David Letterman, Now (and Then)

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It’s been ten years since David Letterman left his role as a late-night talk show host, yet his famously dry humor remains undimmed. However, one member of his family hopes it would be, as his wife often feels compelled to step in as his public defender. “Somehow,” Letterman says with his usual mix of affable gruffness, “my wife – we’ve been married for over 70 years – has taken on this role. So whenever we’re out somewhere and I make a comment like, ‘Oh, is this a pet store?’ when it clearly isn’t, she feels the need to clarify, ‘No, no, he’s joking.’ This happens quite frequently now.

As a fan, it seems like Dave is playfully complaining about his wife’s commentary being bothersome, but in reality, he’s just finding another way to joke about himself. It appears that the underlying message behind her ‘Dave-splaining’ is that his fame has diminished so much that people might mistake him for a lost elderly man. Dave admits, “I used to expect the audience, whether one or a thousand, to understand that it was a joke.” However, he laments, “The number of people who know who I am is decreasing daily. In a sense, she’s actually helping me because I could easily be mistaken for someone who needs assistance and escorted out of here.

Although David Letterman might not be as culturally relevant as he was a decade or more ago, he certainly hasn’t faded into obscurity. His Netflix show, “My Next Guest Needs No Introduction,” has received numerous Emmy nominations (with one win) since its debut in 2018 and was recently renewed for two additional seasons. Instead of hopping on the celebrity podcast trend, Letterman has instead chosen to keep his audience engaged as a frequent guest on “The Barbara Gaines Show,” a YouTube series led by a former Late Night executive producer. This show is broadcast on Letterman’s own active YouTube channel, which consistently adds fresh and sometimes timely clips from his extensive archive, including musical performances. Furthermore, in December, Letterman joined forces with Samsung to launch an ad-supported (FAST) TV channel called Letterman TV. This virtual channel, accessible through Samsung TV Plus platform, showcases a collection of Letterman sketches and interviews, interspersed with new intros and commentary from the host himself.

Previously, Letterman TV had only utilized 22 years’ worth of content from the comedian’s CBS Late Show, produced by his Worldwide Pants production company. However, starting today, under a new agreement with NBCUniversal, the channel will also broadcast content from Letterman’s time on NBC’s Late Night. This means we’ll see more than 1,800 episodes added to the mix, including guest appearances by Pee-wee Herman, Andy Kaufman, Steve Martin, and full episodes such as the series premiere featuring Bill Murray, the one-year anniversary special, and special themed episodes like “Camping With Barry White.” The content will be updated regularly, with the initial batch set to debut on September 10.

Instead of being available on multiple platforms like many FAST channels (such as Pluto TV and the Roku Channel), Letterman TV, much like Conan O’Brien’s channel launched in 2023, is unique to Samsung devices. Due to this exclusivity, the content chief of Samsung TV Plus, Takashi Nakano, has mentioned that they are focusing “extra resources” to ensure the channel reaches its global audience of approximately 90 million monthly active users. He emphasized that promotion for the channel will be substantial due to access to locations like Times Square and other large screens, as well as a comprehensive marketing plan across their platforms. In essence, both Samsung and Dave (presumably referring to David Letterman) are planning to invest significantly in promoting the channel.

Indeed, he did: With the debut of the fresh “Late Night” series on his FAST channel, Letterman recently chatted with Vulture for nearly 40 minutes about a wide range of topics. He reminisced about his NBC days, including the brief daytime talk show that set the stage for “Late Night,” as well as why many of his most famous skits would thrive today amidst the era of viral social media trends. Furthermore, Letterman shared his opinions on the camaraderie among modern late-night hosts, his affection for John Mulaney, his intricate bond with Jay Leno, the direction of late night television, and yes, CBS’s choice to terminate not just Stephen Colbert but the entire franchise that Letterman launched over 32 years ago.

Hello once more, Joe! It’s been a while, hasn’t it? Let me start by expressing gratitude for your willingness to spend time with me today. So, how have you been doing?

It’s been great maintaining such a lasting connection with someone like you, who I’ve had the privilege of knowing since my journalist career began at [redacted]. In essence, we go way back.

I’m not Bill Carter, but I do my best. And as time goes on, my hair is turning grayer and grayer… [Laughs.] Oh, you mean Bill Carter, the renowned figure in late-night television? [Laughs.] Indeed! Bill Carter has made quite a name for himself in that realm. God bless him. He’s seeking funds. He’s planning to establish a late-night themed amusement park.

Indeed, it’s a great idea to produce your Netflix show and make your library available on free streaming platforms so that the younger generation can get acquainted with you and grasp what late-night TV is truly about.

