laughing outside to deal with what can't be spoken about on the inside. And that's made my life so much better.
Thanks, Dave. ("Merry Christmas. You suck!")
121
("Merry Christmas. You suck!")
The above four words capture the essence of Dave, and as another poster astutely observed, "you either got him or you didn't".
He always understood that he wasn't curing cancer, but he made you feel like you weren't alone in observing that the world was indeed a bizarre, silly and really weird place.
His invited us to share in that knowledge, and making fun of it was his way of coping with it, and helped us feel that we weren't alone in thinking about it in the same way.
He created the entire post 70's comedy template of edgy, ironic absurdist snark, paving the way for an entire generation plus of comedians.
There would be no Jimmy Kimmel or Conan O'Brien without David Letterman. You don't have to take my word for that, all you have to do is listen to them.
The above four words capture the essence of Dave, and as another poster astutely observed, "you either got him or you didn't".
He always understood that he wasn't curing cancer, but he made you feel like you weren't alone in observing that the world was indeed a bizarre, silly and really weird place.
His invited us to share in that knowledge, and making fun of it was his way of coping with it, and helped us feel that we weren't alone in thinking about it in the same way.
He created the entire post 70's comedy template of edgy, ironic absurdist snark, paving the way for an entire generation plus of comedians.
There would be no Jimmy Kimmel or Conan O'Brien without David Letterman. You don't have to take my word for that, all you have to do is listen to them.
56
It has become a part of history.
2
Must be a shortage of news worthy events given the extent of coverage of Mr Letterman's retirement.
He may have been good at his job but enough
He may have been good at his job but enough
1
Talk about Dave is easy.
He is one of those enlightened people with a unique talent. Humor intelligent, sarcastic and fun.
I had the opportunity to watch the recording of your program, and the passion and the professionalism with which Dave had is impressive.
Send to you Dave here from Brazil good vibes and long life. We feel much miss on our televisions.
Obrigado Mr. Letterman!
He is one of those enlightened people with a unique talent. Humor intelligent, sarcastic and fun.
I had the opportunity to watch the recording of your program, and the passion and the professionalism with which Dave had is impressive.
Send to you Dave here from Brazil good vibes and long life. We feel much miss on our televisions.
Obrigado Mr. Letterman!
4
Dave may have lost the battle (for the Tonight Show) but he clearly won the war. His is a legacy that will live on...
7
Who would say something negative about a guy after he has worked his life to entertain and then retires? Some people need counseling, others can enjoy a good laugh.
11
To Joe B: Your argument makes no sense. So what if Letterman has worked all his life to entertain others? You are either funny or you are not. As I mentioned in my pub. comment, the last generation of truly funny comics , whose names I mentioned, but whom perhaps you have never heard of, were naturally funny. Listen to Dangerfield with his lightning delivery--a joke a minute or every 30 seconds-- or, along the same lines, David Brenner(who by the way was a veteran of the 101st AIRBORNE before he turned to comedy) or the late David FRYE, who, when he was not four sheets to the wind, gave the best impersonation of the late Pres. Nixon that I have ever witnessed, and perhaps you will understand.Jay Leno,, before he went Hollywood, was also a very funny man,(A personal friend of mine, the late Carl Moskowitz , used to sell him jokes at 10 dollars apiece when the young Leno was just coming up.)The aforementioned comics were more adept, perhaps, because life in general was freer, and there were fewer sacred cows that one feared to offend. And they were funny without having to resort to Anglo Saxon derivatives, except when the routine called for it. Check them out!
Call me a mossback, call me a reactionary, call me a "vieux de la vieille)
(an old man from the old school)," but I am in the minority of those who never thought that Letterman was all that funny. He always struck me a someone who was so full of himself, so convinced that he was the funniest man on earth.and yet, in my view, his jokes, 99 percent of the time, fell flat. It suffices to review old youtube clips of the Johnny Carson show featuring comics such as Rodney Dangerfield, David Frye, David Brenner, Gary Shandling, Zero Mostel, Flip Wilson, Gareth Morris among others, to appreciate what excellent, no holds barred comedy was really like. Even a lesser known performer like Billy Braver, who appeared several times with Carson, had more comedic talent than Letterman. Perhaps the absence of truly funny comics can be traced to the prevalence of political correctness in our lives. Who knows? My son, who, although born a Christian and is a wasp, but who attended Ramaz and speaks fluent Hebrew, agrees with me, and he has reached the half century mark. One last point: Carson was the best host of any late night comedy show in the history of t.v.He knew how to listen! Nonetheless, a well written article by Ms,Stanley.
