There’s no question David Letterman left a major mark on the late night landscape, particularly during his time on The Late Show over at CBS. Celebrities over the course of decades interacted with the famously curmudgeonly man, who often kept people on their toes with acerbic observations and pointed questions. Letterman would later say he “had it coming” when it came to any “criticism” lobbed his way, but did you know the late night host was so eccentric that major stars were told not to compliment him?

It’s not the only example of eccentric behavior by late night hosts, but Amy Poehler and Mindy Kaling both got candid about their experiences with Dave recently.

Mindy Kaling And Amy Poehler Revealed They Were Advised Not To Be Too Nice To Letterman

Kaling recently gave Amy Poehler a compliment of the highest order when she said she loved the positive vibes the other NBC comedian brings to her now-famous “Good Hang” podcast. You can feel the love in the room, but amusingly Kaling set up this compliment by pointing out she and Poehler used to get told “it’s like an insult” to say something nice about David Letterman.

The warning from her agents really stuck with her for years. In fact, it led her to go on shows over and over again where she spent time worrying about it not being “cool” to say something nice. She’s been working on it, and she wanted to tell Poehler she was a fan of the way "Good Hang" works in light of that.

Amy Poehler was also very familiar with the Letterman advice. Interestingly, when Kaling complimented her, Poehler in her typical way also did deflect the former Mindy Project star’s compliment, joking:

So, maybe not taking a compliment is an epidemic among hosts? Though, I will say Poehler was good-natured about the whole conversation, and it’s always fun when totally unrelated factoids about other people get brought up by celebrities. In this case, David Letterman is famously known for hating compliments, and this specific topic has come up again and again over the years.

Letterman Himself Has Admitted He Hates Compliments

Probably the most specific incident came in 2017, just two years after David Letterman had retired from The Late Show. That year, the former host was given an award: The Mark Twain Prize For American Humor. This meant there was an event and a bunch of celebrities attended. It also meant there were a lot of nice things said about Letterman, who even the Washington Post noted at the time, “hates compliments.” In fact, when asked about people fawning over him, he admitted the whole thing was cringy to him.

David Letterman’s entire comedic persona lives on that edge between funny and uncomfortable. He’s often at his most engaging and amusing when there’s just a sliver of awkwardness between himself and whomever he is talking with, whether that be a celebrity, a journalist, or just someone random he happens to be chatting with. He's always willing to ask the uncomfortable thing, and that sometimes made him the less popular late night host during his run.

No one is perfect, of course, and that means sometimes he doesn't tow that line correctly. Other times he does things like compare The Late Show ending to an adult bookstore coming in, and it works perfectly. No matter what, though, you never really know exactly what’s going to come out of Dave’s mouth. I’m sure that can be very difficult, particularly when you are early in your celebrity career, wearing uncomfortable celebrity fashion, and trying to make a positive impression on late night – without literally saying anything positive to said host.

David Letterman performed his final monologue on The Late Show on May 20th, 2015. Eleven years (and one day) later, Stephen Colbert was in the same position, walking onto the stage to have his final say on May 21st, 2026. You’d think that’s about all the two would have in common given The Late Show was being cancelled when Colbert said goodbye, but it turns out that’s not true.

In fact, one thing that really struck me as The Late Show was wrapping was something Stephen Colbert said about the show kicking him and the staff out immediately. He said essentially they were “fired” and he had to go into the office to clear out his stuff nearly immediately the following week.

His comments were so visceral they stuck with me, and I was surprised to come across similar statements from Letterman, who noted CBS did nearly the same thing to him when he left the show.

Unlike Colbert, it was Letterman’s choice to retire from late night. Still, when asked by the NY Times what his “favorite memory” from the CBS series was, he said they need to "talk to someone else” and he could only muster this negative final memory about the show.

It’s clear elsewhere in the interview that Letterman was unhappy with how things shook out with The Late Show. Despite a favorable opinion of Colbert's successor, he’s compared the show being taken over by Byron Allen to an “adult bookstore” coming into your childhood hangout space. He’s also seemingly not bullish about where late night will be going in the very near future, which is upsetting to hear.

He’s not the only one. CBS has taken a lot of flak from individuals like Jimmy Kimmel, who has said he feels late night is “being poisoned.” It’s been clear for years the TV landscape is changing, but for a long time, there were still dollars to go around, even when social media became a prominent place to consume late night clips. As every month goes on, that’s less and less true. CBS has said $40 million in losses is what actually led to the network's changing of the guard.

We’ll have to wait and see if anyone else is clearing out on an office in the next year or so. If Trump had his way, Seth Meyers and more would also get cancelled.

David Letterman may need no introduction, but it’s rare you’ll catch him in a room with a traditional outlet doing a traditional interview these days. The former late night host and current Netflix host did speak out around the time of Stephen Colbert’s big exit from CBS, and with good reason: Both men were tied to the Eye Network for years before breaking free to do new projects. So, I get why there would be curiosity around what Letterman thinks. Yet, I did not see his “adult bookstore” reference coming.

Here’s what happened. Not only did the New York Times snag an interview with the former host, they also caught him in time to talk about his feelings about Colbert’s show getting axed on the 2026 TV schedule. He didn’t hold back, which is where the adult bookstore analogy came in.

Now, that he put this analogy out into the universe, I can’t unsee it. I know exactly how he’s feeling. There was once something great and something familiar in this slot and now it’s been ceded to something that’s unexpected. In fact, Letterman also told the news outlet his first feelings were “disbelief.” Afterward, he felt like it had been a “botched holdup.” All of these visuals really paint a negative picture of how he felt CBS handled the situation as a whole.

As the former host of The Late Show with David Letterman, he knows more about the inner workings of late night, the network and what happened behind the scenes than most.

David Letterman Does Not Blame Byron Allen

Of course, David Letterman also was quick to point out he’s not mad at Byron Allen, the man at the head of the new series that took over The Late Show’s timeslot, Comics Unleashed. He and Allen have palled around before, and he’s not opposed to Byron coming in and making his mark.

[Editor Note: As Letterman himself noted, the "Winslow Twins" or the "Ellison Twins" are what Letterman likes to call the one son of Larry Ellison, David. That part is a bit.]

However, he definitely still feels Stephen Colbert got a raw deal. The Eye Network has claimed its choice to cancel The Late Show was all financial, but it’s not just Letterman who is skeptical. Fellow late night host Jimmy Kimmel also spoke out about how the choice may have been more related to politics than the money piece. Colbert himself famously said "my side of the street is clean" when it came to any political allegations.

Meanwhile, David Letterman himself had a somewhat tumultuous run on late night, eventually signing on with NBC as a potential successor for Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show. Then, executives at the time famously chose Leno instead. Letterman had a long and storied history on CBS, anyway, and retired of his own accord in 2015. (Other famous hosts like Conan O'Brien and Kimmel also spoke out about The Late Show at that time.)

It ended on his own terms, but Letterman still has a bit of a contrarian in him. If someone is calling out the network he formerly worked at, he'll lead the charge.

Just don't ask him to work that "tough" late night grind again.

Eric Andre is not unknown in Hollywood by any means. The Balls Up actor has a flourishing comedy career, leading his own self-titled show on Adult Swim for over a decade, and is now starring in the new Netflix movie Little Brother opposite John Cena, set to release on Netflix on June 26. However, no matter how famous you get, there is always that one person who will still leave you speechless. For Andre, that person was Eddie Murphy and, apparently, the Bad Trip actor bombed so bad in front of the SNL legend that he had to loop around the Ted Sarandos' house to try again

Apparently, according to Jimmy Kimmel, who interviewed Andre on Jimmy Kimmel Live! this week (as seen on YouTube), this has become somewhat of a famous story among comedians. As Andre tells it, the who’s who of comedy were invited to a party at the Netflix CEO’s house, and Eddie Murphy was there. Here was THE comedy legend, a savior of Saturday Night Live and the star behind classic comedy movies like Coming to America, The Nutty Professor and Beverly Hills Cop. So of course, Andre had to muster up the courage to introduce himself to Murphy, but stage fright got the best of him:

I can’t really blame Andre for being so starstruck. Murphy has been the blueprint for many comedians' dream. He was a stand out on Saturday Night Live and then immediately transitioned into a wildly successful comedy movie star, leading some of the best movies of the ‘80s, like Trading Places and 48 Hrs.

Listen, I get it. Even celebrities have their own idols they look up to. As a comedian though, you have one job, to perform under pressure. Something I’m sure Andre has learned from many years of stand up is that a laugh is not just given. You have to earn it, even if it means bombing and starting over again, which is exactly what the 2 Broke Girls actor boldly did:

This was the second chance of a lifetime, and with such a high-profile guest such as Murphy, there wasn’t going to be a third chance, at least not that same night. Thankfully, Andre felt a little more prepared this time around and, so when Letterman lofted him a set up, the Disenchantment actor dunked it:

Man, what an assist from the late night host! And, like any seasoned comedian, Andre nailed the punchline. It didn’t have to be this elaborate story or detailed joke. In the end, it was Andre’s natural charm and energy that won a laugh from Murphy, and I can imagine the Jackass Forever actor feeling on top of the world.

Perhaps we will even see Eddie Murphy and Eric Andre star in a movie together one day, and I hope that happens. But, until then, be sure to check out Little Brother with a Netflix subscription when it hits the streaming service on June 26.

Stephen Colbert has spent the last several months in a delicate dance, both looking back and looking forward. He signed on for an LOTR movie, he had sweet goodbye moments with Emma Stone and more big stars, and he’s done interviews trying to wrap up this portion of his career. Most recently, he called landing The Late Show as David Letterman was stepping down a “happy accident,” and shared the sweet story behind why he ultimately decided to sit behind the storied desk.

How Stephen Colbert And David Letterman “Perfectly Overlapped”

Colbert set the stage for his connection with David Letterman. The two men are only 17 years apart in age, and Letterman was just getting rolling when the other late night host was coming of age. They then were tied together years later when the fate of The Late Show was laid out.

It seems like it would have been an easy decision to make. Colbert already had plenty of experience in front of a TV camera at that point, having been on The Daily Show and then leading The Colbert Report for nearly 10 years. But network TV late night was a whole other budget behemoth (as Late Night fans would later learn), and signing on for the role was a big deal for the funnyman.

The actor told People he went to therapy for “four months” to make sure that signing on as Letterman’s replacement was what he really wanted to do. It's a big responsibility and not something one signs on to the dotted line for lightly. Part of the problem is that he really wanted to talk to his mother, whom he was very close to, but she had passed away by this time. So, instead, he called up his sister, Mary. Luckily for CBS, Mary “sealed the deal” for the late night host.

The year 2015 was an exciting time. The first episode of Colbert’s Late Show was up 203% over the same date the previous year. Colbert joining sparked a ratings race with Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon that would continue over the years. What wouldn’t continue were the massive number of subscribers cable and network TV enjoyed for decades.

As those numbers fell off, so did ad revenue. By the end, The Late Show was losing $40 million a year, a number CBS recently confirmed. The show wrapped up last week after months of lead-up to the moment, but when it was done, it was done. Colbert even said the crew had to be out of CBS studios very quickly when it was all over.

I don't know that the Colbert who talked to his sister Mary knew the end would be quite like this, but I'm glad he still gets to hold onto that fond memory.

When I was growing up, late-night TV viewers were either Jay Leno fans or David Letterman fans, with little overlap. In the early '90s, during the Late Night Wars, the heir apparent to Johnny Carson’s The Tonight Show, Letterman, was passed over for Leno, leading to a rivalry between the two. Now, over 30 years later, Dave is discussing a possible reunion with his former rival, doing so in true Letterman style.

In a recent interview with The New York Times, the man who helped build The Late Show as direct competition for Leno’s Tonight Show talked about the franchise’s cancellation, the current state of late-night TV and whether he would ever have his former competitor on his Netflix interview series, My Next Guest Needs No Introduction. When asked about the possibility of a reunion, he said:

That is pure Letterman. Even when he is saying something generous, he cannot resist sanding the sentiment down with a little dry sarcasm. Would he even be David Letterman if he didn’t toss in one perfectly timed verbal elbow?

Still, the former CBS host also made it clear that his feelings about his old rival are not entirely defined by past network drama. He spoke about how much he admired Leno before The Tonight Show, back when the car-loving comic was known first and foremost as a killer stand-up comic. He added:

That gets at the strange, complicated place Leno occupies in comedy history. Before he became the face of The Tonight Show, Leno was widely respected as a sharp, relentless stand-up. A comedian’s comedian, in a lot of ways. But, after the Late Night Wars, fair or not, many people started looking at the stand-up veteran differently, especially within the comedy world.

That reputation only became more complicated years later when the NBC host found himself at the center of another late-night mess. In the late 2000s, he stepped down from The Tonight Show and handed the reins to Conan O’Brien. Seven months later, O’Brien was out, and the denim-loving late-night staple returned to his old time slot, where he stayed for nearly four more years.

During that stretch, Johnny Carson’s eventual successor became the symbol of the company man. He was also the punching bag for just about every late-night host on TV at the time. Jimmy Kimmel famously dressed up as Jay and later agreed to appear on Leno’s show, only to spend the interview taking shots at the whole Tonight Show shake-up.

The king of dry late-night sarcasm did not exactly stay quiet, either. He came out in support of Conan and cracked plenty of jokes at Leno’s expense on The Late Show. If there was a late-night scoreboard back then, Letterman was not pretending to be neutral.

There doesn’t seem to be hard feelings, at least from David Letterman, or at least not hard enough to keep him from imagining a sit-down with Jay Leno on My Next Guest Needs No Introduction. Honestly, that would be fascinating TV.

Nothing is set in stone yet, though. Until it is, fans of late-night TV and its messy history will just have to see how Netflix's streaming schedule shakes out. In the meantime, all six seasons of My Next Guest Needs No Introduction are streaming with a Netflix subscription.

We’re nearing the end of an era for late night, with just over a month to go until CBS’ Late Show cancellation is made complete. Stephen Colbert’s swan song episode is hitting the 2026 TV schedule on May 21, after which the network will replace the esteemed talk show with another hourlong, Byron Allen-produced comedy series, giving the mega-producer the full two-hour late night block that was once held down by the likes of David Letterman and Craig Ferguson. As one might imagine, Letterman isn’t exactly applauding CBS’ efforts.

As the creator of The Late Show, David Letterman obviously has a vested interest in the general topic of late night, even if he’s got little skin in that game at this point. (He’d since taken his interviewing skills to Netflix, where My Next Guest… is still going strong.) During a recent installment of The Barbara Gaines Show, the Emmy winner shared his take on CBS’ choice for filling the Late Show slot, calling it a money-saving tactic. In his words:

CBS will start airing back-to-back episodes of Comics Unleashed in the 11:30 p.m. ET time slot starting on Friday, May 22, followed by an hour of another Byron Allen-produced series, Funny You Should Ask. The latter was created in 2017 for syndication, hosted by Jon Kelley and featuring a revolving panel of comedians, while Comics Unleashed initially ran from 2006-2016 before returning in 2023, and getting reworked again for 2025.

Considering CBS execs blamed the Colbert cancellation on the show's expenses and lost profits — a claim Jimmy Kimmel has called B.S. — it's not exactly shocking that choices were made to fill the timeslot with a preexisting concept that wouldn't require the building of brand new sets or the hiring of all-new crews. It's unclear at this point if the network will stick with this money-saving move for years on end.

To be fair, David Letterman was being more critical about CBS than Allen or his shows, and he even paid the comic/producer's creations a compliment.

Byron Allen's shows will be a complete flip from The Late Show. Colbert has long held to a political bent as host, stemming from his years on The Colbert Report and The Daily Show. Meanwhile, Allen has often made a point to keep Comics Unleashed as free as can be from topical, hot-button subject matter, so that episodes airing in syndication won't feel immediately dated.

David Letterman is no stranger to Byron Allen, either. He shared that they actually first worked together around 50 years ago, when Allen was a scrappy underaged talent, saying:

Decades later, Byron Allen became a legitimate billionaire who has, in the past, put in bids to buy BET from Paramount, as well as to buy ABC, FX and more from Disney. Will this timeslot takeover be the first step on the path to Allen attempting to purchase CBS? Funny I should ask...

