Leaving Letterman, Part I
On May 20, 2016
- TV History
May 20, 2015…The Final David Letterman Show Airs
In some ways, it seems like this was just yesterday…in other ways, it feels like Dave has been gone for a lot longer. Here, some of the show’s long time staff members talk about how the end came, and their feelings at the time, and after. Although the word “loyal” is not used in this great package, it seems to have been an unspoken rule on both sides of Dave’s desk. Just one of the many things we miss about the show. -Bobby Ellerbee
A behind the scenes look back at the last Late Show with David Letterman on May 20, 2015.
Dave stayed too long at the dance. In the end he was not funny anymore.
I’m getting old……I remember the final Jack Paar show! And the final Johnny Carson show……
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Dave understood the dynamics of television, his heritage went back to Garroway and the other founders (including Allen, Parr and Carson). Sadly Colbert doesn’t and that show plays to the studio audience and it’s too hot to watch.
When, or where can we see Part 2?
I don’t recall the studio numbers (someone here will know), but Dave’s best stuff (and Conan’s as well) were from that cramped little studio in 30 Rock. There’s something about that room that makes for incredible TV comedy. (Is that the same studio Berle, Parr and Carson used?) I think there are good broadcasting ghosts haunting NBC those hallways.
I miss Dave. I watched some of Colbert’s first show and that was enough. Haven’t watched late night since. The real talk show hosts were all broadcasters who paid their dues in the boonies, and there aren’t any of those any more. Steve was the first; Dave was the last.
Saw the last Letterman show & The last John Carson show. They were both Unique and great shows.
Terrific post, Bobby! I go back to the morning show and have always loved Dave’s sense of humor and irony. All of the shows now are too much show biz hype.
Know the feeling, Jodie… But when you do, it’ll be worth it, although the time that has passed since may make it more bittersweet. Shows what we’ve lost. Letterman earned the right to retire. Colbert, I think, is pretty funny…but it’s definitely not the same… It couldn’t be…
shame the set was hacked apart….though both pieces of the set and even seats from the theatre were going on ebay shortly after the last show and for a ridiculous amount of $$$.