Reflecting on our conversation, let’s delve into your return to Late Night and the journey leading up to it. You might recall that NBC previously offered you a daytime talk show, but it was terminated following poor viewership after only a few months. I’m curious about how this past experience influenced your approach to creating Late Night. How did those challenging circumstances shape your creative process?

Previously, they eased my burden when we were preparing for the show that was before Saturday Night Live. It took place around ten or nine in the morning on NBC television network. Unfortunately, the producer of that show left a day before it was supposed to air because he didn’t understand our vision. We clashed repeatedly, and there was no one to provide guidance except for their bold statement: “You know what? We’re all tired of these game shows; just wait until you see us.” That experience taught me a valuable lesson – I realized that I often underestimate my own ignorance.

After what you mentioned, approximately a month and a half or 16 weeks, we departed, and we disrupted the daily programming lineup on NBC’s network television. Remarkably, they kept me around during that time, but the year I spent performing only at comedy clubs was heartbreaking for me. In the entertainment industry, as in life, you often get just one chance, and if it doesn’t succeed, you’re left waiting your turn. The uncertainty of how long that wait might be is daunting. Overcoming my ego and better judgment, we had to face reality. It was a challenging period of learning, but it was incredibly tough because the arrogance surrounding our show title, Wait until you get a look at us, was so misguided.

Although Fred Silverman and NBC executives ultimately allowed you to change things in comedy and TV with Late Night, it seems they may not have fully appreciated that your style of humor might not be suitable for daytime TV audiences in 1980. This is because The Hollywood Squares, one of several game shows that were canceled to make way for your program, remained quite popular among viewers.

The Hollywood Squares, it’s a classic show that still has its fans today, doesn’t it?

You might have seen me on a revamped version of ‘Hollywood Squares.’ Although I wasn’t on the original 1960s show with Paul Lynde and Wally Cox, I remember it being quite amusing. But for me, that morning show was an invaluable lesson: ‘Alright, high-profile guest, let’s take a deep breath and try again.’

I’ve watched a few clips from the morning program, and it’s fascinating to see the similarities with Late Night, such as the jokes about New York in the opening and segments like “Small Town News.” When we were putting together Late Night, there was a need to remain true to ourselves while also dealing with the aftermath of a previous ratings failure. Since we had certain restrictions placed on us due to our connection with The Tonight Show, we couldn’t have a monologue, a large orchestra, or book the same guests they were booking. Strangely enough, these limitations turned out to be beneficial for us. We had an exceptional group of musicians, and I personally wasn’t ready to handle my own Johnny Carson-style monologue yet. Moreover, the guests he was booking might not have appealed to us at that time. However, things changed eventually, but those restrictions proved helpful in our case.

Meanwhile, while I was broadcasting, I was constantly anxious about being taken off the air. Given that our brief appearance led to a year of nothingness, I worried about repeating that. Essentially, I was torn between two thoughts: The initial attempt failed; should we change the show or stick with the original format? But what if this turns out to be temporary? Therefore, during the first few months, everyone seemed quite apprehensive about the outcome. However, it’s important to note that at that time, there was nothing competing against us. So, Joe, I’m saying this affectionately, your show could have been successful too.

Are there any particular recollections from the premiere episode of Late Night that you’re reminiscing about, as I’m thrilled it’s now available for streaming? For me, every first show felt like preparing for a grand event, such as the Rose Parade. You have the parade and then come the nerves – Oh no, what do we have planned tomorrow? This sentiment was common during the daytime show, Late Night, and eventually the Late Show. After putting in all the effort and energy, it’s that first show that leaves you wondering, “What now?” It takes about a month and a half for the production to find its rhythm and provide some stability for the rest of the series. Until then, it’s quite an undertaking.

The late-night show on NBC that you’re referring to was actually produced by a company owned by Johnny Carson, who you admire. Essentially, he was either your boss or business partner during that time. However, it seems that Johnny didn’t take much interest in the day-to-day operations of the show. He was more concerned with his own profits from the production budget. Despite our presence, Johnny remained the undisputed leader. He would casually mention that we should contact him when the show ends. Overall, he was cordial and occasionally invited me to appear on his show, which we used to promote ours. I believe he found it entertaining, and perhaps saw no reason for anyone to compete with Johnny Carson if they weren’t as successful as him. It’s also likely that I never asked for his opinion about our show, but I often felt that, in the realm of comedy, if you can’t surpass Johnny Carson, what’s the point of leaving Indiana?