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert airs weeknights at 11:35, with that final episode coming on Thursday, May 21. We probably shouldn't expect anything over-the-top from that final hour, but one can hope.

Michael B. Jordan was in one of the biggest 2025 movie releases of the year. His performance in Sinners garnered him a nomination for Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama for the 84th Golden Globes, a first in his career. With Jordan’s acting career continuing to skyrocket, he got honest about an important goal of wanting “children” and what’s holding him back right now.

On My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman, Michael B. Jordan was shooting darts with the Netflix show’s host as they spoke of life outside of making movies. During their conversation, the Fruitvale Station actor got real about one goal he’d like to achieve one day and what’s holding him back:

That sounds very reasonable of Jordan. The real test to see if you’re parent material is placing yourself in the position of taking care of a living being. Plants need to be watered. Dogs need to be cleaned, fed, taken to the vet, and loved. If you can find success in being a parent to living beings like that, a kid should be a cinch.

There are plenty of celebrities who have proven to be very adorable with their dogs before becoming parents to kids. Chris Evans was sewing up his doggo’s toys before becoming a father. Glen Powell doesn’t have kids yet, but he did adopt an adorable pupper, Brisket. When you see how happy these celebs are with their pups, you know their happiness will only grow once they bring a child into the world.

The Black Panther actor may not be a father yet, but he has played a father plenty of times. In his breakout role, Jordan played a young dad close to his little girl in Fruitvale Station. His humanizing, raw portrayal of the bond his character Oscar Grant had with his daughter truly was the heart of the Ryan Coogler movie.

In Creed III, Jordan kept the “Girl Dad” trend again, with Adonis bonding with his daughter through their communication of ASL and secretly teaching her the ropes of boxing. I could see the talented actor bringing what he’s learned from his fatherhood roles to real life when the time comes.

While Michael B. Jordan does see himself wanting children one day, it is smart that he’d rather test his parenting skills on a plant or dog first before a kid. But, I’m confident that one of his future roles of fatherhood will be one of his best life roles yet. Make sure to watch Jordan in Sinners streaming now on your HBO Max subscription.

The cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s The Late Show sent shockwaves throughout the entertainment industry, with many weighing in on CBS’ decision to axe the program. Of course, that massive move came amid a changing media landscape, which sees late-night TV shifting in different respects. It’s been particularly interesting to hear from those who have years of experience working within this particular space. Paul Shaffer, who oversaw the music amid David Letterman’s tenure on Late, is now sharing his take on what’s going on.

What Did Paul Shaffer Say About The Late Show’s Cancellation?

Paul Shaffer remains a legend for curating the tunes played during David Letterman’s stints on Late Night (1983-1992) and The Late Show (1992-2015). When it comes to working the late-night circuit, Shaffer’s been around the block. The veteran bandleader discussed the TV business with EW while promoting his new documentary, You Had to Be There: How the Toronto Godspell Ignited the Comedy Revolution…, at the Toronto International Film Festival. When asked about Stephen Colbert’s situation, Shaffer expressed disbelief:

When The Late Show’s cancellation was announced, Paramount Global – CBS’ parent company – attributed the decision to financial variables. However, some pundits and celebrities are of the belief that money wasn’t the only factor. Around the time that news dropped, Paramount settled a $16 million lawsuit with U.S. President Donald Trump, and Colbert had been vocally critical of that decision. That suit was also viewed as the final piece of business to be settled before Paramount’s merger with Skydance would become FCC-approved.

Paul Shaffer isn’t the only member of the past Late Show regime to comment on Stephen Colbert’s iteration being canceled. David Letterman himself, via his YouTube channel, was critical of the move, calling it “pure cowardice.” One of Letterman’s former producers, Rob Burnett, weighed in as well and, while he acknowledged the financial aspects of the matter, he still questioned how the network could “dismiss a talent like” Colbert in such a manner. That question factors into the larger conversation that’s at play.

As Late-Night TV Changes, Paul Shaffer Drops Some Thoughts

Some of TV’s biggest talk show hosts have been sharing their candid takes on the future of late night. Jimmy Kimmel thinks it may not last another decade, while Seth Meyers is also concerned about how much longer the format might endure. Paul Shaffer didn’t get too deep when addressing those who feel as though late-night offerings will soon become extinct. He did, however, offer up this response pertaining to The Late Show’s demise:

The Godspell alum did indeed partake in the medium at a time when it flourished, but the rise of streaming, social media and a variety of other variables have since shifted the paradigm. It’s hard to say what actually lies ahead for late-night talk shows, especially since the outlook is looking somewhat grim. Still, there are some people (Conan O’Brien included) who are remaining optimistic. Their argument is that while the means of reaching audiences may change, the talent itself can find other ways to connect with the general public.

Stephen Colbert’s traditional way of reaching viewers through The Late Show will come to an end in May 2026. It’ll not only mark the end of a TV-based institution but also a major turning point for late-night TV. And, as time goes on, I’m curious to see what other industry veterans like Paul Shaffer and David Letterman have to say about all of this.

Joaquin Phoenix has certainly wowed audiences with his masterful performances in films like in Joker, Walk the Line and Her. His big-screen ventures aside, though, it's hard to forget one of his small-screen appearances, as he's linked to one of David Letterman's funniest talk show moments. At the time, the star appeared completely in character to promote his mockumentary, I’m Still Here. 16 years after that notoriously disastrous interview, the 2020 Academy Award winner is trying to explain what was going on in his head.

Back in 2009, Joaquin Phoenix looked and acted unrecognizable on The Late Show with David Letterman. Wearing dark shades covering his eyes and sporting a straggly beard, the Gladiator actor appeared very expressionless as he spoke to the host about retiring from acting to become a hip-hop artist. Originally thought to be a true documentary, I’m Still Here (which is streamable with a Prime Video subscription) covers that supposed career change, which involves him working with Diddy.

A year and a half later, Joaquin Phoenix returned to The Late Show (fully shaved) and admitted that the persona he adopted during the interview was all a hoax to promote his mockumentary. Being a Joaquin Phoenix fan myself, I can certainly say that I was happy to hear he wasn’t actually retiring from acting. While on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert this week, Phoenix elaborated on what happened all those years ago and recalled the feeling of being “stuck":

David Letterman sure didn’t hold back during his interview with the seemingly out-of-it Joaquin Phoenix. He asked the star questions about his “days with the Unabomber” and wittily assumed Phoenix was "taking a little time off tonight." The host’s famously closed things out when he told Phoenix, “I’m sorry you could be here tonight,” which actually made the actor smile the only time during his appearance on the show.

While speaking with Stephen Colbert, Phoenix continued to talk about his mission of staying in his bizarre persona to get a “reaction” from the audience. Of course, that meant telling no one that his abnormal behavior was all an act. While the Beau is Afraid actor gave a convincing performance during his Letterman interview, he said he would never repeat the type of method acting again:

Like Stephen Colbert said, even though Joaquin Phoenix looked back at that memorable moment in embarrassment, the Golden Globe winner did get what he wanted by giving audiences “great TV.” They were definitely filled with laughter when taking in all of the awkward, short answers Phoenix provided while in character. With that, I'd say mission accomplished.

It would be an understatement to say that as an artist Joaquin Phoenix is a risk-taker, and his interview with David Letterman is a true testament to that. The actor does indeed deserve credit for putting himself out there. At present, Phoenix is still putting on great performances for the big screen. In fact, fans can catch his 2025 movie release, the contemporary western Eddington, in theaters on July 18th.

Anyone who’s familiar with Jay Leno (who recently cameoed on Shifting Gears) and David Letterman is almost certainly aware of the drama that unfolded between the talk show hosts in the early 1990s. After Johnny Carson retired from NBC’s The Tonight Show, Leno was tapped as his replacement despite the fact that Letterman had been hosting Late Night in the following time slot, and Carson had thought he was his natural successor. In the decades since, Leno and Letterman haven’t exactly been chummy, and though the former recently shared why he thinks a reunion with the latter would be “awkward,” it’s actually making me hopeful that it will actually happen.

During an extensive interview on In Depth with Graham Bensinger, the title host mentioned that’d been speaking with the executive producer for Jay Leno’s Garage, who said it would “bring him no greater joy in life” then to see Leno and Letterman reunited. Here’s what Leno had to say to that:

Jay Leno and David Letterman were already well acquainted before this Tonight Show saga unfolded, as Leno had appeared numerous times on Late Night with David Letterman. At the same time, Leno started substitute hosting for Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show starting in 1986, and evidently NBC felt Leno was the better fit to succeed Carson. But even looking the turmoil that this decision spawned, Leno went on to share how he’s already had an awkward encounter with Letterman: He recalled:

Yeah, that’s practically the textbook definition of awkward, and when you throw in their differing views, that doesn’t make the strongest argument for pairing them back up. That’s not to say Jay Leno would refuse the opportunity if it came along, but he’s also won’t go out of his way to make it happen. As he put it:

Look, I’m not saying we need to see them acting like the best of friends, but I would sincerely like it if Jay Leno and David Letterman sat down together for some kind of TV special. It’s been over 30 years since the conflict between these two concerning The Tonight Show, which was covered in the Bill Carter-penned book The Late Shift, and that in turn was adapted into a TV movie that can be viewed with a Max subscription. I’d like to think enough time has passed that in the right environment, they could have a thoughtful and compelling discussion for others to enjoy.

New episodes of Jay Leno’s Garage can be found on YouTube, while David Letterman’s current talk show, My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, can be streamed with a Netflix subscription. And hey, if by some chance Leno and Letterman do reunite onscreen, maybe that can help with getting Leno and Conan O’Brien in a room together… or is that asking too much?

History has seen many great late-night TV hosts, but David Letterman is really someone special. As the host of NBC’s Late Night from 1982 to 1993 and CBS’s Late Show until 2015, he brought an unprecedented energy and perspective to the world of comedy that has served as a clear inspiration to his peers ever since. As a tribute to the Letterman era, let’s look back on some of his greatest hits.

Dave Works The McDonald's Drive-Thru

One of the most iconic remote segments from David Letterman's days on Late Show saw him employed by McDonald's for a day, where he worked at the drive-thru window. Instead of simply taking orders, he indulges in giving the customers a hard time, asking one woman to drive around the building because they are too busy to answer for her at the moment and telling another guy asking for two #3's that he will give him a #6 instead.

Dave Visits General Electric

In 1986, when Letterman was still hosting Late Night on NBC, the network was purchased by General Electric, which gave him the idea to visit his new bosses' headquarters with a basket of fruit as a welcoming gesture. However, he would not make it past the front lobby, thanks to a security guard enforcing the building's strict laws against letting cameras inside.

Dave's Mom Reports The Olympics

Letterman enlisted his mother, Dorothy Mengering, to present a number of remote segments. The first instance of this was in 1994 when she was sent to Lillehammer, Norway, to cover that year's Winter Olympics for Late Show, during which she interviewed the likes of figure skater Nancy Kerrigan and then-First Lady Hillary Clinton.

The Top Ten Words That Sound Romantic When Said By Barry White

Barry White had the kind of voice that could make anything sound smooth and enticing, as demonstrated by one of David Letterman's most ridiculous Top 10 Lists. Accompanied by a trio of backup singers, the legendary R&B musician forever changes the way you might hear words like "jazzercise," "doo-hickey," and the Number One choice, "Oprah."

Joaquin Phoenix "Couldn't Be Here"

In 2009, Joaquin Phoenix appeared on Late Show to promote his film, Two Lovers, but he did not do much promoting and passively mumbled through most of the interview, which David Letterman capped with the perfect quip, "Well, Joaquin, I'm sorry you couldn't be here." The future Academy Award winner would later return to explain himself after it was revealed that his scraggly-haired aspiring hip-hop artist persona was all an act for his brother-in-law, Casey Affleck's, mockumentary, I'm Still Here.

Dave Hangs Out With Richard Simmons

Sometimes, just partnering Letterman with somebody whose personality greatly opposes his own was enough to conjure comedy gold. For instance, the time when the host shot a remote segment chronicling the day he spent with flamboyant fitness guru Richard Simmons, which consisted of visiting random people in their homes and searching for the latest Barbara Streisand album.

Crispin Glover Nearly Kicks Dave In The Face

One of David Letterman's most infamous interviews from his Late Night days, let alone his entire career, saw Crispin Glover from the Back to the Future cast seem to nervously struggle through the entire conversation, culminating in him performing a kick that came uncomfortably close to the host's face. The actor would later return only once more, but this time, he dodged any opportunities for a substantial explanation of his behavior and awkwardly giggled for much of it.

Biff Henderson's Fun With A Bullhorn

David Letterman's longtime stage manager, Biff Henderson, participated in many classic bits. One of his own personal favorites was a remote segment in which he travels the streets of New York yelling at random people with a bullhorn, and often providing them with valuable information, too.

Dave Wears A Velcro Suit

On Late Night, Letterman participated in many a ridiculous stunt that involved him wearing a funny suit constructed with some unusual material or substance. One of the more famous was a suit of velcro, with which he leaped onto a velcro wall and got stuck face first.

Jerry Lawler Slaps Andy Kaufman

In 1982, David Letterman had Andy Kaufman and wrestler Jerry "The King" Lawler on Late Night to discuss their feud, which grew heated before Lawler slapped him across the face, causing the already injured comedian to fall out of his chair. It was revealed years later that this infamous TV moment was not so authentic, as the pair were really good friends pulling a gag on the world.

The Long Debate Around The World's Largest Vase

On Late Night, David Letterman invited on the show a man who claimed to have the world's largest vase, which another person from Canada challenged, claiming his was taller. This inspired a lengthy debate involving polygraph tests and legal experts, before Dave decided to put it all to bed by placing a 35" radio transmitter on top of the vase they had in the studio, bringing its final length to 9'8".

Dave Assures "No One Is Blaming Conan"

David Letterman left NBC after losing the chance to host The Tonight Show to Jay Leno, who would, in 2010, leave the network's leading late-night program for Conan O'Brien to step in, only to take it back just months later. The Late Show host commented on the debacle, mentioning how Leno insisted that fans should not blame O'Brien, which prompted Letterman to point out that no one was pointing fingers at him in the first place.

Dave Is Startled By A Monkey

Like any other late night host, Letterman was known to bring animals on his show from time to time, but he did not enjoy his experience with a monkey on Late Night. The primate continuously lunged toward the host, causing him to exclaim, "She's gonna leap at me and pull a vein out of my neck and kill me!" To make matters even funnier, the monkey was wearing a dress.

The Final TV Appearance By Johnny Carson

David Letterman maintained a strong relationship with Johnny Carson even after both of them had left NBC. In fact, the former Tonight Show host made his last-ever appearance on television in 1994 to present Letterman with that night's Late Show Top 10, much to the audience's delighted surprise.

Dave Presents The Flashing Party Horses

Similar to saw horses with flashing lights placed around accidents or road construction sites to ensure safety, the "Flashing Party Horses" are smaller in stature and used to surround a party guest who has had a few too many and has collapsed on the floor. Future SNL one-season wonder Chris Elliott helps Letterman demonstrate the faux product by donning a tuxedo as the inebriated party guest.

Kamarr The Discount Magicians Puts Paul Shaffer In A Guillotine

One of the most amusing recurring guests that Dave Letterman would have on Late Night was Greece's own Kamarr the Discount Magician, whose illusions were always worth the price of admission. One of his most memorable appearances saw him place band leader and music director Paul Shaffer in a guillotine that he promised would pass right through his neck, leaving him unharmed, but would chop down on the cucumber beneath him.

John Candy Takes On Wasps In The Studio

One funny Late Night-era bit sees comedy legend John Candy interrupt his interview with David Letterman when a wasp appears on the back of his neck, prompting him to take care of the studio's infestation. He returns from his interspecies quarrel with a bag full of winged pests and a few gross clusters of stings on his face.

Dave's Shocking Diet Tip

In response to a fan letter asking for tips on how to lose weight, Dave presents a solution in the form of a visual demonstration. He takes a 12-volt car battery, attaches one clamp to his earlobe and the other to his soup spoon, and indulges in his meal, experiencing a shock that just "melts the fat" right off.

Camping With Barry White

After joking for several episodes about what it would be like to camp with Barry White, David Letterman invited the "Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe" singer onto the show for an official demonstration. He opens an episode of Late Night with a lesson on how to treat a snake bite, using White as his subject, and presents a few products essential for the occasion, including a walkie-talkie equipped with a woofer powerful enough to match the singer's deep baritone.

