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Letterman to retire

Frayed Knot Apr 03 2014 03:23 PM

No specific date yet, but will sign off sometime in 2015.

Ceetar Apr 03 2014 03:33 PM Re: Letterman to retire

I read his biography in like fifth grade. I think I watched that one episode with David Wright. That's probably it.

Benjamin Grimm Apr 03 2014 03:34 PM Re: Letterman to retire

I've been a regular viewer since 1982. Life without Dave will seem strange, but it's time. He's been phoning it in for a while now.

Frayed Knot Apr 03 2014 04:54 PM Re: Letterman to retire

I've gone back and forth on Letterman over the years. At times I've been a big fan but at others (particularly early on) I thought his schtick about the show being more style than substance was too close to accurate to be funny and that he wasn't a very good interviewer (during those times when I'd actually stick around for the 2nd half/celeb portion of the show). Also it hasn't always been my habit to stay up that late and I never was into it enough to record it either during the tape days or the electronic era. Over the last couple years I was in a phase where I was watching at least semi-regularly until about a year ago when I started slacking off for no discernible reason.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 03 2014 06:18 PM Re: Letterman to retire

Benjamin Grimm wrote: I've been a regular viewer since 1982. Life without Dave will seem strange, but it's time. He's been phoning it in for a while now. Yup. When he was "new" he was a real revelation and in a sense he pioneered what everyone today thinks is funny (detachment, irony etc etc). But he didn't much evolve since the early days except become a better "host."

Fman99 Apr 03 2014 06:44 PM Re: Letterman to retire

I enjoyed him far more at 12:30.

metirish Apr 03 2014 07:44 PM Re: Letterman to retire

My first time seeing Letterman was when we got Sky TV in the early 90's, loved him and always have, didn't watch much over the last few years but caught him a few times recently, can still do an interview, especially the awkward ones.

Edgy MD Apr 04 2014 10:17 AM Packing It In

Letterdude. What a run.

G-Fafif Apr 04 2014 04:43 PM Re: Letterman to retire

Stephen Colbert reportedly CBS's choice to succeed. Already works for the same company.

themetfairy Apr 04 2014 04:51 PM Re: Letterman to retire

Wow! I'm not sure how I feel about that. I love what Colbert is doing on Comedy Central; I don't know whether he'd have the same freedom on a network broadcast.

Edgy MD Apr 04 2014 05:32 PM Re: Letterman to retire

Two things I always noticed: (1) Musical guests: he always a made a point of welcoming and congratulating the supporting members of the act, shaking their hands, calling them by name, or asking their name if he didn't know it. That always felt classy. (2) If you came on and were just looking to promote your stupid made-for-TV movie and get off, he wasn't having it. If you weren't bringing something to the table, he wouldn't let you get away with it, and often make you the joke. It was cruel at one level, but it was also in its own way demanding respect for the viewers and the program.

batmagadanleadoff Apr 06 2014 06:57 PM Re: Letterman to retire

[youtube:mxlad67c]ldhf30YtWkI#t=60[/youtube:mxlad67c]

batmagadanleadoff Apr 06 2014 07:07 PM Re: Letterman to retire

batmagadanleadoff wrote: [youtube]ldhf30YtWkI#t=60[/youtube] [youtube]y-e0eJ9l1go[/youtube] [youtube]wgH1wzCK-T8[/youtube] [youtube]Yxt6QnxAzG0[/youtube] [youtube]oAfgSVRcFXA[/youtube]

dgwphotography Apr 07 2014 09:29 AM Re: Letterman to retire

Life without Dave will seem strange, but it's time. He's been phoning it in for a while now. Very true. Ken Levine, who knows a thing or three about TV, put it well: http://kenlevine.blogspot.com/2014/04/m ... ement.html

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 07 2014 09:56 AM Re: Letterman to retire

I could be hazy on the details but I remember Letterman during the 86 playoffs making a bet with a Houston politician. I forget what Letterman was offered if Houston won, but the politician, reached by phone, agreed to display "a picture of Mookie Wilson" in his office if the Mets won (as he agrees to this bet, a gigantic movie-screen size picture of Mookie unfurls from the rafters). I don't recall if they ever delivered it although I'm sure they did. Anyone else remember this?

