Letterman, David

As a Guest

1 segment

October 9, 1981

29:42

Tonight Show Guest Host David Letterman

The comedian's morning television program, The David Letterman Show, was recently canceled. Since then, he's been a frequent guest host on The Tonight Show. Letterman explains the differences between daytime and evening programming, as well as how he paid his dues as an up-and-coming comedian.

As a Topic

4 segments

Queue

May 21, 2015

07:25

Letterman Signs Off, With A Heartfelt Guest-Filled Finale

Last night, after 33 years on TV as a late-night talk show host, David Letterman presented his final program. David Bianculli says Letterman's final show was a strong end to an illustrious career.

Review

Queue

May 4, 2015

08:10

Last Days Of Dave: Paying Homage To Letterman's Weird And Quirky Legacy

The off-beat funnyman retires this month after 33 years hosting late-night television. Fresh Air's David Bianculli says that David Letterman's humor "provided a new blueprint for the TV talk show."

Commentary

Queue

April 11, 2014

02:21

Colbert Moves Into Letterman's Coveted Late Night Spot

CBS announced Thursday that the spot held by David Letterman for 21 years will go to Stephen Colbert.

Commentary

Search the Fresh Air Archive

David Letterman

As a Guest

Tonight Show Guest Host David Letterman

As a Topic

Letterman Signs Off, With A Heartfelt Guest-Filled Finale

Last Days Of Dave: Paying Homage To Letterman's Weird And Quirky Legacy

Colbert Moves Into Letterman's Coveted Late Night Spot

Did you know you can create a shareable playlist?

There are more than 22,000 Fresh Air segments.