Letterman Announces His Retirement: A Look Back at Some Landmark Letterman Moments
David Letterman announced that he is retiring from the Late Show when his contract is up in 2015. Letterman made the announcement during the taping of Thursday’s episode.
Dave’s late night career will come to end some time in 2015. He’s given audiences 31 years of Top 10s, Stupid Pet Tricks, Stupid Human Tricks, Larry “Bud” Melman, Monkey Cams, The Guy Under The Seats, Will It Float?, Biff Henderson, Small Town News, Fun Facts, the Hello Deli, Regis, Great Moments in Presidential Speeches and jokes about Sarah Palin’s daughter.
In a statement, CBS President and CEO, Leslie Moonves said:
For 21 years, David Letterman has graced our Network’s air in late night with wit, gravitas and brilliance unique in the history of our medium. During that time, Dave has given television audiences thousands of hours of comedic entertainment, the sharpest interviews in late night, and brilliant moments of candor and perspective around national events. He’s also managed to keep many celebrities, politicians and executives on their toes – including me. There is only one David Letterman. His greatness will always be remembered here, and he will certainly sit among the pantheon of this business.
From Late Night on NBC starting in 1982 to the Late Show on CBS, here are some of the landmark television moments from David Letterman. Click on the links to watch the videos, or click here to watch them all on one page.
The very first Late Night episode on NBC with Dave’s very first guest Bill Murray took place February 1, 1982. Bill brought it all to Dave’s first show, wild accusations, panda videos and getting “physical”. Go to 11:55 for television’s greatest aerobics demonstration. Andy Kaufman and Jerry “The King” Lawler appear on Late Night with David Letterman on July 28, 1982. The slap heard ’round late night happens at 9:05 . Another historic moment, Dave’s very first Top 10 List complete with an explanation on why he’s doing it happened September 18, 1985. David Letterman goes on the Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson to discuss not getting the Tonight Show on August 30, 1991. Johnny cuts to the chase at 3:15.
Another landmark– David Letterman’s press conference after signing with CBS was massive news back on January 14, 1993. The first Late Show debut on CBS took place on August 30, 1993. David Letterman is finally on at 11:30pm. Everyone remembers Drew Barrymore’s a memorable birthday flash on April 12, 1995. That happens at about 4:15 in the clip. On February 21, 2000 after 6 weeks, David Letterman returns to the Late Show after having quintuple bypass surgery. On September 19, 2001 a very emotional David Letterman brought the Late Show back for the first time after the 9-11 attacks. Flash forward a few years to see Letterman’s Super Bowl 44 surprise with Jay Leno and Oprah in 2010. The show must go on. David Letterman does the Late Show without an audience after Hurricane Sandy in October 2012. Here’s what a Top 10 List looks like without an audience or graphics.
After 31 years in late night, on April 3, 2014, David Letterman announces his retirement.
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