If you examine Johnny’s work now, my goodness, it’s consistently strong. Whether it’s one night of any given week during his first, eighth, or even 20th year – he’s always dependable and top-notch. He’s like an exceptional home healthcare provider you could ever hope for, never skipping a beat and never causing concern. Frankly, it’s remarkable! I often felt that I couldn’t match his consistency. I believe most people come up short compared to him. The only person who didn’t seem to fall short was Regis Philbin. Regis had an unstoppable drive, always ready to keep going once he reached the destination. He was truly fantastic! And Johnny? Absolutely the best.

Discussing your new channel Letterman TV, launched last year – how did you feel when your team suggested licensing it to Samsung TV Plus and also uploading clips on YouTube? Given your reputation for not often revisiting past work, this idea might seem illogical, but it’s truly a natural move in today’s digital age, which I must admit, has always seemed like an intricate puzzle to me. Without the internet, I wonder what would have happened to my old content.

It seems we started a bit behind, unsure of the process or potential appeal. However, I found YouTube appealing as a platform to gather relevant material for interested parties. Unexpectedly, Samsung offered us an opportunity to serve as another resource for this content. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have these chances, as without them, I wouldn’t know how to proceed. Moreover, I doubted there would be much interest since the shows we discuss now are from decades ago, and culture changes so swiftly that it’s unclear if they’d serve any purpose at all.

As a cinema enthusiast, I must admit, it feels incredibly gratifying to have some influence over the content distribution via YouTube and Samsung channels. It’s more than just satisfaction; it’s humbling to see the impact when ideas materialize into reality. It’s like running a marathon or completing a triathlon – those achievements are fulfilling in their own right. But when you have tangible proof, as we do now, it adds an extra layer of validation. Frankly, I didn’t anticipate this level of response, especially considering our digital strategy is still a new endeavor for us. However, the positive feedback so far has been overwhelming, and for an old-timer like me, that’s truly flattering!

Previously, when your CBS show ended ten years ago, I wrote a piece about how you started creating viral moments on NBC before they were even called that – things like “Stupid Pet Tricks”, the “Top 10 List” or you in a Velcro suit hurling yourself against a wall. These days, such antics would go viral on social media and YouTube.

It’s true what you said – I hadn’t realized back then that our acts would be relevant now. However, I must admit that a lot of the ideas came from Steve Allen who was doing similar things in the ’50s and ’60s. He was arguably the wackiest person on TV, and he had multiple attempts at hosting a late-night show. The one I watched closely was when he became a human tea bag. I brought much of that quirky spirit with me to what I believed was just pure, good-hearted fun.

As a die-hard fan of late-night television, I must confess that I feel like I’ve traveled alongside generations, thanks to your pioneering work as a TV host. Jimmy Kimmel openly acknowledges that you’ve had a significant impact on his humor, and I know your bond with Conan O’Brien is something special – he even took over from you at NBC!

Just recently, John Mulaney made my heart swell when he shared during his Netflix show how much watching Late Night and Late Show meant to him. The connection between us was palpable during that appearance. I can’t help but imagine a road trip across the country with this extraordinary talent – John Mulaney.

I’m smitten by this guy, but words fail me when trying to describe him. He’s got an unparalleled gift for comedy, and his resilience in overcoming challenges is truly inspiring. It’s only now that I realize part of his success may have its roots in our show – I’m not sure if there’s a paper trail on that or if it’s some remote DNA connection. Regardless, I adore the guy. His brilliance shines so brightly that stand-up comedy feels like a whole new realm compared to my early days in the game.

I could wax poetic about how fortunate I feel to have John Delaney, ahem, John Mulaney as a friend. We’re close enough that he lets me call him “Delaney.” It’s a bond I cherish deeply.

It turns out that you and John Mulaney share a common ground – both of you are hosts for talk shows on Netflix. Interestingly, my show has recently been renewed for another two seasons! It seems like the ideal platform for someone who isn’t ready to hang up their boots yet but is no longer tied down by the demands of a daily show. I must say, it suits me perfectly.

I find myself thriving in this role thanks to the support of my good friends at CAA and Netflix. What I particularly enjoy is the opportunity to connect with fascinating individuals like John Mulaney. It was through these interactions that I first became fond of him. The same goes for Tina Fey. I am truly grateful for this wonderful opportunity. Plus, the schedule is a breath of fresh air compared to the rigors of a five-day-a-week commitment.

I adore how your show is centered around a single, in-depth interview per episode, rather than focusing on the latest projects of your guests. It’s reminiscent of the late, legendary Tom Snyder, who graced CBS for a while to fill the time slot preceding you. Interestingly, our production company, Worldwide Pants, holds the rights to his episodes of The Late Late Show. I’d be thrilled if we could bring more of those episodes back.