Dave Hounds Paris Hilton About Her Prison Stint

David Letterman himself has admitted that he could be a little too mean to his guests for the sake of getting a laugh, and one of the most notorious examples is when, in 2007, he repeatedly asked Paris Hilton about her 22 days in prison for violating parole. At one point, she pleads that she does not want to talk about it anymore, to which he responds, "This is where you and I are different because it's all I want to talk about." The following year, he brought the heiress back to apologize for offending her.

Dave Wears A Suit Made Of Alka-Seltzer Tablets

One of the strangest stunts that Letterman ever performed involving an unusual suit was the time he donned an outfit covered in Alka-Seltzer, which is a brand of effervescent tablets used to treat heartburn, indigestion, or even headaches. Also equipped with an oxygen tank, the stunt sees the host lowered into a vat of water, causing the tablets to dissolve and create a rousing fizz.

Larry Bud Melman's Hilarious Lack Of Interview Skills

Comedian Calvert DeForest recurred on Late Night as his comically average and inept character, Larry Bud Melman, whom Dave would send out into the world for various remote segments, such as one in which he interviewed tourists at New York's Port Authority. The mundane manner of his questions is funny enough, but what makes the bit especially hilarious is the way he continuously brings the microphone away from his mouth too early with each question.

Dave Visits A Store Called Just Bulbs

One of Dave Letterman's most amusing Late Night era remote segments sees him visit a New York store called Just Bulbs, where he asks an employee if they sell anything other than what the name suggests, constantly receiving an emphatic no. When he asks the remarkably patient employee if they sell lampshades, she suggests he "try a store called 'Just Shades,'" at which point the scene immediately cuts to the front of a store called Just Shades.

Dave Meets A Man Who Claims To Have Been Buried Alive Three Times

Letterman discovered and conducted an interview with a man who invented a device that would allow a person who is accidentally buried alive to notify loved ones that they are still breathing. The man was inspired to develop this product after he was mistaken for dead and placed underground more than once.

Brother Theodore's Perplexing Rant

Theodore Gottlieb, better known as Brother Theodore, appeared on Late Night with David Letterman several times, never inspiring a dull moment. The German-American comedian would indulge in an assertive and combative interview with the host before delivering one of his signature, riotous stream-of-consciousness monologues.

Chris Elliott As The Guy Under The Seats

Late Night writer and performer Chris Elliott participated in various recurring segments on the show, including one in which he plays a man living under the studio bleachers who interrupts the show. David Letterman would go meta by making comments about Elliott's approach to the segment that the comedian would immediately take great offense to and respond with petty, threatening remarks.

Paul Shaffer's Freudian Slip

Paul Shaffer is responsible for one of the most infamous moments in SNL history, being the first person to accidentally drop the F-bomb on the live program. However, it was no accident when David Letterman's musical director told the host that he meant to ask his mother to pass the salt, but instead gave an explicit, insulting admission that she ruined his life. It was only a joke, but it inspired Letterman to get Shaffer's actual mother on the phone. After she corrects his grammar, Letterman turns to Shaffer and says, "I see what you mean now."

Gerard Mulligan Fills In For Levon Helm

In 1983, Levon Helm was scheduled to appear on Late Night with David Letterman but did not show up for the interview. Instead, Letterman and segment producer Gerard Mulligan discussed what they would have asked the drummer and vocalist for The Band, inspiring much laughter from the audience over what could have been.

Chris Farley Cartwheels Into The Studio

Iconic '90s Saturday Night Live star Chris Farley never failed to make a grand entrance, just like when he showed up on Late Show with David Letterman and inspired a rousing round of applause by kicking off his appearance with a triple cartwheel.

Biff Henderson Gets Hypnotized

For one fun Late Show segment, David Letterman invited a hypnotist to put members of his staff under his spell, including Biff Henderson, who was supposedly still under hypnosis and fell into a deep sleep on the show. In a YouTube video recalling his favorite moments, the long-serving stage manager did not confirm whether or not he was truly hypnotized, but he did reveal that he saw the hypnosis as an opportunity to relax at work.

Drew Barrymore Flashes Dave

One of the most surprising moments from David Letterman's entire career saw guest Drew Barrymore stand on the host's desk and lift her shirt up right in front of him.

Madonna's Expletive-Filled Interview

Pop star Madonna's 1994 appearance on Late Show gave the censors a lot to worry about. In fact, due to her use of 14 F-bombs, the episode became the most censored in talk show history, according to EW.

Whether it was Late Night or The Late Show, David Letterman had one of the best talk show bits in the history of the medium with his recurring Top 10 lists. Over the years, the legendary TV host touched on topics ranging from “words that almost rhyme with peas” to Tom Cruise internet stories to things celebrities always wanted to say to him before ending his run in 2015.

And while we would love to share the hundreds of lists Dave shared over the years, we thought for the sake of everyone’s time we would keep this relatively short and sweet with 32 ridiculous things David Letter did a Top 10 about. That said, it’s a diverse and outrageously funny list…

Top 10 Words That Almost Rhyme With Peas

David Letterman started making lists way back in September 1985 when he provided Late Night views with “10 Words That Almost Rhyme with Peas.” Little did anyone know at the time, but Dave’s rundown of words like heats, rice, ice, nurse, and meats would be the start of a long tradition that would be a staple of his shows for the next 20 years.

Top 10 Ways The New Show Will Be Better

The Top 10 bit moved to CBS with David Letterman when he became the host of The Late Show in August 1993. Just months after his NBC departure and infamous feud with Jay Leno, Letterman poked fun at everything in this hilarious moment. While “A whole new wardrobe for Vanna!” earned the top spot, the new “Rappin’ Dave” character, and the G.E. jokes line were just as great.

The Beach Boys Sing David Letterman’s Numbers From His First Year On The Late Show

Though this one feels like a clip show from the first year of The Late Show, David Letterman found a way to make it stand out by including the Beach Boys singing the numbers between each joke. Hilarious, memorable, and random as random can be, this great look at Dave’s first year away from NBC was full of all kinds of wonderful moments.

Top 10 Craziest Things People Say About Tom Cruise On The Internet

There are so many wild stories about Tom Cruise on the internet. Some are true, some not so much. Back in December 2008, the Mission: Impossible and Top Gun star got in on the fun when he helped David Letterman with “The Top 10 things people say about Tom Cruise on the internet.” Cruise didn’t hold back and included jokes about everything from his views on mental illness to the couch incident to his ego. Nothing was off limits.

Top 10 California Names

In 1996, The Late Show with David Letterman went on the road and made a stop in San Francisco. During his unforgettable episode, Dave came up with a list of the Top 10 California names, and it didn’t disappoint. Some of these names are straight-up bonkers and hard to believe. But each person did include their driver’s license photo.

Top 10 Messages On Alex Rodriguez’s Answering Machine

After Alex Rodriguez’s steroid scandal, the New York Yankee found himself being the butt of countless jokes for weeks, if not months, on end. David Letterman got in on the fun with “Messages Left on Alex Rodriguez’s Answering Machine,” which included lines about Madonna, Michael Phelps, Mark McGwire, and other celebrities who had stood trial in the court of public opinion.

Top 10 Hockey Player Pick-Up Lines

The Late Show with David Letterman had a series of Top 10 lists involving pick-up lines, and the funniest has to go to the group of hockey players looking for dates. With lines like “My Zamboni or yours,” jokes about pucks, and plays on famous hockey players’ names, there was enough to earn a seat in the penalty box.

Words That Sound Creepy When Said By John Malkovich

There’s something so off-putting about John Malkovich’s line delivery in movies like Con Air and In the Line of Fire, which is what made this Top 10 so much fun. Appearing on The Late Show with David Letterman, the classically-trained actor brought the ick to CBS.

Casey Kasem’s Top 10 Numbers

Years before his passing in 2014, Casey Kasem appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman to share his favorite numbers. This hilarious, ridiculous, and downright preposterous bit was the kind of stuff that made the CBS show so much fun. And if you thought one was Kasem’s favorite number, you would be wrong. Very, very wrong.

Top 10 Things Celebrities Have Always Wanted To Say To Dave

The Late Show with David Letterman had one killer final run of guests back in 2015, and it all culminated with a star-studded “Top 10” during the series finale. “Top 10 things celebrities have always wanted to say to Dave” featured Chris Rock, Bill Murray, Steve Martin, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and so many others getting one last dig at their old friend.

Top 10 Things You Don’t Want To Hear From A Lifeguard

Back in the early days of The Late Show with David Letterman, Dave had some wild Top 10 segments, like the one involving a lifeguard sharing comments no one would want to hear from him. This included everything from “Shark!” to “If the water’s a little warmer around here, it’s my fault.”

Top 10 Things Never Sung By A Gospel Choir

A full gospel choir does make everything sound better, or at least that’s what David Letterman was trying to prove on The Late Show. When this talented ensemble of singers took to the stage, they made things like “Oh my God, they killed Kenny,” “Dave’s Insane,” and “Lather, rinse, repeat, lather, rinse, repeat” sound like songs from the heavens.

Top 10 Things That Make Bob Barker Angry

The late Bob Barker, who passed away in 2023 at the age of 99, made an iconic appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman a The Price is Right themed Top 10 list. Items included “Losers who guess that the price of a toaster is $50,000,” “Recent allegations that game shows are fixed,” and “Recent allegations that I’m fixed.”

Top 10 Things You Don’t Want To Hear From A Gas Station Attendant

Another great Top 10 moment came in the early days of The Late Show with David Letterman when the host gave viewers “Things you don’t want to hear from a gas station attendant.” These included some wild remarks like “Regular, premium, or ranch flavor,” and “This is my car! You stole my car!”

Alex Trebek’s Top 10 Rejected Jeopardy Categories

The world lost a good one in 2020 when Alex Trebek passed away at the age of 80. Years before his passing, the Jeopardy host shared some hilarious rejected categories from the iconic quiz show. Sections like “Guys I, Alex Trebek, have beat the crap out of,” and “Gap-toothed freaks,” and “Exciting shows on at the same time as Jeopardy” were just too good.

Reasons Larry David Did Not Win An Emmy

Larry David never won an Emmy for his work on Curb Your Enthusiasm, and he had a fun time joking about it on The Late Show with David Letterman back in 2006. David, very much on-brand, had responses like “I don’t know and, frankly, I don’t care,” and “Hey, at least I didn’t lose to Barry Manilow.”

Top 10 Rejected Sean Connery Movie Lines

Sean Connery died in 2020, leaving behind an untouchable legacy. And one of the funniest moments of his career took place on The Late Show with David Letterman when he shared rejected movie lines like “The name’s McDonald. Ronald McDonald,” and “Dr. No, Dr. Kevorkian. Dr. Kevorkian, Dr. No.”

Top 10 Words That Sound Romantic When Spoken By Barry White

Barry White could make anything sound cool, and that’s probably why David Letterman invited the late singer to provide a Top 10 list back in the day. Could anyone make “Jazzercise” or “Oprah” sound so romantic?

James Earl Jones’ Top 10 Things That Sound Cool

No one had a voice like James Earl Jones, the late actor behind characters like Darth Vader, Mufasa, and Terence Mann. Back in the day, David Letterman had him on to read 10 things that sounded cool with his voice, including “Pinhead,” “Heebie-jeebies,” and “Oprah.”

Top 10 Good Things About Having The Same Name As A President

No surprise here, but there are a lot of people out there who share names with former United States presidents. Well, several appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman to share why it’s not such a bad thing. And with comments like “It’s fun to buy rounds for everyone and send the tab to the White House,” and “I’m named after the guy who actually, I’d never heard of him until today” it’s easy to see these guys had a sense of humor.

Top 10 Things Every New York City Tourist Needs To Know

In 2004, David Letterman invited a group of tourists to share some much-needed advice regarding trips to New York City. Going one by one, the visitors shared lessons like “A cab from JFK to Midtown should run you about $600,” and “If your car is towed, it’s cheaper to buy a brand-new one than to pay the fines” to a great number of laughs.

Top 10 Things You Don’t Want To Hear From The Guy At Starbucks

Sometimes, a Starbucks barista getting your name wrong can seem like the worst thing that could happen in a coffee shop, but a Top 10 list on The Late Show proved that wrong with comments like “Let me make sure that’s not too hot,” and “Some whipped cream for you… and some whipped cream for me.”

Reasons I, Homer Simpson, Am Proud To Be An American

Homer Simpson was on The Late Show with David Letterman more than pretty much any animated character in history. Back in the day, the family patriarch popped in to say why he was proud to be an American with reasons like “Warning signs on cups tell you hot things are hot,” and “Even a dumb guy can have his own show.”

James Earl Jones’ Top 10 Effects Of Y2K

Remember all the insanity surrounding the Y2K bug back in 1999? Well, The Late Show with David Letterman got in on the fun with the help of James Earl Jones, who shared scenarios like “Stuff’s gonna ‘splode,” and “Kraft Macaroni & Cheese will become even cheesier.”

Don Rickles’ Top 10 Insults For Dave Letterman

The legendary Don Rickles died in 2017, leaving behind a legacy that included everything from the Toy Story franchise to movies like Casino. Back in the day, Rickles joined The Late Show with David Letterman to share signature insults like ‘Letterman, let’s face it – you put the ‘suck’ in success,” and “Don’t look now, but something died on your head.”

Things Jim Carrey Will Always Say Yes To

Jim Carrey and Larry King in a tub? That sounds like some kind of nightmare, right? Well, it was a real situation on The Late Show with David Letterman when the Hollywood funnyman was asked to share his Top 10 things he’d always say yes to, including “Tub Time with Larry King,” and “Lucrative endorsement deals: remember, you’re not fully clean unless you’re zestfully clean.”

Reasons It Took Dale Earnhardt 20 Years To Win The Daytona 500

The late, great Dale Earnhardt finally won the Daytona 500 back in 1998, and one of his rewards was appearing on The Late Show with David Letterman. Wearing a leather jacket and his signature mustache, the NASCAR legend gave reasons for taking so long like “This year, whenever I passed somebody, I gave them the finger,” and “Who cares if it took 20 years - at least my name's not Dick Trickle.”

Top 10 Things Mick Jagger Learned After 50 Years In Rock N’ Roll

Legendary rocker Mick Jagger came on The Late Show with David Letterman to share some of the best things he had learned after 50 years in rock n’ roll. Words of wisdom like “Song royalties are great, but even they can’t match the guaranteed cash flow from a reverse mortgage,” and “You can’t always get what you want – like a good joke on the Top 10 list” made it an unforgettable night.

Rodney Dangerfield’s Top 10 Things He Likes To Do

Rodney Dangerfield was one of many legendary comedians to show up on The Late Show with David Letterman over the years. His appearance included a walkthrough of his favorite things to do, which included “Sing the ‘Star Spangled Banner’ at street fights,” and “Tell people who work with fertilizer – ‘Have a nice day!’”

Eminem’s Top 10 Pieces Of Advice For Kids

Eminem probably isn’t the first person you’d want giving advice to your kids, but that’s what made his appearance on The Late Show such a treat. How could you not like words of wisdom like “If I sign something for you, and I see it on eBay, when you go home, I’m gonna be under your bed,” and “Don’t waste your time watching this show”?

Top 10 Signs You’re A Lame Superhero

David Letterman poked fun at some of the lesser superheroes on The Late Show during its run, including the night he provided tell-tale signs like “Your signature catchphrase is ‘Please don’t hurt me,’” and “Can only fight crime until 10 p.m., then mom wants you home.”

Top 10 Things Never Before Said By A Star Wars Character

One night, David Letterman brought out all kinds of Star Wars characters to make statements they never said before. This included some bangers like “I once used the force to open a jar of Vlassic kosher pickles,” and “The only people more powerful than I are Emperor Palpatine and Oprah.”

David Letterman is one of the most recognizable names in late night television, even as the ten-year anniversary of his retirement from CBS' Late Show with David Letterman approaches in the 2025 TV schedule. Retiring from the CBS gig (which then went to Stephen Colbert) didn't mean retiring overall, and he has hosted My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with celebrities like Kim Kardashian (which resulted in big numbers for the show) on Netflix since 2018. Now, with his new project going live, he reflected on criticism of his interview skills from back in the day.