(an old man from the old school)," but I am in the minority of those who never thought that Letterman was all that funny. He always struck me a someone who was so full of himself, so convinced that he was the funniest man on earth.and yet, in my view, his jokes, 99 percent of the time, fell flat. It suffices to review old youtube clips of the Johnny Carson show featuring comics such as Rodney Dangerfield, David Frye, David Brenner, Gary Shandling, Zero Mostel, Flip Wilson, Gareth Morris among others, to appreciate what excellent, no holds barred comedy was really like. Even a lesser known performer like Billy Braver, who appeared several times with Carson, had more comedic talent than Letterman. Perhaps the absence of truly funny comics can be traced to the prevalence of political correctness in our lives. Who knows? My son, who, although born a Christian and is a wasp, but who attended Ramaz and speaks fluent Hebrew, agrees with me, and he has reached the half century mark. One last point: Carson was the best host of any late night comedy show in the history of t.v.He knew how to listen! Nonetheless, a well written article by Ms,Stanley.
2
Dear Mr. Harrison,
Please note that your home address is visible to people posting comments. Normally that is not something one would want to do. If you read this, consider asking the NY Times to guide you through the process of changing that.
Thanks for your comments, though, I don't agree.
Dave's appeal was less his stand-up skills than his willingness to do all sorts of crazy things on television, i.e. stupid people tricks, . Sometimes things as inane as just dropping "watermelons" from great heights were both simple and silly enough to be memorable. It's the kind of thing kids of my generation 20 years younger than Dave found quite silly and amusing.
Fare thee well Dave. For better or worse, it's the passing of another generation. Now all the hosts will be Gen-X.
Please note that your home address is visible to people posting comments. Normally that is not something one would want to do. If you read this, consider asking the NY Times to guide you through the process of changing that.
Thanks for your comments, though, I don't agree.
Dave's appeal was less his stand-up skills than his willingness to do all sorts of crazy things on television, i.e. stupid people tricks, . Sometimes things as inane as just dropping "watermelons" from great heights were both simple and silly enough to be memorable. It's the kind of thing kids of my generation 20 years younger than Dave found quite silly and amusing.
Fare thee well Dave. For better or worse, it's the passing of another generation. Now all the hosts will be Gen-X.
1
To JDD:Thanks for the advice. However, I agree with you that there is an elegaic quality to Letterman's retirement, since it means that we are all growing older. I am reminded of the reaction of Russell Baker, a now retired NYT columnist to Ronald Reagan's question during the 1980 campaign to the voters"R u better off than you were four years ago?"Baker's reply was, "Of course not. I am four years older!" All the time, time is passing.
Bravo, Dave! We will miss you, and applaud everything you've done! Thank you for the candor, and the humor, and we've seen you grow and mature while you've entertained us.
Thank you. Enjoy Regina and Harry!
Thank you. Enjoy Regina and Harry!
7
David Letterman, thank you for all the laughs and please enjoy a well earned retirement! You will be missed!
3
Reminded via the articles on how I used to like the old gags, but Dave become a bit too snarky and full of himself that I could not stand to watch. Have not seen an episode in many many years.
3
What you don't find in the work world these days is employees longevity & commitment. It was nice to see that Dave was a good boss where his staff stayed with him for 33 years.
17
A pitch-perfect conclusion to an extraordinary career.
Dave may no longer be on television, but he's proof positive that there is no off position on the genius switch.
Dave may no longer be on television, but he's proof positive that there is no off position on the genius switch.
4
Long Live the Quirk!
1
Dave was the Huckleberry Finn or perhaps Tom Sawyer with his devilish grin and fake innocence. Fun to have watched him over the years.
10
Thank you for making me laugh, smile. Fare Thee Well, Good Sir!