Remembering Tom Snyder takes me back to when he hosted _The Tomorrow Show_ while I was working at an ABC affiliate in Indianapolis. We would sign off at 1:15 AM or 12:15 AM, and then the only thing left on TV was _The Tomorrow Show_. I’d rush home just to watch it. He was like Edward R. Murrow, even smoking on-camera. Later, we were fortunate enough to collaborate with him on the CBS show.

I often ponder about what would happen to individuals such as Tom Snyder, David Letterman, and Stephen Colbert if network TV didn’t exist today. I believe they would find a way, but Tom was a unique talent who could instantly captivate an audience for an entire hour, leaving you enthralled in his thoughts.

I frequently forget that we own the rights to those episodes and hope we can do something special with them.

In simpler terms,

Instead of saying “I want to ask you about CBS’s decision to part ways with Stephen Colbert and exit the late-night talk-show space,” you could say “I’d like to discuss CBS’s decision regarding Colbert and the end of their late-night talk show.” Instead of saying “CBS didn’t just decide to part ways with Colbert; it canceled the franchise you and your team built,” you might rephrase as “What happened was that CBS not only ended its relationship with Colbert, but effectively shut down the successful format you had developed together.”

Regarding the mention of Pat Sajak, you could simply say “CBS struggled to find success in the late-night slot before you arrived,” rather than specifically referring to Sajak’s attempts. As for the question about your feelings towards CBS canceling the show, instead of asking if there’s a part of you that is disappointed, sad, or angry, you could ask if there’s any sense of regret or frustration about the way things turned out with CBS and the late-night talk show.

And finally, to reflect David Letterman’s quote about everything changing, you could say “In life, everything has a time and place, and it’s important to remember that change is inevitable.

I was taken aback when Stephen announced his departure from the show, not realizing at first that the entire franchise had come to an end. Upon reflection, it seems clear that the situation could have been handled differently. It wasn’t merely a matter of financial losses, as there are always ways to make and manage money effectively. In fact, I’ve spent much of my life safeguarding my finances in Panama, something you are aware of, as are many others.

Certainly,

Indeed. CBS must have realized this situation. And to release him after reaching an agreement with the administration for 60 Minutes? That seemed fishy. Let’s give them the benefit of the doubt that “No, it didn’t seem fishy. We were facing financial losses.” Alright, but somehow contrive a way to avoid any whiff of impropriety. It merely appeared preposterous.

As a movie reviewer, let me say this candidly: It’s hardly unexpected. I recall when Jay Leno and I were squaring off, he would often tell me, “Oh, there’s plenty of space. There’s room for both of us.” Yet, deep down, I knew that wasn’t the case. Fast forward, three shows emerged, perhaps more. However, it’s becoming increasingly clear now that the market isn’t expansive enough to accommodate everyone.

This format isn’t exactly uplifting, but it’ll continue in some form, possibly shifting away from network TV. That’s because it’s incredibly cost-effective compared to prime-time shows or sitcoms.

Recently, I had an exchange with Jay Leno, possibly through texts, where he mentioned something about his face catching fire or similar. Given the things that could catch fire, I believe it’s safe to say that his face would be the last on my list. It was certainly alarming! We shared well-wishes and encouragement, but we haven’t had a conversation for quite some time now.

For individuals who visited California during the same timeframe as me, it’s indisputable that Jay stood out as a beacon – comparable to a guiding North Star. There was simply no one funnier than him. Moreover, people who have seen him recently, such as a friend of mine who watched him perform an hour or even two-hour show for a corporate event, found him absolutely hilarious and consistently entertaining, offering laughter unending and humor at its peak. This is what makes Jay exceptional.

Our interactions didn’t gel well. To be honest, I hold no regrets regarding our past, and I believe the same goes for him towards me. However, it’s astonishing how exceptionally talented he remains, despite being well-established in his career.

It’s surprising to see how cordial all the big late-night hosts are towards one another these days, with hardly any rivalry – apart from Conan and Jay, who seem to still harbor some animosity. Back in my time, it was a war between us and Jay, known as the “Late Night Battles.” It used to be intense; there was genuine dislike! Now, I hear they even have lunch together regularly. I can’t help but wonder what brought about this change.

Regarding Conan, you might remember that you once generously presented him with a horse. Now, I’d like to ask: Has he ever returned the favor by giving you any interesting gifts? Well, after appearing on his podcast a few years back, he surprised me with something extraordinary – an antique National guitar, a vintage model. Even though I can’t play it, the thought behind it really appeals to me. He was so considerate and kind, truly a great guy!

Hey there! Turns out the conversation’s running a bit longer than planned – my bad about that. But hey, who doesn’t love a good chat? It’s given me another chance to share some more tales from my movie buff adventures. Anyway, I’ve got to scoot now for a quick shower. This has been quite an engaging discussion! See you soon!

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2025-09-10 20:59