Letterman of course hosted two major network nightly shows over the course of the career that made him into the longest-serving late night host in television, with NBC's Late Night with David Letterman from 1982-1993 and then CBS' Late Show with David Letterman from 1993-2015. Speaking with GQ toward the end of the 2024 TV schedule about his new Letterman TV FAST Channel on Samsung TV Plus, he said this in response to a question about being criticized early in his career for not being the best interviewer:

Letterman went on to say that criticism of his interview skills affected his "presence on television" and he realized that "maybe I need to have a broader lens of this pursuit." Whatever criticism he received, there's no denying the success of his career between NBC and CBS, although it was during his NBC days that he experienced the worst day of his TV career.

Some celebrities who appeared on his various shows have also spoken about less than stellar experiences, with SNL alum Maya Rudolph feeling humiliated when he said her name wrong and Anna Kendrick stating that "everyone is afraid of Letterman." For his part, though, Jay Leno clarified years ago that he was a "huge fan" of Letterman despite their purported feud when Letterman was on CBS and Leno was on NBC.

Considering the length of his network TV career which has since led to his Netflix show, the late night legend weighed in to GQ on whether he feels like he improved over time:

My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, with five seasons available streaming now with a Netflix subscription, certainly enables him to continue just talking to people... with those people being some of the biggest names in pop and world culture, including Barack Obama, Robert Downey Jr., and Miley Cyrus, to name just a few. It remains to be seen if there will be a Season 6, but Letterman went on the record with his opinion that "Retirement is nonsense."

As for his latest project, the Samsung TV Plus streaming service (available for free on Samsung devices) launched Letterman TV, which streams content from the comedian 24/7. The content includes Late Show with David Letterman, curated moments, and commentary from Letterman himself as he looks back on some of his particularly iconic interviews. Check out how he and Paul Schaffer explained the FAST Channel in the video below:

Letterman TV is available now for fans with Samsung devices. According to Walter Kim, the executive producer for Letterman's Worldwide Pants, Inc. production company, there are "more than 4000 hours from which to choose" with continuous changes. If you're not a Samsung fan, you can always check out My Next Guest Needs No Introduction on Netflix. The most recent season includes interviews with Miley Cyrus and Charles Barkley.

It’s almost showtime in the world of 2024 movies, as Beetlejuice Beetlejuice will be ushering in the long awaited legacy-quel before we know it. As the upcoming horror movie is sure to have its own moments of secrecy and surprise, keeping those thrills under wraps shouldn’t be too hard.

Although talking about that subject did offer a great opportunity to discuss that time Michael Keaton spoiled Tim Burton’s Batman during an appearance on Late Night with David Letterman. Sure enough, there were some on brand shenanigans as the man himself took part in the recent press day for Warner Bros’ legacy-quel waiting in the wings.

Since I was able to discuss all sorts of Beetlejuice 2 details with the cast, the opportunity to sit down with Mr. Keaton offered a moment to chat about one of the best moments of late night history. When recalling this piece of history with CinemaBlend, Michael Keaton had to laugh and make a certain promise about the Beetlejuice sequel at hand:

The twist to Batman's 1989 film adaptation is a moment that still packs a punch. With people discovering the film for the first time being taken aback by turning Jack Napier/The Joker (Jack Nicholson) into the killer of Bruce Wayne's parents, it was certainly as controversial as any "Martha!' moment you'd find in more contemporary DC movies.

The fact that this moment has endured, even after such a famed slip of the tongue, just shows how much different media is in the age of the internet. Which especially rings true in the world of the MCU, with both Mark Ruffalo and Tom Holland carrying the torch of saying too much on camera, it's not like this phenomenon is going away any time soon.

Taking into account how long fans have been waiting for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice to become a reality, the Academy Award nominee for Birdman is absolutely right in swearing up and down he won’t spill his guts any more than he did in Beetlejuice 2’s magnificent first trailer. Though you wouldn't have been wrong in expecting some mischief at the end of that clip above, as Michael Keaton's perfect slip into the voice of that ghost with the most certainly felt like dancing with danger.

What the Batman actor has shared during this press tour is still pretty valuable, without breaching the trust of the moviegoing public. Topics such as Tim Burton’s potential influence on the MCU, Keaton’s feelings on the axed Batgirl movie and a ringing CinemaCon endorsement for this new follow-up have offered some insightful responses in these early innings.

But now that the time is almost nigh to bring Beetlejuice back to the world of the living, it’ll be more important than ever to keep ones’ lips sealed about what such a reunion holds in store. By the way, if you were curious to watch more of Michael Keaton’s 1989 interview on Late Night with David Letterman, you’re in luck! Shared below is that classic clip, complete with the scenes you saw in the excerpt above:

Thinking back on how Keaton has teased the finale to Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, it is tempting to want to learn more. So that means that if you’re really looking to find out the scoop on what’s gone down between the Deetz family and everyone’s favorite bio-exorcist, there’s only one place to find the truth.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice will be hitting theaters on September 6th, so be sure to get ready for showtime by practicing those secret keeping skills. And if you’re looking for a nice friendly stroll down memory lane, the original Beetlejuice is available through a Max subscription. Though considering the titles of both films, doing a back-to-back double feature may not be advised, lest The Juice be set loose.

Miley Cyrus’ lead single off her album Endless Summer Vacation, “Flowers,” was one of the hottest hits of 2023, winning Grammy Awards for Best Record and Best Pop Solo Performance. Thanks to her empowering lyrics, an amazing music video and plenty of speculation that the song is about her ex-husband Liam Hemsworth, “Flowers” shot up the charts. But while people all over the world found strength in the concept of looking within for the things we seek out in relationships, Cyrus said she actually thinks the anthem is one of the saddest things she’s ever written.

In the new season of David Letterman’s My Next Guest Needs No Introduction (available to stream with a Netflix subscription), the “Wrecking Ball” artist sat down with the iconic talk show host. One topic that came up was her huge hit from last year that skyrocketed to the top of the charts, and Letterman mused that while buying yourself flowers and holding your own hand is a great concept, it’s not actually that easy in practice. Miley Cyrus agreed, noting “a real sadness to it.” She said: 

MIley Cyrus has previously said that the original lyrics to the chorus were  “I CAN’T love me better than you can,” and it’s pretty crazy how just that one word can make such a difference. David Letterman said the song made him think about all things you might miss in a relationship, saying sure, you can do all this for yourself, but that’s not really what you were hoping for. Again, he hit the nail on the head, and the artist agreed, saying: 

It really shows how talented Miley Cyrus is and how personal this song is to her that “Flowers” can take on two completely opposite — but both totally valid — meanings. The song, as she said, is absolutely a celebration of not needing to look to a partner for fulfillment, but at the same time, there is heartbreak, because it’s also nice to be loved and spoiled and not have to do it all by yourself.

I may need to hold my own hand as I process how I feel about this new perspective on the Endless Summer Vacation banger. Miley Cyrus and David Letterman talked about a host of other things, so check out the full episode of My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, and see what else is new and coming soon to Netflix. 

With Taylor Swift about to hit the road again for her Eras Tour — while keeping fans guessing about the release of Reputation (Taylor’s Version) — and Travis Kelce headed back to another Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs, these two are the very definition of a power couple. Swift and Kelce’s relationship has even caught the attention of David Letterman, who apparently has a pretty strong opinion about the pop star. Footage of the former late-night host ranting about her critics is recirculating, as he hilariously confused Kelce for Frasier star Kelsey Grammer.

David Letterman and his right-hand man Paul Shaffer did a segment on The Barbara Gaines Show in October 2023, in which the famed Late Show host raved to his former executive producer that we’ve never experienced anything like Taylor Swift in the history of pop culture. He then laid into the people criticizing the singer for supporting her boyfriend at NFL games, but he confused the Kansas City Chief with another famous Kelsey, making for a LOL-worthy clip. Letterman said: 

Now, it should be pointed out that Swifties absolutely love Travis Kelce, and some girl dads appreciate Taylor Swift for giving them something to connect with their daughters over. But amidst David Letterman’s diatribe against the pissed-off dads, Brads and Chads, he was clearly confusing the tight end with Cheers star Kelsey Grammer, who is twice the age of Swift and Kelce at 68. At that point in the video, someone corrects the My Next Guest Needs No Introduction host, and he continued his rant, saying: 

Perhaps if we were pronouncing Travis Kelce’s name correctly, David Letterman wouldn’t have so much of an issue, but his heart was in the right place, even if he still couldn’t get that name right. He also set up Paul Shaffer for his own A+ joke, as the musician quipped: 

David Letterman praised Taylor Swift for her impressive catalog of music that allows her to sell out stadiums worldwide for the three-plus-hour concerts on her Eras Tour, but pointed out that even more than that, people love her as a human being. Paul Shaffer used the huge tips Swift gives her truck drivers as an example of her generosity, and I love that these late-night veterans consider themselves proud Swifties.  

After eight years working within the late-night TV space, James Corden signed off from The Late Late Show for the final time this past April as part of the 2023 TV schedule. And he did so in tremendous fashion, as he enlisted buddy Tom Cruise for one final stunt and had Adele pop in for Carpool Karaoke. CBS subsequently announced the replacement for Corden’s show – @Midnight, a former Comedy Central production. All the while, some may have been wondering what the British presenter’s next career move might be. Well, he found it, as it’s been confirmed that the star landed a radio gig. Now, we can add him to the list of former talk show hosts who found intriguing jobs after their time on the small screen was done.

What Does James Corden Have Planned?

SiriusXM announced in a press release this week that it’s teaming up with the Into the Woods alum for a new program. The show is called This Life of Mine with James Corden and will see the eponymous host chat with major stars, who will discuss the key aspects of their lives. The overall goal of the series is to shed light on different facets of the entertainment industry’s most notable talents. The broadcasting company’s president and COO, Scott Greenstein expressed his excitement over collaborating with Corden, calling him “an incredible talent.” The star also shared some positive sentiments about launching the production: 

This is a major professional step for the 45-year-old London native. He previously explained that he felt it was time to say goodbye to The Late Late Show because he wanted to spend more time with his family across the pond. While the regional logistics for the series weren’t specified, one would think it’ll be recorded in the UK. What we know for sure is that the company is aiming to launch it in early 2024. A radio show feels like a unique gig for the Cinderella alum, but he’s far from the first late-night vet to stick with interviewing after leaving a program. 

Jay Leno, David Letterman And More Found A Variety Of Ways To Keep Working After Ending Their Talk Show Stints

Contrary to popular belief, there is life after late-night TV. Since exiting The Tonight Show in 2014, Jay Leno – who’s said he doesn’t miss having the show – has done a lot. The veteran comic has continued to tour and participate in stand-up engagements. He’s also filled his time with speaking engagements and a few commercials. On top of all that, he had a CNBC show called Jay Leno’s Garage, which was canceled after seven seasons in 2022. 

David Letterman has mostly been leading a chill life in the years since he stepped down from his post at The Late Show in 2015. He has, however, made a few surprise appearances at comedy shows and more. And in 2018, Letterman returned to TV with the now-acclaimed series My Next Guest Needs No Introduction (which is available to Netflix subscribers). And even before ending Conan in 2021, the titular Conan O’Brien started a weekly podcast titled Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend. And of course, one has to mention the fact that Craig Ferguson, James Corden’s predecessor, has hosted game shows like Celebrity Name Game and The Hustler and written books since leaving the desk.

So James Corden is in good company when it comes to former late-night stars who’ve had second chapters. I’m interested in seeing just how his radio show pans out and hearing the Hollywood stories that are unearthed because of it. 

Despite largely coming across as one of the goofier and most affable late night hosts — one who landed his own theme park ride (at the heart of a 2022 lawsuit), no less — Jimmy Fallon was the subject of a scathing report alleging toxic workplace behavior at The Tonight Show, with claims made by a variety of former and current employees. Fallon certainly isn’t the first TV host to be called out by staffers for problematic behavior behind the scenes, and an expert on the matter, The Late Shift and The War for Late Night author Bill Carter, shared a lengthy essay that addresses why this kind of troublesome situation happens more often than viewers might think. 

The blowback from the Jimmy Fallon report has been pretty widespread, with past clips of celebs like Martin Short criticizing the host resurfacing and being enjoyed anew. In his opinion piece for The New York Times, Bill Carter compared the late night host’s stumble from public grace to the myriad rumors and claims made about Ellen DeGeneres and that allegedly toxic work environment in the final years of her daytime talk show, which led to producers being fired. In his mind, TV hosts' endless charm will often be balanced by complete shifts in mood. Here's how he put it:

Carter spoke further to the why he thinks hosts like Jimmy Fallon (and David Letterman before him) start leaning into slightly more megalomaniacal behavior behind the scenes when the cameras aren't around, while continuing to maintain a genial personality that viewers feel is authentic as the day is long. In his words:

Many business owners whose names are part of the brand likely feel similar kinds of pressure to fight to keep consumers happy, even if it comes at the cost of employee contentment. A late night talk show is obviously different from a local hardware store or something of that nature, but with the similar need to thrive amongst the competition. 

Bill Carter pointed out that this kind of stress isn't present behind the curtains of every late night talk show, those who do experience that pressure often don't stick around for the long haul. As he put it:

While The Late Show with Stephen Colbert has gone through its share of EPs and showrunners, The Tonight Show is relatively well-known at this point for having a revolving door of writers, producers and showrunners coming and going in the years since Fallon took over as host. That speaks why so many former staffers were available to make their allegations public in the initial report. 

The report dropped right around the same time Fallon, Colbert, Seth Meyers, Jimmy Kimmel and John Oliver debuted the podcast Strike Force Five, which centers on the fivesome's group conversations that started up following the onset of the WGA writers strike, with proceeds going to the out-of-work late night staffers. I wonder what Bill Carter thinks about that combined effort compared to the more cutthroat days of Letterman vs. Leno. 

Press tours are no longer about simply answering questions anymore. There are so many unique TV, online and radio shows that put actors through interesting experiences for our entertainment. Anna Kendrick has certainly been a part of plenty throughout her career, between her late night appearances, one recent film festival attendance that left her accidentally stuck in an elevator and so forth. The Pitch Perfect and Twilight actress recently spoke to some of the especially tough parts of that element of the job. 

Ironically enough, Anna Kendrick was being treated to “the wings of death” on Hot Ones when she shared what it’s like to do some of the massive press tours she’s done over the years. As the actress shared:  

David Letterman has long been among the most respected names in late night, having his own slot on TV from the ‘80s to 2015, when he decided to retire. Letterman has since returned in the form of his excellent and more intimate Netflix series My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman. As Anna Kendrick revealed, many actors are very intimidated by the host, and she would save her best stories for his show. Kendrick continued: 

The appearance Kendrick is referring to is the BBC Radio 1 radio segment “AlphabetiCALL” where actors prank call businesses and are challenged to start every new sentence with the next letter of the alphabet. Check out Kendrick and Justin Timberlake’s 2016 appearance here: 

You can tell Anna Kendrick is super stressed about the whole thing, telling the host ”please don’t make me do that” before calling a toy store to complete the challenge. In the video, Kendrick absolutely kills it, doing a better job than her Trolls co-star, but she shared it made her “feel like an ass” because she felt like she was wasting the worker’s time. Tons of other actors have done BBC’s “AlphabetiCALL” like Chris Pratt, Jason Momoa, Daniel Radcliffe and Will Arnett, and it is super fun to watch them all prank random businesses. As Kendrick shared, she was actually “really stressed” about doing the whole thing, but because Timberlake said yes, she followed his lead. 

Anna Kendrick’s latest movie is Alice, Darling, which has been hailed a career-best performance by CinemaBlend when we caught the movie at TIFF. Looking forward, Kendrick will reprise her voice role as Poppy in the third Trolls movie, which is among the 2023 movie release schedule for November 17. Kendrick has also announced her directorial debut with a thriller called The Dating Game. We often watch some of the press tour offerings for fun, but as Kendrick shed light on, they can sometimes be quite stressful for actors. 