10
For the last three decades, I have watch Dave Letterman religiously on the local CBS TV affiliation in the Minneapolis and Saint Paul area, starting at 10:35 PM, local time. I love his Midwestern self-deprecated humor, his top ten lists, his stupid human and pet trick segments, his interviews with ordinarily people including Hollywood celebrities, his musical guests, his crazy antic stunts in the heart of New York City, his oddball staffers who get involved in comedic assignments for the show, his small town newspaper segments, his undercover assignments, his absurdity on current affairs affecting everyone nationwide, his monologue, and his cranky late night announcer who always tries to steal the show from him. Letterman gave people in the Midwest including myself a voice and identity within the entertainment industry. Now, he has retire, I had saw his last episode last night, and I can tell you personally that I never got any sleep afterwards. I'm in mourning. Letterman was part of my childhood who I grew up with. And I am probably not one only one in this country who is rightfully grieving since David Letterman is no longer on late night TV anymore.
45
I felt safe at night, tucked in bed with Dave in my room sharing bed time stories. I mean this in this most flattering way…he was my sleeping pill. Hope his show goes into syndication fast! Or that fans can buy a "Best of Letterman" DVD soon! Have been following him since Coffee Cup Theater. Yes, I know I need therapy…more Dave!
48
Tough week. First Mad Men, now Dave. As someone who, as a kid, tried to sneak peaks after-bedtime at the antics of Steve Allen, Jack Paar, and Johnny Carson, I will sorely miss Dave. But wait. Stephen C is waiting in the wings.
10
I so agree...I recently realized I'm losing two of my absolute all-time favorite shows in the same week. I haven't felt this way since NYPD Blue ended. Oh, well, guess this means fewer hours of TV watching. Glad summer is here!
When you compare the coverage of Letterman's retirement with that of Leno, it is clear who has had the more long-lasting effects on the American psyche. Just goes to show that ratings may mean dollars for a network, but talent means more in the long run.
114
The one searing, constant thread running through David Letterman's grand finale last night and his 33-year-career was extreme humility and gratitude to every soul who worked for him, worked with him, hired him, fired him, watched him, put up with him and laughed at him or with him.
What a great and witty soul.
David Letterman - a mensch par excellence.
What a great and witty soul.
David Letterman - a mensch par excellence.
189
Socrates - Surprised you had nothing pro-socialist and anit-Republican to say! Maybe there is hope for you after all.
By the way, he was a mediocre comedian and many of us are glad to see him go! Riddance!
By the way, he was a mediocre comedian and many of us are glad to see him go! Riddance!
Thanks Dave for a perfect ending last night and for 30+ years of great television.
14
Dave always seemed to me like he would rather have been somewhere else. Bon voyage big guy.
2
Best of all, Dave introduced us to Maestro Chris Elliot, which led to the multiple (was it 8 or 9?) Oscar award-winner film, "Cabin Boy", indisputably the greatest masterpiece in the art world of all time. That itself enough justification for 33 years of pain and suffering.
7
That's a great article. He did get the legacy. Gosh I'm going to miss Dave. Uncle Dave. He was always there and commiserated with me about culture, news, politics. I watched my youth pass before my eyes as he goes away. I feel heart broken today.
23
nauseating. redundant humor. not funny. dumb. repeating his same first unfunny word or punchline until the repetition was meant to be funny, but alwas fell flat. politically polarizing. more self-congratulatory celebrity celebrating himself. Paul Shafer was also a creepy addition. Happy retirement.
4
In the words of Warren Zevon..."Enjoy your sandwich"
4
@ Gemma. What was so awesome about Dave is that of all the postings to this point, yours is the one that Dave would have put on his show, inserted into just the right context to make us laugh ourselves silly.
3
Letterman is smart, funny and a top interviewer. There is no doubt about that. What was so absolutely disappointing about his final show was not the show itself, but MASSIVE amount of commercials packed in. Appalling and pure greed by CBS. I finally gave up and didn't watch the show until the end. Sadly, this is how I'll remember the end of his reign.
4
"Mostly, though, he did what he did best, make fun of himself. “It’s beginning to look like I’m not going to get the ‘Tonight Show,’ ” Mr. Letterman joked."
It was to our great benefit that he didn't get the "Tonight Show".
The same thing that happened to Conan O'Brien might have happened to Dave.
He needed to create a show in his own voice, and now Stephen Colbert can carry Dave's legacy with him into the future.
Thank you, Dave, you were the best.