Edgy MD Apr 07 2014 09:58 AM Re: Letterman to retire

There's a lot to be said for that perspective, but some things I can't get on board with. Jay Leno and NBC always beat him. For twenty years. Well, generally, but not always, but to define success and failure in terms of the ratings is to miss the point. Michael Bolton sold a lot of records too. Johnny Carson trounced all competition. Carson’s numbers were larger than all three late night talk shows combined. And Carson was better. His class, relatability, sense of humor, and interview skills were unmatched. Letterman may have been funnier, but Carson’s humanity trumped him. This is absolutely fair, but Leno was neither funnier nor more human. Every chat show since Letterman owes him a debt. Who owes Leno a debt? Rosie O'Donnell, maybe.

themetfairy Apr 07 2014 10:16 AM Re: Letterman to retire

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: I could be hazy on the details but I remember Letterman during the 86 playoffs making a bet with a Houston politician. I forget what Letterman was offered if Houston won, but the politician, reached by phone, agreed to display "a picture of Mookie Wilson" in his office if the Mets won (as he agrees to this bet, a gigantic movie-screen size picture of Mookie unfurls from the rafters). I don't recall if they ever delivered it although I'm sure they did. Anyone else remember this? Was the bet with Texas governor Ann Richards?

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 07 2014 10:19 AM Re: Letterman to retire

Internet says Season 5, episode 121: With the Mets winning the National League Championship against the Astros, Houston Mayor Kathy Whitmore loses a bet with Dave and will have to display in her office a photo of Mookie Wilson; "Viewer Mail" features eight letters, with #6 answered twice; Bonnie Raitt performs "Running Back to Me. Also, we've already discussed this. [url]http://archives.cranepoolforum.net/2400/f1_t2498.shtml

themetfairy Apr 07 2014 10:32 AM Re: Letterman to retire

Right! I was focused on the fact that the public official was female, and didn't remember that Houston's mayor at the time was a woman (something that apparently was lost from my memory base some time between 2006 and today).

G-Fafif Apr 08 2014 08:28 AM Re: Letterman to retire

The Dave of CBS was a wonder the first few years and intermittently thereafter. Every night of The Late Show was a legitimate television event c. 1993-1994. I remember thinking how impossible it was to believe that this towering talent had been confined to 12:35 AM on his previous network, as much of a revelation as he was on Late Night. He just stepped up a game that was already Hall of Fame worthy. That he kind of settled in thereafter owes as much to familiarity -- his with his format and his audiences' with him -- as it does to anything. And though it did no more to "heal" New York than Piazza's homer, his show of 9/17/2001 was perhaps the most compelling hour of non-fiction entertainment programming the medium has ever seen. (His slow burn at being stood up by John McCain in 2008 was up there, too.)

themetfairy Apr 08 2014 09:15 AM Re: Letterman to retire

My favorite Letterman memory was being in the audience for the 360 Degree Show, back when he was still on NBC. The angle of the show would gradually change until it was at 90 degrees 15 minutes into the show, upside down on the half hour, etc. It was very cool watching it unfold live.

Benjamin Grimm Apr 08 2014 09:19 AM Re: Letterman to retire

I remember that. Peter Ustinov was one of the guests.

Edgy MD Apr 08 2014 09:38 AM Re: Letterman to retire

In response to the over-sold burst of publicity over baseball's new "SkyCam" technique, that was part of an ongoing series of pointless-but-fun new cam techniques. Monkeycam was killer, of course. Also remembering the half dozen Chris Elliott characters, especially "The Guy Under the Seats." Look at him killing it here as Jay Leno, back when aping Jay Leno as a talk show guest was something of an inside joke for Late Night viewers. [youtube]KNmCBsQPEmA[/youtube]

G-Fafif Apr 08 2014 10:12 AM Re: Letterman to retire

"My" episode, April 30, 1993 -- me, on camera with Dave and a co-worker of mine to pull off our share of this bit: Tonight's remote finds Dave in a public relations blitz, as he manages to get on the cover of five magazines: "Cats," "Dog World," "Heavy Duty Trucking," "Beverage World," and "Convenience World." Our cover: [fimg=400]http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/849/ugc7.jpg[/fimg] We had that softball jersey made up special (by an advertiser) so there'd be no doubt this wasn't a stock shot. We also brought in a fashion photographer to make sure we had a legitimate photo. As for the on-camera stuff, my co-worker and I (our names appearing on screen) had the good sense to stand still, smile and let Dave goof on us unless directly queried. "You look you enjoy a few beverages," he told me, which couldn't be closer to the truth. And yes, it really was our Top 10 issue. Serendipity!

Mets – Willets Point Apr 08 2014 03:22 PM Re: Letterman to retire

When I was a kid I loved Late Night With David Letterman, partly because of the fun of staying up late and partly because of the experimental humor on the show with gimmicks like the Alka-Selzer suit or dropping things off rooftops, sending Larry Bud Melman out to public events, and all sorts of wry things like breaking the fourth wall and detached irony that became commonplace latter on, but weren't really things you saw on tv in the 1980s. I remember one show where he had the audience vote on what he should wear and the set decoration (they brought in patio furniture to replace the regular sofa) and other things, and it was just hilarious. After he moved to CBS, the show seemed to become less creative and just more of regular talk show. I was less interested in watching tv late at night by that point too so I really haven't paid him much attention over the past 20 years.

themetfairy Apr 08 2014 03:30 PM Re: Letterman to retire

I remember going to a CBS Letterman taping at the Ed Sullivan Theater and just freezing to death. The studio for the NBC show was kept at a much more comfortable temperature.

Ceetar Apr 10 2014 10:17 AM Re: Letterman to retire

Internet is saying Colbert. Well, that'll pretty much double my Late Show viewings after the first episode, but it might be dumb if he doesn't stay in character.

Benjamin Grimm Apr 10 2014 10:27 AM Re: Letterman to retire

If it's Colbert, they'll lose me. (Not that they care; I've aged out of the target demographic.) Whoever it is, they'll probably lose me. I like Craig Ferguson, but I doubt that he'll get the gig. I'd probably watch Tina Fey. Maybe John Stewart. But after 33 years of watching Dave ends, I may try life without late night talk shows for a while.

themetfairy Apr 10 2014 10:28 AM Re: Letterman to retire

It appears to be official It will be interesting to see how Colbert adapts to the new format, but I'm expecting that he'll do a great job.

Benjamin Grimm Apr 10 2014 10:30 AM Re: Letterman to retire

Colbert introduced his mock-conservative blowhard persona as a correspondent on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, and got his own show (produced by Stewart) in 2005, which competes with Letterman at 11:30 ET/PT four nights a week. CBS isn't talking yet about location, producer or "specific creative elements" of the new show, but it's fairly safe to say Colbert will shed that persona for an hourlong network talk show. Well, that's encouraging at least. But I still doubt that I'll watch.

Edgy MD Apr 10 2014 10:31 AM Re: Letterman to retire

Colbert, 49, was an early favorite to succeed Letterman, 66, who last week announced plans to step down next year after a 33-year career in late night, including the last 11 on CBS, where he bolted after losing to Jay Leno in his quest to replace another legend, Johnny Carson. Letterman didn't arrive at CBS until 2003. You heard it here first.

Benjamin Grimm Apr 10 2014 10:46 AM Re: Letterman to retire

It really should have read "the first 11 at NBC." Someone got their signals crossed.

Frayed Knot Apr 10 2014 10:54 AM Re: Letterman to retire

Colbert introduced his mock-conservative blowhard persona as a correspondent on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, and got his own show (produced by Stewart) in 2005, which competes with Letterman at 11:30 ET/PT four nights a week. CBS isn't talking yet about location, producer or "specific creative elements" of the new show, but it's fairly safe to say Colbert will shed that persona for an hourlong network talk show. Well, that's encouraging at least. But I still doubt that I'll watch. There's no way he could do that show as the character he's concocted for the cable show(s). That niche role isn't going to appeal to enough people to justify an expensive network slot. I only drop in and out of late night viewing anyway so I'm unlikely to latch on full time or abandon it entirely no matter who they choose. I've yet to see Fallon (either as 'Tonight' host or in his old slot for that matter) not because I'm boycotting him or anything, just haven't gotten around to peaking in.

Centerfield Apr 10 2014 12:27 PM Re: Letterman to retire

The problem is there is no way to know how good he'd be outside of that persona.

MFS62 Apr 10 2014 12:30 PM Re: Letterman to retire

Colbert introduced his mock-conservative blowhard persona as a correspondent on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, and got his own show (produced by Stewart) in 2005, which competes with Letterman at 11:30 ET/PT four nights a week. CBS isn't talking yet about location, producer or "specific creative elements" of the new show, but it's fairly safe to say Colbert will shed that persona for an hourlong network talk show. Well, that's encouraging at least. But I still doubt that I'll watch. There's no way he could do that show as the character he's concocted for the cable show(s). That niche role isn't going to appeal to enough people to justify an expensive network slot. I only drop in and out of late night viewing anyway so I'm unlikely to latch on full time or abandon it entirely no matter who they choose. I've yet to see Fallon (either as 'Tonight' host or in his old slot for that matter) not because I'm boycotting him or anything, just haven't gotten around to peaking in. Getting topical in his monologue, Jay Leno would ask "Did you read about this?" Colbert's audience HAS read about just about any topic he wants to discuss. He strikes me as someone who appeals to an educated demographic. Later

Ceetar Apr 10 2014 12:34 PM Re: Letterman to retire

Centerfield wrote: The problem is there is no way to know how good he'd be outside of that persona. Well, he HAS done other stuff. Even the Daily Show stuff that was of a similar vein wasn't just his current persona.

Mets – Willets Point Apr 10 2014 12:35 PM Re: Letterman to retire

Centerfield wrote: The problem is there is no way to know how good he'd be outside of that persona. Colbert has played other characters, no? http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0170306/?ref_=nv_sr_1#actor

Benjamin Grimm Apr 10 2014 12:37 PM Re: Letterman to retire

He's my third favorite Colbert, behind Claudette and Nate.

