David Letterman
In 1982, Letterman launched Late Night with David Letterman on NBC, bringing an ironic, absurdist sensibility to late-night television. The show's experimental bits and deadpan host reinvented the genre for a new generation.
Indiana to Late Night
An Indianapolis native and former weatherman, Letterman honed a sardonic comic voice in Los Angeles clubs. A failed morning show preceded his late-night breakthrough on NBC.
Reinventing the Format
Late Night blended ironic detachment with stunts, Top Ten lists, and recurring characters. His style influenced a generation of comedians and talk-show hosts.
The CBS Years
After a public battle to succeed Johnny Carson, Letterman moved to CBS in 1993. Over 22 more years he became the longest-serving host in American late-night history.
Career Timeline
- 1947Born in Indianapolis, Indiana
- 1975Moves to Los Angeles to pursue comedy
- 1980Hosts short-lived NBC morning show
- 1982Late Night with David Letterman debuts on NBC
- 1993Moves to CBS with the Late Show
- 1996Late Show wins acclaim and loyal audience
- 2000Undergoes emergency quintuple heart bypass surgery
- 2009Surpasses Carson as longest-serving late-night host
- 2015Hosts final Late Show after 33 years
- 2018Launches Netflix interview series My Next Guest
Biggest Hits
- Letterman's production company, Worldwide Pants, also produced the hit sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond.
- He delivered the first late-night show after 9/11, setting a somber tone praised nationwide.
Portrait: Zach Catanzareti Photo · CC BY 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons