February 1, 1982…”Late Night With David Letterman” Debuts

On this date in 1982, Dave’s show replaced Tom Snyder’s ‘Tomorrow’ show, and at the end of the first week, the ratings were 30% better than Snyder’s.

These three clips are from the debut night and show us the start, a tour of Studio 6A which ends in the control room with Director Hal Gurney leading the singers (you’ll see) and Dave’s first guest Bill Murray.

There are too many thing to list that made the show a hit and “different”, but here’s an example from that first week that had everyone talking. On the third night, baseball great Hank Arron was on and after his time with Dave, a camera followed him backstage where Marv Albert did a “post interview, interview” to see how it had gone, just like a post game interview.

We love you and miss you Dave, and thank you for all the laughs along the way! Enjoy your retirement…you’ve earned a rest. -Bobby Ellerbee

Show Open

Studio 6A Tour

First Guest, Bull Murry

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