With all of the controversial headlines Kanye West has been making recently — for his anti-Semitic rhetoric, comments about George Floyd’s 2020 murder and his “White Lives Matter” fashion show drama — alleged comments the rapper made in another past interview have become a topic of conversation. However, these statements from his 2019 interview for David Letterman’s My Next Guess Needs No Introduction, which audience members said mentioned Nazis, Rihanna and more, were censored from the final product presented to those with a Netflix subscription.

Audience members have come forward to talk about David Letterman’s Netflix series, saying that what was aired on the streaming service in May 2019 was not an accurate representation of the famed talk show host’s conversation with Kanye West. Two people who were there for the taping — Noah Reich and David Maldonado of Los Angeles — told TheWrap that the rapper shared alt-right beliefs and conspiracy theories, allegedly saying that liberals treated anyone wearing a red MAGA cap “like they were Nazis.”

It was also alleged that Ye spoke about a Hollywood power structure that he thought was behind #MeToo — a statement that Noah Reich took to be a reference to Jewish people. The #MeToo movement was reportedly a recurring theme during the interview, as another unaired portion featured Kim Kardashian’s estranged husband ranting about a music executive — who the audience apparently understood to be R. Kelly — being “MeToo-ed,” and complaining that the media always believed the women in these situations. 

As an example, he puportedly brought up Chris Brown’s 2009 felony assault of singer Rihanna, with Reich claiming that Ye said: 

The Wrap was unable to independently verify these alleged quotes, and Netflix did not provide a copy of the unedited tape or transcript. David Letterman’s production company Worldwide Pants, which produced My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, said more than five hours of footage was edited down to get the 55-minute episode that aired. In a written statement, the company said Kanye West told Letterman he’d recently been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, which led to a conversation about mental illness, before it turned to #MeToo. The statement read, in part: 

Worldwide Pants also said in the statement that “unfounded attacks on specific individuals are not included out of privacy, accuracy and legal concerns.” Netflix said in its own release, per The Wrap, that the episode was edited for time and that producers tried to represent the conversation and variety of issues that were discussed.

Howard Stern recently spoke out against Kanye West’s mental illness being used as an excuse for his anti-Semitic behavior, and the rapper said he’s been “beat to a pulp,” by businesses that have severed their relationship with him due to his anti-Semitism. Ye apparently had his Instagram account is suspended until November 29, he allegedly said on Parler (via NBC News), due to additional comments about “Jewish business people.”

My Next Guest Needs No Introduction can be streamed on Netflix — including Season 2’s episode with Kanye West, and you can check out what else is coming soon to TV and streaming with our 2022 TV schedule. 

Maya Rudolph is a brilliant actress and comedian known for a slew of iconic performances in films like Bridesmaids and shows like Netflix’s Big Mouth. Rudolph was a cast member on Saturday Night Live from 2000 to 2007, and followed her impressive tenure with a variety of interesting projects. She has returned to SNL periodically to play Vice President Kamala Harris starting in 2020, and recently revealed her rise to becoming one of the most successful comedic performers working today wasn’t always smooth sailing, specifically mentioning an upsetting appearance on David Letterman’s late night show.

The Loot star opened up to The Wall Street Journal about some of the more difficult situations she ran into during her meteoric rise to prominence. In particular, she detailed an instance when she visited the Late Show with David Letterman, and was made to feel embarrassed during her first-ever talk show appearance. She blames her lack of experience for how she handled the incident, saying:

This is a very awkward situation, and was probably difficult to open up about. As a first time talk show guest, the experience must have been overwhelming. In addition, Rudolph clearly admired Letterman quite a bit, so such an experience meeting him for the first time may have thrown her off. Having a public persona to showcase on a talk show is a lot to ask for a novice. The SNL alum probably would have handled the situation much differently now, as she has plenty of experience.

Since her awkward Letterman appearance, the Wine Country star has shined on talk shows, and seemingly has reflected back on the experience artistically. In her show, Loot, her character appears on the popular (real) spicy-wing talk show Hot Ones, where celebrities answer serious questions while eating impossibly spicy chicken wings. Her character, Molly, has a complete meltdown. The scene is hilarious, and may act as an homage to past talk show appearances gone wrong. 

Rudolph doesn’t have to “try to be funny” as she puts it. At least from the outside, she comes off as naturally hilarious, especially on Loot, which is currently streaming for Apple TV+ subscribers. She plays the ex-wife of a billionaire who is trying to create her own legacy post-divorce. In addition, Rudolph will be starring alongside Amy Adams in Disenchanted, a sequel to 2007’s Enchanted. The film will be available with a Disney+ subscription on November 18.

You can currently catch Maya Rudolph on Loot, or hosting a baking reality show, Baking It, which is streaming for Peacock subscribers. Amy Poehler is joining her for the upcoming season, so it should be a lot of fun, especially ahead of the holiday season. For more information on other shows coming to streaming, make sure to consult our 2022 fall TV premiere dates.  

Twenty-year-old Billie Eilish has been growing up in front of the world as the singer’s popularity has continued to skyrocket, between her chart-topping music, Oscar-winning James Bond song and recently even getting her own Simpsons short. With that, Eilish has used her platform to talk about body image, climate change, encourage youth to vote and in a recent interview with David Letterman, she opened up about her Tourette Syndrome. 

During her 45-minute conversation with the former late night host on Netflix’s My Next Guest Needs No Introduction With David Letterman, the conversation came up organically when one of Eilish’s tics caused Letterman to initially ask her if she was OK. The pair got into a discussion about her experience with Tourette’s Syndrome, which she was diagnosed with at eleven years old. In her words on the Netflix series: 

Tourette Syndrome is a condition of the nervous system characterised by sudden, repetitive, rapid, and unwanted movements or vocal sounds called tics, per the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. The singer, who exhibits physical not verbal tics, confirmed she had the neurological disorder back in 2018 at the age of 16 after compilation videos of her tics began to surface online. Eilish also talked about her experience with Tourette’s to Letterman with these words: 

When the singer first shared she had Tourette Syndrome on her Instagram, she said she had not talked about it before because she didn’t want people to think of the disorder everytime they thought of her. As she’s shared, living with Tourette’s is not easy and can often be “exhausting,” but after speaking out about it, she has been reached out by other famous people who have it. In her words: 

Recently, Billie Eilish has been checking off some major career highs. The singer recently became the youngest artist to headline Coachella, she and her brother Finneas O’Connell were also given the opportunity to write music for Pixar’s Turning Red after previously writing the final James Bond theme for Daniel Craig’s 007. When speaking to David Letterman, she continued to share her relationship with the disorder: 

You can watch Billie Eilish’s full interview on My Next Guest Needs No Introduction With David Letterman with a Netflix subscription along with episodes featuring Will Smith, opening up about protecting his family, Cardi B, Ryan Reynolds, Kevin Durant and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. 

Will Smith made headlines in a big way back in March following the 94th Academy Awards, where he slapped comedian Chris Rock while he was on stage. As a result of the incident, Smith has experienced a number of changes in his professional life as of late. Before the awards show, the actor had been opening up about his personal life amid the release of his memoir. Now, we’ve learned that prior to the Oscars, he sat down with David Letterman for his Netflix show and, during the intimate chat, he opened up about “pain” and not being able to “protect” his family. 

Will Smith had been riding a wave of positivity during the majority of 2021 as a result of his performance in King Richard, for which he won an Oscar. At the same time, he’d been discussing some of the darker aspects of his life, such as his complicated relationship with his late father (who he thought about killing). When appearing on Netflix’s My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman (via People), explained how he’s able to use the “pain” he’s experienced for the greater good:

In terms of his actual family, the I Am Legend star has always been candid about his relationships with wife Jada Pinkett Smith and his kids and wanting to be there for them. When accepting his Oscar after he slapped Chris Rock (who made a joke about Pinkett Smith), the actor stated that he views himself as a “protector.” He made similar statements in this same interview, though he explained that he believes being able to protect one’s family is not possible:

It’s honestly hard not to see the irony in his assessment that “anything can be gone in one second.” Shortly after apologizing for the Oscars incident, the actor resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. And the organization later banned him for a decade as punishment for the slap. Aside from all of that, a few of his upcoming movies have hit setbacks as well. 

When it comes to how Will Smith is handling the backlash he’s received, sources have alleged that the A-lister is concerned about being “fully canceled.” The star was said to have embarked on a “spiritual journey” to India by the end of April, though he reportedly has yet to personally apologize to Chris Rock. 

It goes without saying that Will Smith finds himself at an interesting point in his life. Only time will tell whether or not the star will truly bounce back from the incident and how he chooses to proceed (both professionally and personally) from there. One would imagine, though, that he’ll continue to keep his family close while walking down whatever path he chooses.

The just-concluded Netflix Is a Joke stand-up comedy festival seemed to be a rousing success for the streaming service, despite the biggest headlines of the two-weekend event coming from Dave Chappelle's set being interrupted when he was tackled on-stage. It featured performances from some of the biggest comedy icons out there, while also promoting up-and-coming comics that will no doubt headline their own festival specials in years to come. Now that it's over, the platform has unveiled premiere dates for ten different specials that Netflix subscribers will get to watch in the coming months, and that includes the star-studded and highly anticipated Bob Saget tribute special, as well as a show honoring other late comedy icons such as Robin Williams and George Carlin.

In the aftermath of Bob Saget's death on January 9, a large group of his friends and family gathered together at The Comedy Store in West Hollywood for what was then dubbed a “punk rock shiva,” with comedians such as Jim Carrey, Dave Chappelle and more on hand to share stories in celebration of Saget’s life and career. It was later revealed that Netflix would be releasing the filmed event as a tribute special, and now we know it’ll make its big debut on Friday, June 10. Thankfully, fans won’t have to wait very long before it arrives, potentially with appearances from Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, though no guarantees.

Elsewhere on the tribute side of things is the special The Hall: Honoring the Greats of Stand-Up, which was an evening of reflection that paid homage to four all-out legends in the world of comedy. This special is set to premiere on Thursday, May 19, and will feature current-day stars sharing their love for the trailblazers who paved the way, with John Mulany honoring Robin Williams, Dave Chappelle honoring Richard Pryor, Chelsea Handler honoring Joan Rivers, and Jon Stewart paying respects to George Carlin. (To note, Carlin will also get a more full-blown tribute via Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio’s two-part HBO documentary George Carlin’s American Dream.)

Considering this year also featured the unpexected deaths of fellow stand-up stars Louie Anderson and Gilbert Gottfried, with SNL vet Norm Macdonald having only passed away in September 2021. Here’s hoping we’ll be able to see some tributes to that iconic trio in the near future as well. 

Beyond those retrospective specials, Netflix has a slew of more traditional stand-up programming for its loyal fanbase, with arguably the most unique release being David Letterman’s That’s My Time, a six-episode miniseries featuring episodes that welcome different comics to perform short stand-up sets ahead of sit-down conversations with the former talk show king. (And yeah, Letterman was one of many comedians that joked about Dave Chappelle’s initially scary tackling.) 

As well, comedy fans can look forward to curated stand-up specials hosted by The Mandalorian fave Bill Burr, Life After Beth’s Amy Schumer, Grace & Frankie stars Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda, SNL’s Pete Davidson, and Snoop Dogg, whose special will feature sets from Black comedians who performed the festival. And for those seeking other more diversity-driven sets, the Stand Out special marks the biggest ever gathering of LGBTQ+ comedians. 

Check out all the premiere dates below!

• May 19 - The Hall: Honoring the Greats of Stand-Up
• June 6 - Bill Burr Presents: Friends Who Kill
• June 7 and 12 - That's My Time with David Letterman (Six Episodes)
•  June 9 - Stand Out: An LGBTQ+ Celebration
• June 10 - A Tribute to Bob Saget
• June 11 - Amy Schumer's Parental Advisory
• June 13 - Pete Davidson Presents: The Best Friends
• June 14 - Jane Fonda & Lily Tomplin: Ladies Night LIve
• June 16 - Snoop Dogg's F*cn Around Comedy Special
• June 23 - Best of the Festival

With this year’s Netflix Is a Joke Festival now concluded, one can only assume the streaming service is gearing up for how to make the 2023 version even bigger and better. Until then, though, don’t forget to check out the Bob Saget tribute and more when they arrive in June! 

Dave Chappelle experienced a pretty scary experience this past week, as the veteran comedian was attacked on stage while doing a comedy show at the Hollywood Bowl. At this point, the entertainer seems to be doing fine and even addressed the events during a subsequent show. Others are also chiming in on the matter, including TV staple David Letterman. The former talk show host did so by cracking a joke about it while opening his own show, and there’s even video, courtesy of Netflix. 

David Letterman, who helped birth NBC’s Late Night over 40 years ago, appeared at Netflix Is A Joke: The Festival. The 75-year-old television veteran opened up his set by thanking the audience for attending the event. Then, possibly to the surprise of some, Letterman leaped about the stage in an excited manner, before saying that he thought he saw a man rushing towards the stage. The reference to Dave Chappelle’s situation earned some big laughs. Though he got even more applause after humorously making an offer to attendees:

The host of My Next Guest Needs No Introduction (streamable with a Netflix subscription) followed up those sentiments by jokingly asking who in the audience was eager to come to blows with him. Just how many people raised their hands is unclear, but you never know, there may have been some who were bold enough to go one on one with the iconic talk show host. You can check out the bit in its entirety in the YouTube video down below:

While folks like David Letterman can joke about it now, the Dave Chappelle incident did seem to take a number of people by surprise. The star was reportedly attacked at 10:40 p.m., according to the LAPD (via THR). Shortly after lunging at Chappelle, several uniformed security guards removed the man, identified as 23-year-old Isaiah Lee, from the performer. Lee was subsequently arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon.

Kevin Hart has also commented on what happened at the Hollywood Bowl, and he believes the situation was “not scary.” If anything, he thinks the suspect getting his “ass whooped” sends a message to anyone else who would try to attack a comic while they’re on stage. Conversations about the relationship between comedians and audiences have arguably picked up since Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars, after the latter made a joke about Smith’s wife at the ceremony. Ironically, Rock was present the night Dave Chappelle was attacked and cracked a joke right after. 

It remains to be seen as to whether these on-stage incidents will become commonplace. What does seem clear, however, is that comics will likely respond to them with the one tool they use on a daily basis: humor. 

Be sure to tune to Netflix if you’re aiming to see David Letterman’s My Next Guest Needs No Introduction or comedy specials from Dave Chappelle (who has dominated the streamer with his content over the years). And keep in the know with content on the service by checking out the 2022 Netflix TV schedule.

We’ve known for months now that Ellen DeGeneres was getting close to retiring from daytime television. It’s a moment that happens for every popular daytime talk show host at one point. The fans had to say goodbye to Rosie O’Donnell, they had to say goodbye to Oprah Winfrey, and on May 26th, 2022 it will be Ellen’s turn. The show made the announcement today and revealed some final guests, also sharing a comment from the host herself along with a roundup of memorable moments over the years leading up to the big finale. Take a look.  

From Jamie Foxx riling up the crowd to the more recent time when Jennifer Aniston appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and got emotional as part of its final season lineup, some highlighted moments shine with joy and others are emotional. The video was designed to remind all the fans what Ellen brought to the table over the years, but that doesn’t make it any more or any less impactful. 

Along with the May 26th finale date, the other big piece of news is that The Ellen Show has announced its final slate of guests. That list, like the video, also includes some heavy hitters. 

• Portia de Rossi
• Zac Efron
• Jennifer Garner
• Kim Kardashian
• Diane Keaton
• David Letterman
• Adam Levine
• First Lady Michelle Obama
• Behati Prinsloo
• Gwen Stefani
• Channing Tatum
• Serena Williams
• More to come...

It’s only fitting that Ellen DeGeneres’ wife Portia de Rossi gets one of those final slots, but the name I’m really most interested in seeing here is Dave Letterman. Of all of the final guests, only Letterman can really know how it feels to end a long-running talk show and transition into something next. For him, that was a big beard and a very lucrative Netflix show (that interestingly also featured Kim Kardashian). For Ellen DeGeneres, who knows? No offense to First Lady Michelle Obama or GOAT Serena Williams, but that’s the interview I’m most excited to tune in for. 

DeGeneres dealt with controversy during the pandemic after a bombshell report made claims about a toxic work environment on set, though Ellen wasn't specifically cited. Ellen later addressed those claims, but by May of last year, she'd decided her show was coming to an end. She's opened up about ending The Ellen Show already, feeling the series had reached the end of its run "creatively" and simply saying: "It's time." 

It’s hard to believe, but it’s really the end of an era. While The Ellen Show might be going out with more of a whimper than a bang in some ways, it’s worth remembering that Ellen is a good interviewer and has made a lot of people laugh, cry and dance over the years. She made a mark on daytime television in a way that probably would have been hard for anyone else, particularly given she had to follow Oprah Winfrey in that role. 3000+ episodes of her show have been produced over a period of nearly 20 years and those programs, interviews and bits generate billions of views every single year. It is, simply put, the end of an era. 

While the world of magic isn't always tied to humor, with many keeping things serious to maintain the mysterious edge, entertainers such as The Amazing Johnathan have crossed those genres for decades and amassed millions of fans in the process. Sadly, there’s no trick involved in the news that the Las Vegas regular and favored guest of David Letterman, The Amazing Johnathan, has died at the age of 63.

The Amazing Johnathan, whose real name is Johnathan Edward Szeles, is reported to have died in his Las Vegas home on the evening of Tuesday, February 22. At 63, he had suffered a variety of health issues for years, and was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy back in 2009.

His wife Anastasia Synn, a celebrated sideshow stunt performer, confirmed the tragic news to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, saying that he passed away at around 11:30 p.m. She also shared their final interaction, which was thankfully a happy one. In her words:

Synn, who has been a rock by her hubby's side ever since they first married back in June 2014, shared the below post on Twitter in the final hours of his life.

The Amazing Johnathan's health problems became fully transparent to his fandom in June 2014 after he revealed on stage during a Las Vegas event that a doctor had given him a year to live due to potential heart failure. It was an emotional point in the magician's life, but one that he ended up proving completely wrong, as he went on to enjoy another seven or so career-broadening years.

Born on September 9, 1958, the Detroit-raised John Szeles saw his career blossom after moving to San Francisco to perform street magic. He became something of a household name in the 1980s, with TV appearances on talk shows such as NBC's Late Night with David Letterman (and later CBS' The Late Show with David Letterman) as favored destinations, as well as Fox's Comic Strip Live. And I don't believe anyone can forget his appearance in 1997's The Weird Al Show.

On top of joining some of Las Vegas' best acts, The Amazing Johnathan's performances were also showcased more fully in TV specials such as Lounge Lizards, Comedy Central Presents, Amazing Johnathan: Wrong on Every Level and more. He also made appearances in projects such as The Aristocrats (along with fellow comedy magicians Penn & Teller), Criss Angel Mindfreak, and Masters of Illusion. Most recently, the entertainer could be seen in the series of web video shorts from The Madmen of Comedy Magic.

The documentary The Amazing Johnathan Documentary, which was released in 2019, is currently available to stream on Hulu for those who need or want a reminder of what made him such an endlessly watchable person on or off the stage. But anyone who wants a quicker form of proof need only watch the video below from one of his many appearances closing out an episode of a David Letterman talk show.

We here at CinemaBlend send our thoughts and condolences to the family and friends of the amazing John Edward Szeles during their time of mourning, and wear our headbands in tribute. 

David Letterman has been living his life under the radar since retiring from CBS’s The Late Show in 2015. Outside of his Netflix series My Next Guest Need No Introduction, the iconic TV host doesn’t do much press or interviews. But the usually reclusive comedian came out of hibernation for a special occasion. He made a rare appearance to celebrate Late Night’s four decades on NBC. With this, the former host  reflected on his first night on the air.

To celebrate Late Night’s 40th anniversary, Seth Meyers invited the beloved host to honor the flagship series he started. As the show’s current host, Meyers wondered about what the late-night staple’s series premiere was like in 1982. Never one to shy away from a question Letterman was honest about his feelings after suffering a previous television failure:

David Letterman always appeared calm, cool and collected while on the air but, back then, he wasn’t above worrying about his future in entertainment. Thankfully, he got a second chance and excelled beyond measure. In the same Late Night interview, he recalled the strange dichotomy playing in his head with Bill Murray as his first guest:

Despite having been off the air for seven years now, seeing the TV staple provided his trademark delivery and timing. Those are two major reasons why viewers miss his nightly presence. It's amazing to think about what he's accomplished over the course of his career and how he established Late Night as a small-screen institution.

Over the course of his talk show career, the TV personality facilitated some major pop culture moments like Drew Barrymore flashing him on live television, which she admitted crossed the line in retrospect. Of course, there were off-screen moments like “the worst moment of his television career” (his words, not mine). Let's just say the incident involved a foul baseball and shards of glass. Despite how eventful his work was, it appears Letterman doesn’t miss the grind, as he's said that he should’ve left his CBS gig earlier to focus his energy on more goodwill for humanity.

Well, David Letterman certainly seems happy in this phase of his life, and he's had some interesting experiences. One of which even led him to change his position on Kim Kardashian. He's certainly come a long way, but he'll likely never forget that it all started in earnest with that first Late Night broadcast in 1982.

Late Night with Seth Meyers airs weeknights 12:37 a.m. ET on NBC. And if you want to check out David Letterman's My Guest Needs No Introduction or other great Netflix shows, you can subscribe to the streamer.

Netflix’s My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman has received mostly positive reviews since it debuted on the streaming service in 2018. However, as it enters its third season, the show seems to be getting a helpful boost from one of its high-profile guests. Kim Kardashian was one of the interviewees that Letterman spoke to this time around, and their wide-ranging conversation – which even touched on the reality star’s sex tape scandal – is trending high on Netflix.

As of right now, Kim Kardashian’s episode of My Next Guest currently sits at the #2 spot on Netflix’s Top 10 list. With this, the show joins the likes of Unsolved Mysteries, Over the Moon, and The Haunting of Bly Manor.

Anyone who’s seen it knows that Kardashian and Letterman’s chat gets pretty raw. During the discussion, the star discussed a number of different topics. As mentioned, she spoke on her 2007 sex tape scandal, which she says taught both her and her family about how to handle large and controversial situations that hit the media. Other points of the segment also caused Kardashian to break down.

On David Letterman’s part, the veteran host revealed that he once had some pre-conceived notions about what kind of person Kim Kardashian is. He recently recalled that when he first booked her for The Late Show, he wasn’t really sure how things were going to go down. But this time around, it was Kardashian’s relationship with husband Kanye West that really changed his perception of her.

This interview comes at a very interesting time in Kardashian’s life, one that’s been filled with change. Just recently, she and her famous family confirmed that they would be ending their long-running reality TV series with a 20th season that’s set to air next year. Her mother, Kris Jenner, previously explained that after mulling over future seasons, the family just suddenly decided it was time to bring the series to a close. The “momager” also cited the changes in social media culture as a contributing factor.

In addition to the end of her show, Kim Kardashian has also experienced some tough situations in her marriage. She and West are currently at the center of divorce rumors, which some assume are in part due to West’s recent actions and personal problems. Kardashian also experienced difficulties in caring for her husband while he was battling COVID-19. Needless to say, she’s currently experiencing a new normal.

If anything, it seems that her appearance on My Next Guest Needs No Introduction served as a way for her to release her thoughts and clarify things for inquiring minds. It also seems David Letterman got quite a bit out of their conversation. Given how deep the conversation is, it’s no surprise the new episode is one of the most viewed pieces of content on Netflix right now.

You can stream Netflix’s My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman right now.

For 23 seasons, The Late Show with David Letterman entertained millions of viewers, with its iconic host taking shots at a number of celebrities, with Kim Kardashian as one of his primary targets from time to time. However, the tables have turned for Letterman now that he's hosting My Next Guest Needs No Introduction on Netflix, where Kardashian has gone from being the butt of his jokes to a notable guest for Season 3. Recently, Letterman admitted to having “misjudged” Kardashian and shared the reason for his change of heart.

David Letterman may no longer be hosting The Late Show, but it doesn’t mean he’s retired from the talk show circuit. In 2018, My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman premiered on Netflix and has seen a plethora of guests like Barack Obama, Tiffany Haddish, and Kanye West among them. When his former Kim Kardashian mockery was brought up in an interview, Letterman said he'd changed his tune about the reality star, saying this to the New York Times:

In 2013, Kim and Kourtney Kardashian appeared on The Late Show and many believed that David Letterman was a bit rude to the sisters, leading to a bit of an awkward interview. That said, I’ve changed my mind about plenty of people in my lifetime, for better or worse, and it’s not surprising that Letterman has done the same with regards to Kim Kardashian.

It seems David Letterman and Kim Kardashian have started fresh in their relationship following The Late Show. As for the reason behind why Letterman officially changed his mind about the reality star, he says it began with a visit to her in her home with Kanye West during an earlier season of My Next Guest Needs No Introduction. Here’s how Letterman put it:

Speaking of Kim Kardashian’s prison reform program, David Letterman will discuss this very topic with her when she appears on My Next Guest Needs No Introduction in Season 3. The Netflix series itself is more of a one-on-one conversation between the host and his guests, as opposed to a frothy opportunity to plug other projects. Kardashian’s appearance will likely be a lot different and more serious than when Letterman spoke with her (and about her) on The Late Show.

My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman is set to return to Netflix with new episodes on Wednesday, October 21. For more on what to watch in the meantime, be sure to check out our 2020 fall TV premiere schedule.

The Kardashian-Jenner family has seen more than a few scandals since the family first entered the public eye in the 2000s. Of course, the incident that arguably pushed them into eventual worldwide stardom was Kim Kardashian’s 2002 sex tape, which she made with rapper Ray J. That tape brought massive attention to the reality TV family and, as you can expect, it was a lot for them to navigate at the time. Despite this, Kardashian tells David Letterman that she (and her relatives) did take something away from that experience.

Kardashian explained that the sex tape scandal helped set the tone for how her family deals with similarly controversial situations. But for the 39-year-old starlet, it’s also just a comfort to know her family is by her side:

These thoughts, which Kim Kardashian gave during her appearance on Letterman’s My Next Guest Needs No Introduction (via E!), are easy to understand. Fame is a tricky thing to navigate, especially when you belong to a family like the Kardashians. And like any of us, Kardashian understand the importance of having support from your loved ones during uncertain times.

For those who remember, the initial sex tape scandal occurred after it was leaked in 2007. The situation was eventually taken care of, but the public would continue to have questions about it even years later. One of the most notable queries was whether or not Kardashian and Ray J actually produced a second one.

As mentioned, the Kardashians have experienced other notable situations in the years that have followed. Tumultuous break-ups and massive legal situations are only a few of the situations the famous group has experienced. Most recently, family matriarch and “momager” Kris Jenner and daughter Kourtney Kardashian are being sued by a former bodyguard for alleged sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment, among other things. Jenner and Kardashian have since shot down the claims, referring to them as “completely fabricated” in a statement.

At present, Kim Kardashian also finds herself at the center of divorce rumors, alongside husband Kanye West. It’s true that things haven’t been easy for the couple, since they’ve been dealt with COVID-19 and West’s personal problems. However, the two seem to be keeping their family first during this time.

It’s fair to say the Kardashians are likely going to continue to make headlines for some reason or another as time goes on. But at the very least, the clan can always lean on one another when times get too crazy.

To hear more from Kim Kardashian’s chat with David Letterman, you can check out Season 3 of My Next Guest Needs No Introduction when it arrives on Netflix on October 21. You can also watch new episodes of Keeping Up with the Kardashians, which air on Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on E!.

For over a decade, Robert Downey Jr. delighted fans in the role of genius, billionaire, playboy and philanthropist Tony Stark. From his early auditions, it was clear that he could embody the spirit of the character, and it was no surprise that he became one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’ brightest stars. There were, however, a few growing pains when it came time for him to don the Iron Man suit and, in one instance, Downey actually found himself blinded by the costume.

The Iron Man suit was a mostly CGI creation for a large part of Robert Downey Jr.’s run in the MCU but, in the beginning, Iron Man director Jon Favreau and Marvel Studios were aiming for a practical suit. Downey recently recalled that during one particular scene, the LED lights within the costume made it very difficult for him to see:

That had to have been a scary moment for Downey but, based on the way he told the story to David Letterman on My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, he can now see (sorry) the humor in the situation.

Thankfully for him, that tedious process for the Iron Man suit didn’t continue. As Downey further explained, his approach to suiting up was very different when working on Avengers: Endgame years later:

Robert Downey Jr. gave a lot of himself to the Iron Man role, both mentally and physically. In addition to his early struggles with the costume, he also hurt his ankle while performing a stunt for Iron Man 3. But despite any pitfalls, Downey took things in stride and doesn’t appear to have any regrets about taking the role.

Following Tony Stark’s death in Avengers: Endgame, fans are already missing the Armored Avenger and would like for Robert Downey Jr. to return to the role in some capacity. The actor has remained coy on any possible return and, even if it somehow does happen, it probably won’t occur any time soon. On the bright side, if Downey does choose to reprise his role, he can take comfort in knowing that he wouldn’t have to worry about being blinded by the Iron Man suit.

Most of us love a good talk show. We get to hear the celebrity news of the day, while also getting a view of what our favorite famous people are like when they're not performing as they sit down to do illuminating interviews which allow them to promote all of their hard work. The baseline for these shows offers the possibility for laughs and maybe even some educational moments, but sometimes we get way more than expected. One such time was when Drew Barrymore flashed David Letterman, and with her now hosting her own talk show, she's recently reflected on the huge moment.

The Drew Barrymore Show began airing in daytime this week, and the host, actress, producer, makeup / lifestyle guru and former wild child Drew Barrymore, has been making the rounds to discuss her new show. Barrymore has, obviously, been a long time veteran of the talk show circuit, having made her debut in such a capacity on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson when she was but a wee babe at seven years old.

While this puts Barrymore in a pretty unique position among most first time talk show hosts, it has brought memories of her infamous Letterman appearance back to the forefront. When asked about it during a CBS interview recently, Barrymore said:

I'm going to guess that, even though Drew Barrymore was 20 years old in 1995 when she made her major pop culture moment visit to CBS's Late Night with David Letterman, and had been doing talk shows for most of her life, she wasn't quite yet aware of where that "TMI" line was, because that "feeling" hadn't settled upon her just yet. During the segment, which, unsurprisingly, can still be found online, a giggly, bubbly Barrymore was asked about a recent birthday where she supposedly got up on stage at a club and took her clothes off.

After Barrymore confirms that the story is, indeed, true, she's trying to explain the hows and whys behind her decision when she asks Letterman if she can dance for him. He agrees, and she proceeds to ask band-leader Paul Shaffer for music, jumps onto Letterman's desk and does a quick, semi-sultry dance which ends with her flashing her breasts to Letterman. The crowd went wild, and a legendary and much-talked about late night talk show appearance was born.

Drew Barrymore has said in recent years that the move was completely unplanned, but that she was glad it happened, because it was "really fun." But, she seems to also feel that it was one of the times she went a bit too far in the past. Barrymore was (also infamously) addicted to drugs and alcohol by the time she was emancipated from her abusive and troubled parents when she was just 14. But, she managed to pull herself out of the tailspin, and now sees many of those times for what they were:

Drew Barrymore might be done pushing those TMI limits, but that doesn't mean she's fading into the background. You can check your local listings for The Drew Barrymore Show, but to see what else is on the small screen soon, check out our fall premiere guide!

The world of television recently lost one of its most recognizable personalities, as longtime talk show host and game show host Regis Philbin passed away over the weekend. To be expected, tons of celebs offered up touching messages and memories online about Philbin after his death, with some of the most notable tributes coming from the colleagues who knew him best, such as former co-hosts Kathie Lee Gifford and Kelly Ripa, as well as late night legend David Letterman.

For those unaware, Regis Philbin was a beloved guest on The Late Show during David Letterman's tenure, having made over 120 appearances during Letterman's 22-year run that ended in 2015. (Not to mention the dozen or so appearances he made on NBC's Late Night with David Letterman prior to the CBS switch.) After the former's death, Letterman released a touching statement (via Variety) that held Philbin up in high regard.

Regis Philbin officially retired from his morning show career back in 2011, and it's not hard to imagine that David Letterman chunked his TV into a dumpster after that. Of course, he wouldn't have been able to catch Philbin's guest appearances on a variety of shows such as Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Rachel Ray, Snoop Dogg Presents The Joker's Wild and others.

Of course, Regis Philbin spent many of those pre-retirement years sitting alongside Kathie Lee Gifford for Live with Regis and Kathie Lee, which went by that distinction from 1988-2000, when the latter left the show to transition to NBC's Today. While there was allegedly a communication gap for a while, two remained close in more recent years, however, with Philbin even sending Gifford a farewell video when she vacated Today. Gifford had in fact just had lunch with Philbin and his wife Joy just two weeks prior to his death. To be expected, she shared a lovingly emotional post about her longtime friend.

There most certainly will never be another entertainer (or otherwise) quite like Regis Philbin, not that people haven't put forth the effort to be a proper substitute. For example, the rebooted Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? is fine enough, but new host Jimmy Kimmel has a completely different vibe from Philbin's optimistically nervous energy and conversational tone. That said, Kimmel did offer up his own condolences on Twitter.

In fact, the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? took to its Instagram page to also offer up some kind words about the former host.

Somewhat strangely – or perhaps not, depending on how you feel about the way Regis' retirement went down – his former co-host Kelly Ripa offered up a joint statement with her current co-host Ryan Seacrest, rather than penning an exclusively personal tribute.

Considering so much of Regis Philbin's TV career happened on ABC, even Disney's Executive Chairman Bob Iger took a moment to mourn on Twitter.

And while there are obviously many more messages being shared across social media celebrating Regis Philbin's life and accomplishments, it seems fitting to end on a message that, much like David Letterman and Kathie Lee Gifford's words at the top of this article, is unmistakably personal and heartfelt. In the words of Karate Kid and Cobra Kai star Ralph Macchio:

We at CinemaBlend send our thoughts and condolences to Regis Philbin's family and friends during their time of mourning.

Oh to be a fly on the wall of this verbal fight between David Letterman and Quentin Tarantino. This reportedly happened more than 10 years ago and the beef ended with QT's appearance on Letterman's show in 2009 to promote his Brad Pitt movie Inglourious Basterds. You can watch that clip below, but first -- the story of how they got there.

It's now 2020 and Quentin Tarantino is heading into Oscars night with another Brad Pitt movie, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. QT has definitely established himself in the business, and could even make history at the Oscars. But at least at the time of David Letterman's story, he might've been a bit insecure about how people perceived him.

A now very bearded David Letterman was just on Showtime's Desus & Mero show to talk about any famous beefs he had. He immediately answered with this:

David Letterman said it started from a conversation with a famous star who was dating Quentin Tarantino, and Letterman's joke about this glamorous woman dating a guy like him:

David Letterman never names the woman in question in his story, but the now-married Quentin Tarantino does have some famous exes in his past -- including Mira Sorvino, Sofia Coppola, and Margaret Cho. As the Late Show host continued...

David Letterman said his assistant answered the phone and asked what the call was regarding. According to Letterman, Quentin Tarantino played it cool with the assistant and said he just wanted to say hello to Dave. So Dave got on the phone...

David Letterman said, at that point, he told Quentin Tarantino to hang on so he could get his producer on the other line. Dave said he didn't want anyone to think he was making it up. At that point, according to Letterman's story, QT continued his rant:

So Letterman claims he calmly asked Quentin Tarantino when it would be convenient to come in for a fight. Letterman said he even talked to his assistant about setting up a red eye flight for Tarantino to come out for the fight. There was no cooling QT off. But then, Dave said, they didn't hear from him again.

Years later, David Letterman continued, Quentin Tarantino was going to be on his show for 2009’s Inglourious Basterds. QT was in the makeup room, and Letterman normally doesn't meet the guests ahead of time, but this time he said he'd go up to see him.

Quentin Tarantino was with his publicist. Letterman brought up the past situation, but admitted to Desus & Mero that he wasn't sure QT really owed him an apology. Dave admitted he got a lot of calls like that in those days, and allowed that he may have been the one to provoke QT. Be that as it may, he knew he had the upper-hand with Tarantino as a guest. So he told QT he owed him an apology. Tarantino's publicist said to just apologize 'cause it was about five minutes before QT was meant to go on for Letterman's show.

In the end, Quentin Tarantino did apologize, but David Letterman said it seemed like he wasn't certain he owed it. (Howard Stern also apologized to Letterman for their past feud.)

So that was David Letterman's story, which maybe we should take with several grains of salt until Quentin Tarantino weighs in -- if he feels like doing so. He may want to distance himself from this alleged angry phone call, which reportedly happened years before he went on Dave's show to talk about Inglourious Basterds.

Classic Dave. Funny how Letterman's interview talked about Brad Pitt, and Quentin Tarantino and Brad Pitt reunited more than 10 years later for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Maybe 10 years from now they'll do it again? Maybe QT will share his own take on the Letterman call at that point.

Hosting the Oscars has always been a rough gig. Every eye in Hollywood is on you that night and the next morning, or in the era of social media, while the show is still going on, everybody has an opinion about whether the host was great or terrible. Many hosts, like Bob Hope and Billy Crystal, have done well enough that they were asked back multiple times, others have had the job once, and then never again. David Letterman is one of those we haven't seen come back.

He hosted the awards show back in 1995 and while his appearance might not be one of the best in Oscar history, it's probably still one of the most memorable hosting gigs. If you were an Oscar watcher 25 years ago, and perhaps even if you weren't even alive (I've been told that's possible), you might be familiar with Letterman's infamous joke from his opening monologue, where he introduced Oprah Winfrey to Uma Thurman, and then did so several more times over the course of the bit.

The joke did not really work, but we're still talking about it a quarter century later, and talking to THR David Letterman reveals that part of the reason the joke likely didn't land was that it was a last minute idea, so even Letterman himself wasn't really ready for it. According to the former host...

The joke certainly has promise, Having some fun with Oprah and Uma's names has obvious comedy value. And yet, it simply didn't work out on the stage. Of course, part of the reason, if you remember the bit is that it doesn't play out exactly how David Letterman describes it here. Here's the monologue if you don't remember it, or have never seen it.

While David Letterman does introduce Oprah to Uma, and Uma to Oprah, he never does introduce either of them to Keanu. As it turns out, because the joke was put together at the last minute, Letterman didn't actually know where any of his targets were located in the theater, making focusing on them a little bit tough. You can see him in the video struggling a bit at the beginning. Letterman goes on...

Going back to a joke again and again, especially one that didn't quite land the first time, was a common move for David Letterman during his late night hosting days. Sometimes it worked, and the repetition itself became funny enough that the joke ultimately worked. Most didn't find that here and Letterman was pretty well roasted for his hosting of the Academy Awards in 1995. Even Letterman himself has said he thinks he did a terrible job.

Perhaps if, as Letterman says, the joke had received some preparation it would have worked better. It was basically the first bit out of the gate and it set the tone for the rest of the monologue and the rest of the night. Letterman's entire gig as host might have been viewed better if that silly joke had worked better.

The Oscars will avoid such questions for the second year in a row as the show will go without a set host.

With over 6,000 episodes of late night talk shows behind him, David Letterman has enjoyed a TV career that few others rival. But when talking about the worst day of his life in television, Letterman doesn't bring up any of those on-air interviews or stupid pet tricks or impromptu visits to Rupert Jee's Hello Deli. Instead, he said it involved a game of catch that went frighteningly awry.

Not the answer most fans would expect, no doubt, but that's how David Letterman said it himself when appearing on The Ellen Show, even going so far as to say it may have been the worst day of his life in general. Speaking about current Ellen Show producer Mary Connelly, who also worked with Letterman during his years on NBC's Late Night, the talk show icon said the two were throwing baseballs to each other around the office when things nearly got lethal.

Though he was laughing about it today and could tell the story with a smile on his face, it was pretty clear that this memory still has a way of haunting David Letterman when he thinks about it too hard. By all means, that falling baseball could have caused all manner of potentially deadly disasters. It could have smooshed someone's skull in, it could have caused traffic accidents, it could have destroyed someone's vehicle or business, and so on.

It'd be one thing if Late Night was being produced inside a high-rise building somewhere in the middle of the boonies, where the chances of striking someone hover around nil. But in New York City, in Manhattan, down Sixth Ave? As Ellen DeGeneres put it, it's something of a miracle that no one was reported injured due to that snafu. Letterman himself certainly couldn't explain how fortunate everyone was.

For this to be up there with the worst moments in his entire life, David Letterman must have truly sunken to the depths of human misery in those minutes after that baseball flew out of 30 Rockefeller Plaza that day, especially when he realized he'd been recognized. Not that any authorities would have failed to connect the baseball with the broken 14th-floor window, but still.

The point is, had the wind been a little stronger or lighter that day, some form of tragedy could have struck, and fans might never have witnessed Letterman's rise to glory at CBS' The Late Show. Fortunately, everyone survived and lived to tell the harrowing tale, and the Late Night team apparently made sure no such incident would happen again from the 14th floor. Here's what else Letterman told Ellen DeGeneres.

DeGeneres laughed and mentioned that the problem could have also been solved by the Late Night peeps not throwing baseballs around like that, which Letterman also laughed at sheepishly. Not long before, DeGeneres pointed out that when she'd appeared as one of his guests in the past, Letterman had her hitting golf balls from one rooftop to another. When she admitted that those incidents could just as easily have easily gone wrong, Letterman jokingly said she would have been the one to take the blame there.

So there you have it. For all the late night talk show wars and final episodes and awkward interviews that he's experienced in the past 36 years or so of his TV career, even the death of his mother, David Letterman's worst moment involved a missed baseball that could have easily caused calamitous tragedies.

For now, though, he'll again be getting paid to interview popular celebrities for his Netflix series My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman, which will return for Season 2 at some point in 2019. Fun fact: Letterman revealed during the interview that Ellen DeGeneres will be one of his featured guests in the second season.

Television legend Jay Leno appeared back in the world of late-night TV recently, only this time, he was the one answering questions. The former host of The Tonight Show was on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen and was not afraid to answer questions on the "feuds" he's had with other television personalities over the years. This, of course, meant Leno had to revisit his rivalry with David Letterman, although he insisted it wasn't as spiteful as many have believed over the years.

Years after both men have left the air, Jay Leno is now saying he never hated David Letterman. With that said, their famed rivalry, stemming from who got the vacant seat Johnny Carson left on The Tonight Show is well-documented, and it's kind of hard to believe there weren't some feelings about the change over at one time. In fact, the two late night hosts publicly took jabs at each other quite often over their tenures, and Jay Leno ultimately refused to appear in one of Letterman's final episodes.

Whether he's genuine or it's just good PR, Jay Leno has somewhat romanticized his rivalry with David Letterman in his later years. After all, it's a feud that he ultimately won, as he became the host of The Tonight Show and Letterman was overlooked by NBC. Of course, it ultimately spurred Letterman's move to CBS, and a famous late-night rivalry that entertained audiences for some time. Does it really matter if they didn't get along in real life?

After all, excessive hatred and verbal bashing didn't do much to elevate Howard Stern's feud with Jay Leno. Leno told Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen the feud didn't really exist mostly because he largely ignored it.

The strategy never really prevented Howard Stern from ripping on Jay Leno, but it's fair to say this "feud" never escalated to the level of Letterman and Leno. The former host of The Tonight Show Host handled both questions with grace, and had nothing but kind things to say about both men. It was a classy response, and one that comes from a celebrity probably not wishing to stir the pot in his retirement years.

Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen airs on Bravo Sunday through Thursdays at 11:00 p.m. ET. For a look at what else is on television in the coming months, be sure to visit our midseason premiere guide.

When David Letterman finally went off the air after more than thirty years of churning out late night television, millions of people paid their respects to the legend. For so many, he was an institution, but for many inside Hollywood, he was even more. Over the years, he gave tons of comedians a platform and some their first real entry into show business. He offered a platform, and he was always very generous about trying to help the next generation. Chief among those comedians he offered a chance to was Chris Elliott, which is why decades after his first appearance, he broke down and cried when he heard Letterman was retiring.

David Letterman, particularly in his early years, cultivated a reputation for eccentricity and unpredictability, but even amidst the chaos he brought to late night television, he was also very loyal. He really liked certain guests and certain performers, and those he did like found their way onto his show a lot. Bill Murray was the first guest on both Late Night and The Late Show. He had Regis Philbin on more than 100 times, and of course, he delighted in some of the stranger voices he put on the air, most memorably Larry 'Bud' Melman, Harvey Pekar and Elliott, who he let run wild, greenlighting recurring characters as ridiculous as Guy Under The Seats and letting him do weird celebrity impressions. In the end, it mattered less how famous you were and more how much talent Letterman personally thought you had.

If there was ever any doubt as to how much Elliott meant to Letterman and to both of his late night shows, watch the closing montage of the final episode of his show embedded below. There are a few favorites who seem to show up over and over again, and Chris Elliott is one of them.

As for the future, you can catch Elliott on Schitt's Creek, which despite some initial middling reviews and episodes airing on an American network not everyone has heard of (Pop) has started generating a cult following and some real buzz. As for Letterman, you can catch him over at Netflix.

Hootie & the Blowfish was one of the most popular bands in the 1990's thanks to hits like "Hold My Hand" and "Time." But before the group became known for smash hits such as "Let Her Cry," they had been a band for nearly a decade. So, how did they get their big break? Well, Hootie & The Blowfish frontman Darius Rucker credits David Letterman for it. In an interview with Larry King, Rucker said:

That's how fast some things can happen. For Hootie & the Blowfish, nearly a decade of work all came together in roughly five days that helped change the course of their career. As Darius Rucker's comment to Larry King in the clip of the interview hints at, the band's upward trajectory is a lesson in the fact that a lot of work goes into the so-called "overnight success" of an entertainer.

And, while David Letterman helped launch the band into household name status, it would not have been possible without the group having music that got Letterman excited enough to have them on The Late Show. As listeners have seen through the years, an artist has to keep a body of work growing in order to maintain the exposure brought to them by performing on a late-night show.

Hootie & the Blowfish's mainstream success continued for years after their appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman. In fact, it was the beginning of a long and storied career that contained a bevy of hits which helped contribute to the 1990's sonic scene. The band eventually went on hiatus, and Darius Rucker ventured forward with a solo career that has been tremendously successful. The band's last album Looking for Lucky came out roughly thirteen years ago, in 2005.

Before David Letterman retired in 2015 and long after Hootie & the Blowfish had released their latest album, the band reunited to perform on The Late Show. The performance came twenty-one years after their initial appearance on the show, per ET. You can watch Darius Rucker tell the story to Larry King in the video below:

Had the then late-night talk show host not heard Hootie & the Blowfish and, in turn, liked what he listened to, would we have ever gotten to hear the beloved hits we enjoy today? We may never know for sure, and thanks to Letterman, fans do not have to wonder. David Letterman clearly has a gift for knowing great music, and he had the ability to put it to good use.

For new and returning television shows, you can watch while trying to stay out of the heat, check out CinemaBlend's guide to TV's summer premieres.

Howard Stern and David Letterman have finally set aside their differences, hopefully for good. In the most recent installment of Letterman's conversational Netflix program, My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, the Sirius XM personality joined the former Late Show talk show host to have an open, honest discussion about their lives. Ultimately, the duo also addressed their previously rocky relationship. In the sit-down interview, Stern said he is ultimately "ashamed" of his past behavior with Letterman. Although the hosts previously made strides to part the tides in 2011, when Howard Stern appeared on The Late Show to apologize for his past actions, this newest episode went to greater lengths to mend their fractured relationship. Here's what Stern said to Letterman during the newest episode of the Netflix talk show series, which hit the streaming site today.

In the clip, Howard Stern also attributed his changed ways to his sympathetic wife, Beth Stern. He admits she helped him in his emotional healing, and that she made him a better husband in the process. Additionally, Letterman shows the crowd a painting Howard Stern made for Letterman's wife, whom Stern said unflattering things about, which the radio host ultimately regrets as well. The piece of art was Howard Stern's way of extending his apologies to both of them, and while it took some time, both Lettermans and Stern have put their differences aside and learned how to mend their feud together.

Here's the clip of Howard Stern's apology to David Letterman.

Howard Stern is the sixth guest to appear on My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman. Prior to his appearance, Letterman welcomed Barack Obama, George Clooney, Malala Yousafzai, Jay-Z and Tina Fey to join him in a discussion. You can watch the latest episode of the Netflix series here.