It was to our great benefit that he didn't get the "Tonight Show".
The same thing that happened to Conan O'Brien might have happened to Dave.
He needed to create a show in his own voice, and now Stephen Colbert can carry Dave's legacy with him into the future.
Thank you, Dave, you were the best.
25
Always enjoyed Dave's "voice" and will miss having him there as an option to end the work day.
Hope Colbert brings his own voice and makes the Late Show his own.
Hope Colbert brings his own voice and makes the Late Show his own.
2
It just goes to prove that down to earth Midwesterners make a bigger impact by tweaking Hollywood phonies and being straightforwardly funny...time for pie, Dave. Time for pie.
8
I love Dave. As a kid in suburban Dallas, I would record his show on VHS tape and watch it the next day after school. It made me feel so urbane and grown up. Most important, Dave always made me laugh.
9
It was a great send off. Thank you, Dave.
4
I liked the "Thank you's"
7
Not everything is worth staying up for, but Dave Letterman was. He had assembled a great crew and they pulled off a great show. I always liked going to sleep being lulled by the echoes of laughter in my head. I am glad I got to see his last show and wish him well. Thank you, Dave.
28
I found the last show boring and humorless. He was not a comic. hardly comical, more a moderator then a comedian. Practically everything he ever said that got a laugh was written by someone else. Colbert is going to eclipse him the first night!
I watched him. Sometimes. I cannot say i liked or respected him. One night he made a real ugly remark about someone I like. For what reason to express on television mean spirit? Bye Dave.
http://michaelslevinson.com
I watched him. Sometimes. I cannot say i liked or respected him. One night he made a real ugly remark about someone I like. For what reason to express on television mean spirit? Bye Dave.
http://michaelslevinson.com
4
I hope your "put Michael Levinson in the White House" cover photo is a sign of your colossally ironic, subversive, and whimsical sense of humor, and not a real campaign sign. Lord knows we need more funny fellas discussing politics.
2
Hate to break it to you, but Colbert uses writers too, everyone does. Too bad you seem unable to appreciate Letterman's genius, you missed out on years of laughs and enjoyment.
I woke up sad this morning. It's hard saying goodbye to my crazy friend Dave. I've entered a world that's not unlike a frightening circus, but with Dave Letterman poking fun at this circus each night, it all seemed not so bad. He taught us how to laugh at ourselves and the world around us. Thank you, David Letterman. You were the best, really the best, and I'll miss you like I'd miss an old lifelong friend.
24
Letterman's retirement marks the end of an era. Intelligent talk, no websites, no Twitter, no games, no catering to the lowest common denominator. Just pure entertainment. He deserves all the plaudits and praise he's receiving. A giant in the history of communication. The void he leaves will never be filled. Thank you Dave. Enjoy your retirement. You earned it.
66
If there ever was a farewell - this one was a Class Act.
No wonder Bob Dylan looked like he was the last guest to appear on the show ever on Tuesday night - he was! Dave saved Wednesday night's show for the glory of the workers - not for guest appearances - and good for him.
The research and compiling that went into the compassion to make this last event was amazing. The point was, too, that David Letterman, after 33 years, took the moments of this show to thank over and over again his comrades. He showed their pictures, he showed them at work, he longed for them to know his gratitude. They made those pieces precious, as well as himself.
The end piece with the flashes of days gone by was priceless.
This last show was portrayed by Letterman so that it was not just about him.
He tried to drive that home, and successfully so; it took a studio full of committed people to entertain us and so they did.
We will miss the show, not only Letterman, but all the behind the scenes, and those he thanked so passionately last night. Unforgettable. Thanks, Dave, and thank you all. You can sleep well -- job well done.
No wonder Bob Dylan looked like he was the last guest to appear on the show ever on Tuesday night - he was! Dave saved Wednesday night's show for the glory of the workers - not for guest appearances - and good for him.
The research and compiling that went into the compassion to make this last event was amazing. The point was, too, that David Letterman, after 33 years, took the moments of this show to thank over and over again his comrades. He showed their pictures, he showed them at work, he longed for them to know his gratitude. They made those pieces precious, as well as himself.
The end piece with the flashes of days gone by was priceless.
This last show was portrayed by Letterman so that it was not just about him.
He tried to drive that home, and successfully so; it took a studio full of committed people to entertain us and so they did.