It has been four years since David Letterman decided to retire from his late night position over at CBS, and it has been three years since the man ended his reign as the host of the Late Show with David Letterman. At the end of that reign, Letterman had hosted 6,028 episodes of the long-running show, a record that even beat that of his mentor Johnny Carson. In fact, he was on the late night airwaves for longer than any other late night host. Now, however, Letterman has revealed that he feels like he should have retired way earlier than he eventually did. During a recent Emmys event, Letterman said:

If David Letterman had retired in 2005 and not 2015, he wouldn't have hit that record number of episodes, although it's seemingly something he doesn't particularly care about. From what Letterman was saying in his conversation with Jerry Seinfeld (via Vanity Fair), he feels he would have been far better off if he had cut out of the game a bit earlier and focused on doing something else with his "energy and focus."

David Letterman had a lot of memorable moments on the Late Show with David Letterman over on CBS as well as his earlier late night series Late Night with David Letterman on NBC. Many of those happened earlier in his career, however, and the Late Show was never the winningest in late night viewers, although Letterman's legacy is still long-lasting and his final episode did quite well in the ratings.

These days, David Letterman has stepped back from the spotlight quite a bit, but he's still doing more than a little bit of talking. His Netflix show, My Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman, has already had an auspicious start, kicking off with an interview with former President Barack Obama back in January. So far, Letterman has also spoken with a variety of big names, including George Clooney I am Malala's Malala Yousafzai, Jay-Z and Tina Fey. He's set to speak with longtime radio host Howard Stern later this month.

Oh yeah, and he's grown out a mean beard, a beard he previously said everyone hates. Plus, he's done other small events, events like the Emmys chat or co-hosting The Essentials with Alec Baldwin for TCM. There are certainly worst things you can do with retirement than have a little fun, and that's what David Letterman seems to be doing these days... even if he feels he could have retired sooner. Perhaps he would have had more energy to do more elsewhere, but there's nothing wrong with leaving behind a late night legacy of Top 10 lists and stupid pet tricks.

Not the most likely stage-mates, Jay-Z and David Letterman had an in-depth discussion about the iconic rapper's life on Letterman's Netflix series My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, but their conversation was not all about hip-hop. The multi-nicknamed entertainer, whose real name is Shawn Carter, also spoke about his family life, and his mother's coming out as a lesbian. Expectedly, Jay-Z got emotional describing how he felt the moment she finally acknowledged it in front of him, and the pride and happiness for his mom were very apparent throughout.

As Jay-Z told David Letterman, the tear-jerking moment sent him back in the studio the next day, at which point he recorded the song "Smile" for his Grammy-nominated album 4:44. The audience gasped at the revelation that Carter's mom had only openly discussed her sexual orientation with him for the first time so recently. Of course, the rapper said he always knew it inside, but the fact that his mother finally felt comfortable enough to talk about it in front of him was an incredibly emotional moment that got him crying tears of joy. Which was a big deal, since Jay-Z apparently does not believe in crying when he's happy.

David Letterman has long been an amazing interviewer for his ability to draw personal stories out of celebrities like that, but he wouldn't be worth much if he didn't also discuss the subject that Jay-Z's biggest fans want to hear him speak about: rap and hip-hop. Letterman listened intently as Jay-Z explained some of the hallmarks that make a good rapper, and two key traits he thinks create a successful MC:

Like most artists at the top of their game, Jay-Z didn't waste breath talking about rappers he thinks are doing it wrong, but rather pointed out some positive strengths of rappers he's familiar with. He also kind of snubbed some of the younger MC's in his wake by only referencing older contemporaries like Snoop Dogg and Eminem, but perhaps he will indeed reference some fresher voices in the full episode of My Next Guest Needs No Introduction. If not, Jay-Z may have just dropped the most subtle and non-melodic diss track of all time by snubbing the younger generation in describing what makes a good rapper. Beef!

David Letterman's My Next Guest Needs No Introduction is currently streaming on Netflix, with Jay-Z's episode dropping on Friday, April 7. For a look at other things coming to the platform, visit our Netflix premiere guide. For a more general listing of upcoming television shows, visit our midseason premiere guide and summer premiere guide.

Legendary former late night host David Letterman is on his way back to the small screen, although perhaps not how many of his fans expected. He'll host a six-part Netflix series that will also feature some very big guests for discussion. For a while, there was no saying when we might get to see this show hit the streaming circuit, but now we finally have our answer thanks to a brand new trailer. Take a look!

Judging by the trailer, Netflix and David Letterman are pulling out all the stops for Letterman's big return to television hosting. The show -- which will be called My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman -- has landed some guests who are very influential in the world today in a number of different arenas. Letterman managed to land a variety of guests who should provide different points-of-view. In fact, one of the few things that most of them have in common is that they can be pretty funny.

The guest list is comprised of movie star George Clooney, activist and Nobel prize-winner Malala Yousafzai, musical superstar Jay-Z, comedienne extraordinaire Tina Fey, radio personality Howard Stern, and former President Barack Obama himself. We can bet that no two episodes will be exactly alike based on who will be in the spotlight with David Letterman. Honestly, it's impressive that he landed some of these guests, especially the former President of the United States.

Interestingly, My Next Guest Needs No Introduction will not be released in the typical Netflix model that sees full seasons of a series dropped at the same time, enabling binge-watchers to work their way through episodes at a furious pace if they so choose. My Guest Needs No Introduction will be different, as only the first episode will debut on Friday, January 12. Each subsequent episode will hit the streaming service monthly from February to June. This new series will air somewhat more like a conventional broadcast show. It should be interesting to see if the format is a success for Netflix. If so, perhaps we'll see more shows using this release strategy.

Of course, My Next Guest Needs No Introduction is poised to become a one-of-a-kind project for any outlet. The series is currently slated for only six episodes of 60 minutes each, and each episode isn't coming cheap for Netflix. David Letterman is reportedly being paid $2 million -- yes, million -- for every individual episode, meaning that he'll earn a healthy $12 million for the first season. While $12 million is hardly the biggest price tag for a Netflix series, there are other costs of production to consider beyond Letterman's salary. Given that it will only run for six episodes, My Next Guest Needs No Introduction may turn out to be a very expensive project.

You can judge for yourself if the project is worth the investment when the first episode of My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman debuts on Netflix on January 12. For your other viewing options now and in the coming weeks, take a look at our 2018 Netflix premiere guide and our midseason TV premiere schedule.

It's been a few years since Jay Leno and David Letterman retired from their respective late-night shows, and it seems like the infamous rivalry between them may have finally cooled down. Tonight, Letterman will be receiving the 2017 Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and Leno has written a tribute in honor of his former rival. The piece touches on some different aspects of their complicated relationship, with Leno remembering that some of his favorite moments of his career were appearing on Letterman's show and freaking him out with a meatball sandwich. Leno recalled:

Jay Leno wrote a tribute for David Letterman in The Hollywood Reporter, in which he discussed their relationship as two competing talk show hosts. In the early days of Jay Leno's career, he was a standup comic who, in addition to playing The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, also appeared on Late Night with David Letterman. The more outwardly friendly Leno and the more prickly Letterman were opposites, and Leno would -- for some reason -- tease Letterman with a meatball sandwich. This was one of his favorite things to do and he would even bring the sandwich with him onstage.

Of course, soon after this, Leno wouldn't be teasing Letterman with meatballs. The two had a famous rivalry that began when Jay Leno was named the host of The Tonight Show over David Letterman. Letterman had been hosting Late Night following Johnny Carson for some time, while Leno was the regular substitute host for Carson. Many believed -- including Letterman -- that Letterman would be named as Carson's successor. The job eventually went to Leno, and Letterman soon left NBC for CBS to appear on a new late-night show in the same time slot as The Tonight Show. The rest is pretty much history.

The late-night competition has cooled down significantly since the two of them retired. While there is still competing amongst the networks (there was much ado about Stephen Colbert beating Jimmy Fallon in the ratings), the animosity is pretty much gone. The late-night hosts even appear on each other's shows from time to time; Conan O'Brien just recently appeared as a guest on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

For more TV updates, be sure to keep it right here at CinemaBlend. Catch all your favorite shows with out fall TV premiere schedule.

TV feuds are nothing new, as competition between networks and entertainers has been around for as long as the medium has. And one of the biggest small screen rivalries of all time involved late night icons Jay Leno and David Letterman, which spawned the popular book The Late Shift (which later became a made-for-HBO film). Now that both Leno and Letterman retired from The Tonight Show and The Late Show, respectively, the dust has mostly settled, and Leno can now step back and say that he never really let Letterman's insults both him over the years. Why? Because they were funny. In his words:

Now, it's certainly possible that Jay Leno is speaking only in hindsight, and that he was extremely pissed off back whenever he saw David Letterman greeting people behind Plexiglas. But regardless, Leno can take a joke. In his Letterman-lauding post for THR honoring the former Late Show host for earning his upcoming 2017 Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, Leno says that if someone calls him an "asshole," that wouldn't be the kind of criticism that he would take kindly to. But that once humor gets brought into it, that makes things all the more acceptable. Cleverness always wins in my book.

Not that Jay Leno is necessarily playing down the fact that the rivalry existed, or that it wasn't as big of a deal as people made it out to be. He knows what happened and he knows how people reacted to all the stories, as well as the ones about his fallout with Conan O'Brien. But at the end of the day, those were stories about two men in similar positions within the very small circle of late night TV, and even if they were butting heads every night after primetime TV was over, each was in a place to understand the other person in a way that no one else necessarily could. Such is the case with all comedians, really, since they look at life in different ways than most people.

Here's what else Jay Leno had to say about why, even though they weren't similar in many other ways, that he and David Letterman could still see eye to eye.

If only all the world's rivals were able to get a bird's-eye-view of a situation like that, then things might not be quite so harrowing out there. (Well, they probably still would be.) But for anyone hoping to see Jay Leno take offhanded swipes at David Letterman in the years after their late night heydays, there's only disappointment to be found. Now, let's see if Letterman's Mark Twain Prize acceptance speech offers up anything juicy.

While you can't see Jay Leno or David Letterman offering up nightly monologues anymore -- Leno will still stop by The Tonight Show from time to time, and Letterman does have a new Netflix show in the works -- you can catch a whole bunch of new and returning shows coming soon by checking out our fall TV premiere schedule.

A few years ago, the legendary David Letterman retired from The Late Show, as well as the late night talk show scene in general, stepping down after over three decades of celebrity interviews, stupid pet tricks, and Top 10 lists. So it was somewhat surprising when it was recently announced that he was gearing up for another chat-infused project with Netflix. But it's far less of a curious situation when it's realized that Letterman will reportedly be making a whopping $2 million an episode for the upcoming series. That's a lot of index cards.

The still-in-development series, which doesn't have an official title yet, is set to cover six episodes, which means David Letterman will be banking a cool $12 million in total. Not a bad way for the comedian to make his TV comeback, and if Netflix is dropping that much moolah on the man himself, here's hoping the show's production value is insanely top quality, so that fans can enjoy some of that financial splendor as well.

To offer some perspective on this, there are three other TV hosts that have an annual salary equal to $12 million: Conan O'Brien, Anderson Cooper, and Ryan Seacrest. And these are hosts that put out six episodes in just over a traditional work week, making their per-episode salaries far less mind-boggling than David Letterman's.

Of course, David Letterman won't be earning $2 million an episode for any one particular duty on the new show, as he'll wear several different hats. As Variety points out with its list of TV's highest-paid entertainers, that total not only accounts for Letterman's hosting duties, but also his work as a producer, writer and assumedly any other duties he's taking care of. And he'll probably play a huge part in guiding where this show goes, both behind the camera and in front of it.

Sounding like a modified version of CBS' Late Show, though probably with far different network notes, David Letterman's new show will see him sharing interesting stories with some of his favorite celebrities, though only one per show, as they'll be extended conversations. As well, he'll be going out and about in the outside world for comedic segments. It's definitely sad that his adorable mother isn't still around to make pie-filled appearances on Netflix.

We're not at all sure when we'll get to learn this show's actual title, so all bets are off as far as when David Letterman will actually make it to Netflix, but the show is planned for a 2018 premiere. There's lots of great TV to come between now and then, though, which you can find both with our 2017 Netflix guide and our fall TV schedule.

David Letterman recently revealed a nugget about his younger years. Apparently, the 70-year-old former talk-show host once smoked marijuana laced with an animal tranquilizer. In a radio interview, Letterman chalked the experience up to an accident he made at a house party a long time ago. Letterman said he did not even know what the drug was when a woman at the party told him about the weed's unusual flavor. Letterman said he thought the weed merely had a unique taste, but the woman at the party clarified,

In the interview on The Howard Stern Show, David Letterman said the mistake happened not long after he moved to California years ago. Letterman was at his friend, George Miller's house party. People at the gathering offered him marijuana. Because Letterman was new in town, he assumed smoking weed was what everybody there did, so he took a couple of hits.

The woman at the get together asked Letterman if he could taste a minty flavor in the weed. Letterman confirmed that he could, and at first he thought it was a unique flavor of pot. When the woman explained, Letterman became anything but tranquil. He told the people he had some letters to write, and he immediately got out of the situation. He said,

Howard Stern then acknowledged that he, too, used to experiment with different recreational drugs that had traces of other substances in them. However, Stern said he had not done it in years. He said,

In the months since leaving CBS in 2015, David Letterman's appearance has changed quite a bit, and he has embraced a bohemian look with a full beard. In fact, the whole conversation about Letterman's negative experience with marijuana began because Howard Stern seemed to presume Letterman was a regular weed smoker (maybe because of his new laid-back look).

David Letterman clarified that he does not smoke pot anymore, but he said he used to smoke weed on occasion. Howard Stern asked if Letterman had bad experiences with pot, so Letterman maneuvered into the conversation about the PCP-laced marijuana.

It has been two years since David Letterman handed the reins of The Late Show over to Stephen Colbert. Letterman racked up an impressive 33 years and 6,028 episodes as the show's host. Now Letterman is promoting his awesome new show, which is a series of interviews on Netflix. The show pairs him with other famous faces for "in-depth conversations" similar to this one with Howard Stern. Letterman's new show is set to debut sometime in 2018; stay tuned to CinemaBlend and we'll keep you updated as the premiere draws near.

When looking at all the current late-night talk shows, it's absolutely mind-boggling that the current longest-running entertainment-style chat series is Last Call with Carson Daly. Gloriously, though, one of the biggest late night icons of all time will be back on our TVs in the relatively near future, now that David Letterman has signed on to make his grand TV return not on broadcast networks, but on Netflix! (throws index card through window)

For some bad news, David Letterman's new Netflix show isn't going to last forever, and the initial order is for six separate one-hour episodes. As far as the concept and execution are concerned, it doesn't sound like Letterman will be traipsing far outside his comfort zone, which is perfectly fine with us, since his comfort zone is what kept him on top of his game for over 30 years.

For each Netflix episode, Letterman will bring in a single guest, presumably the most prestigious ones available, and a large chunk of the show will feature a long-form conversation between the host and his visitor. The other half(ish) of each episode will follow Letterman as he heads out into "the field" and away from the studio in order to explore other subjects that interest him.. We probably shouldn't expect him to pop down to see Rupert Jee, but our fingers are crossed.

Check out David Letterman's own wryly amusing response to the new deal.

At this point, the new project doesn't yet have a name, but that's probably the least important aspect of this story. That would obviously be the fate of his massive facial hair, and Netflix CCO Ted Sarandos said they'll "have to see if he keeps the beard," presumably with tongue firmly in cheek. There might be a guest hidden in that beard for one episode. We just don't know.

Netflix is gearing up to premiere the new show in 2018, so David Letterman could be back on the small screen even before a full three years have passed since his final Late Show taping. Now let's hear about who those guests will be! If we don't get Bill Murray, Madonna, Crispin Glover, Joaquin Phoenix and Norm Macdonald, we riot! It'll be interesting to hear if he checks out Netflix's other talk shows from Bill Nye and Chelsea Handler to compare and contrast with his own ideas.

Needing something to watch on the small screen while waiting to hear more about David Letterman's new gig? Check out our Netflix 2017 schedule, and then hit up our summer premiere schedule and our fall TV guide to make your primetime checklists.