We will miss the show, not only Letterman, but all the behind the scenes, and those he thanked so passionately last night. Unforgettable. Thanks, Dave, and thank you all. You can sleep well -- job well done.
222
I agree about Bob Dylan, although the poor guy was almost painful to watch. His voice was barely there, and he looked so old and... spent. What's more, he looked uncomfortable as hell, as if he knew that he was only a shadow of his former Greatness. Nice gesture on Letterman's part though...
The Times obsequious drooling over this sexist jerk say all you need to know about hypocrisy.
6
Some of we mere mortals have forgiven Dave for his transgressions and accepted his apologies.
1
I have to say that David Letterman has never looked happier than he has the past few weeks. He's always been a man tormented by insecurity and self-doubt and often unhappy with the whole world (and could make that VERY funny). But there is now something of peace about him - peace with himself. I think his family has become very, very important to him and he finally realized it after fighting marriage for decades.
It was a great show and worth staying up later than usual to watch. He was an original and there will never be another quite like him.
It was a great show and worth staying up later than usual to watch. He was an original and there will never be another quite like him.
60
Well said!
1
Have watched DL for probably 20 years and he will be missed in my home. Bye Dave, have a good life and behave a little bit.
9
What made me a Letterman loyalist, was how so many of Dave's guests clearly, sincerely loved him. Unlike most talk show hosts, the show was rarely if ever about him. Even last night, he insisted on giving all the credit to those around him. Brilliant, funny guy and a real class act.
76
An acknowledgment of Merrill Markoe would have been gracious. Without her professional involvement at the start Letterman would not have been on this path.
14
Personally, what is the big fuss all about? I thought Leno was hand-over better than Letterman and I never liked Letterman's, stiff, delivery and left-leaning views on topics. He's a 68 year old male with probably tens of millions in the bank.........and so what. We have more important fish to fry than obsessing with an overpaid, semi-good comedian.
7
And yet, here you are.
17
His "left leaning views" were why we liked him.
Same thing with Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert (even though right leaners and President Bush's staff thought he was one of them).
Like reality, Comedy has a liberal bias.
Same thing with Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert (even though right leaners and President Bush's staff thought he was one of them).
Like reality, Comedy has a liberal bias.
8
Am in agreement with STEVE. I also suggest that he compare Letterman's mawkish, self aggrandizing send off--what was the purpose of all those fading stars on stage saying good bye--with the modest final appearance of Johnny Carson.: There was Beth Midler singing "One for the Road" to an embarrassed Carson, who looked as though he could not get off the stage fast enough. Real class.The late, minimalist architect, Mies Van der Rohe, believed that "more is less," and "less is more." What is true in architecture may also be the case in the entertainment industry. A simple good bye to his audience and to his cast on stage would have been far more dignified than the extravaganza that accompanied his departure, with, it bears repeating, those fading or faded celebrities. Julie Louise Dreyfus, trying valiantly to find a second youth, has not said a funny thing since the last episode of SEINFELD. Likewise for Jerry Seinfeld, who is lost without his scriptwriters.
1
Perfect send-off for Mr. Letterman. He will definitely be missed in late night - been watching since that first NBC broadcast in '82 - nobody will fill that void, but - at the same time - glad to see him sign off while still relevant, doing so on his own terms.
10
I do feel "old"! I remember Dave, when he first started on the Late, Late show. My mother and I would watch from our respective homes, while on the phone, with eachother. We would laugh and comment on what Dave was saying and doing and his guests. Well, my Mom is now gone and Letterman is too. How quickly 33 years go by.
22
Dave's last show was more Prairie Home Companion and not the extravaganze of many other farewells. You felt an old neighbor of 30 plus years was moving to Florida and no more borrowing a rake or a couple of beers on the back porch on a warm summer eve. He will always be out there some place just not at arms length any more. And maybe that's O.K... because when ever you smile at one of those dumb things life throws your way, a little bit of Dave will make you put things in perspective.
52
Lettermen did 6000 shows...an amazing number of shows. I am looking forward to the boxed set of 500 DVDs, and will enjoy each one.
15
Best tv finale ever. Goodnight, TV pal.
43
Dull, dull, dull--barely amusing. The best part was the montage of the kids. Dave was not at his best. Sorry, y'all, it wasn't good TV.
2
Leno was a Prat Fall, while David was Shakespearean.
21
Great way to say it.
3
That was the perfect final show. I grew addicted to Dave and his wacky, intelligent and irreverent form of humor in college in the early 80s. It's been an entertainment touchstone for me through the decades and will never be replaced.
46
Enough!
Letterman was a crashing bore with the most tedious monologues on TV!
Letterman was a crashing bore with the most tedious monologues on TV!
6
So, IS that a rug, Dave? Brian Williams claims he helped you pick it out, Dave.
3
Last night was pure Dave. We'll miss you Mr. Letterman.
7
I happened to catch Kimmel's tribute and was surprised to see he was a big Letterman fan growing up. His mother even got him a Letterman birthday cake. But it was the tears in his eyes as he spoke of Letterman that made this all so real to me because I too followed Letterman since his morning show.
The last few minutes of the show brought back so many great memories. And it proved TV has lost a lot since guests and hosts on many talk shows know what they will discussing before the guests walk on stage. The days of real and spontaneous conversations from the likes of Parr, Carson and now Letterman are gone. Letterman never loved the spotlight and he did appear on a few talk shows including Kimmel even though they were rivals, so I doubt we will see him any time soon unless it's on social media. I just hope he doesn't go the route of Carson and CBS has him come back for a few specials. Would love seeing him show up in stores and homes again. Those bits were great!!
The last few minutes of the show brought back so many great memories. And it proved TV has lost a lot since guests and hosts on many talk shows know what they will discussing before the guests walk on stage. The days of real and spontaneous conversations from the likes of Parr, Carson and now Letterman are gone. Letterman never loved the spotlight and he did appear on a few talk shows including Kimmel even though they were rivals, so I doubt we will see him any time soon unless it's on social media. I just hope he doesn't go the route of Carson and CBS has him come back for a few specials. Would love seeing him show up in stores and homes again. Those bits were great!!
40
My DVR didn't get the last 5 minutes of the show. Now I'll never know how it ended. I'll tune into the show tonight to find out.
7
You missed a rapid-fire video and photo montage recapping the entire career, with a few notable omissions, during an excellent performance by the Foo Fighters, followed by an extended credits with photos of most of the current staff. This led directly into the Late Late Show intro filmed across the street from the Ed Sullivan Theater with Sting on acoustic guitar singing "Every Move You Make" and being annoyed by James Corden...
1
i just watched the show and i was also robbed of the last few minutes.
1
Same thing! Drove me nuts.
1
RERUNS.....we will all need a LETTERMAN fix, every now and then....Drs. Orders!
52
Sure, I'll go first.
I am crying. I never thought this would happen to me at fifty years old....but it did. I lost a "friend" last night.
What a wonderful goodbye.
Love you, Dave
T.S1186
I am crying. I never thought this would happen to me at fifty years old....but it did. I lost a "friend" last night.
What a wonderful goodbye.
Love you, Dave
T.S1186
96
Agreed -- I never thought I would cry, but those last few minutes with the clips and the Foo Fighters....I was a hot mess.
And Harry seems like a genuine 12 year old.....Loved how he lit up when his friend Tony was introduced.....I see a budding late night show for these two in about 20 years.
And Harry seems like a genuine 12 year old.....Loved how he lit up when his friend Tony was introduced.....I see a budding late night show for these two in about 20 years.
9
I got quite teary as well..love the dude...
3
Ditto...
Good luck Dave.
23
Letterman's send-off was historic. Just about perfect. In fact, it was perfect. Letterman knew the joke; “On the highest throne in the world, we still sit only on our own bottom.”
186
Wow, someone who knows Montaigne!
1
Letterman is what Letterman does..
19
What more is there left to say, it was bittersweet. A classy, restrained goodbye... so refreshing.
129
Yes, come to think, it was 'classy' .
7
Bon voyage! Bonne journee! Enjoy the quiescence of North Salem. Slow down on Hardscrabble Road and enjoy the ride. ;)
15
I shall miss you Dave! Good luck and God Bless!
35
Dear Dave,
I'm sorry for all those times I changed the channel.
I'm sorry for all those times I changed the channel.
2
Letterman was Sondheim; Leno was Lloyd Webber.