Edgy MD Apr 10 2014 01:12 PM Re: Letterman to retire

Something in the way he does George Harrison attracts me like no other comic. [youtube:3q0c4htr]F-ZFNaN02l8[/youtube:3q0c4htr]

Frayed Knot Apr 10 2014 01:24 PM Re: Letterman to retire

MFS62 wrote: Getting topical in his monologue, Jay Leno would ask "Did you read about this?" Colbert's audience HAS read about just about any topic he wants to discuss. He strikes me as someone who appeals to an educated demographic. Later Ehh, I wouldn't go too overboard with that. The whole Stewart/Colbert schtick is based on a type of pseudo-informed audience who get their "news" though those shows. That doesn't mean he can't do anything else, only that I'm not buying that it automatically translates and that there's a difference between playing a character who appeals to being appealing as yourself.

Zvon Apr 10 2014 01:58 PM Re: Letterman to retire

Wow. This was surprising. Colbert is a brilliant interviewer. He'll be fine in or out of character. I'll miss the CC Colbert character tho, cause yea, he can't play that role in this gig. I'll miss the Colbert Report more than I would have missed TDS if Jon Stewart got the job. If I expected one of the two to be offered the show I would have figured on Stewart. But IMO Stephen is the better choice. There was some talk of Chelsea Lately. I've seen her E talk show a few times & I found here very refreshing.

Benjamin Grimm Apr 10 2014 02:03 PM Re: Letterman to retire

It's probably a good choice. (For the network, if not for me.) I never liked his blowhard character. If he leaves it behind, he should do a nice job. Hopefully the show stays in New York. Meanwhile, I think the CBS should change the name of the theater to the Sullivan-Letterman Theater. How do I go about starting a meme?

Ceetar Apr 10 2014 02:09 PM Re: Letterman to retire

Zvon wrote: I'll miss the CC Colbert character tho, cause yea, he can't play that role in this gig. He's not playing the character, but why does the gig have to stay the same? I mean, Colbert is one of the few guys they could've picked that will actually make me at least check out the show, but the format could probably due with some refreshing no?

Frayed Knot Apr 10 2014 03:16 PM Re: Letterman to retire

Zvon wrote: There was some talk of Chelsea Lately. I've seen her E talk show a few times & I found here very refreshing. Speaking of staying in character, does/can she do anything other than her, 'Yeah, I'm a blonde who drinks and fucks a lot' act?

Ashie62 Apr 10 2014 04:16 PM Re: Letterman to retire

There was some talk that Colbert was a natural to appeal to the older demographic with Fallon sensibilities to appeal to the youngers...

Zvon Apr 10 2014 04:48 PM Re: Letterman to retire

Ceetar wrote: I'll miss the CC Colbert character tho, cause yea, he can't play that role in this gig. He's not playing the character, but why does the gig have to stay the same? I mean, Colbert is one of the few guys they could've picked that will actually make me at least check out the show, but the format could probably due with some refreshing no? If you mean just move the Colbert Report into that timeslot on CBS, I think they are looking for a wider range of audience and don't want a political slant. They could do a format change. Say, maybe make it like that BBC talk show that has all the quests come out at once and chat together. But there's only so much you can do with a talk show, and most of it's been done. Bottomline: if you have a good host any format will work. Colbert will be a great host and will amaze some with his knowledge & ability.

Zvon Apr 10 2014 04:51 PM Re: Letterman to retire

Frayed Knot wrote: Zvon wrote: There was some talk of Chelsea Lately. I've seen her E talk show a few times & I found here very refreshing. Speaking of staying in character, does/can she do anything other than her, 'Yeah, I'm a blonde who drinks and fucks a lot' act? I dunno. Haven't seen the show enough. Being a blond who drinks and fucks is enough to make me tune in again someday.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 10 2014 05:15 PM Re: Letterman to retire

Chelsea Handler would've been great, because she's a terrible person who fucked her way to the top with a tired shtick who's pretty much only sympathetic when she's having it out with someone worse like Piers Morgan and where was I going, again? The thing that's lost on people who haven't actually, y'know, watched Colbert-- ahem, FK and BG-- is that he's a really, REALLY good interviewer (notably better than Stewart, and far, far better than Conan O'Brien); he's agile, asks interesting questions, strains to keep his shtick from dwarfing the person opposite him, and actually, y'know, listens. He's also a devout Catholic and a family guy, something that should help comfort people who don't share his perceived political lilt, and people to whom that sort of thing matters when they consider their viewing options. There's always a possibility this goes south-- there ALWAYS is, right?-- but the pseudo-informed money is on its going quite well, methinks.

Benjamin Grimm Apr 10 2014 05:39 PM Re: Letterman to retire

I haven't watched his show, but I've seen him any number of times. I don't like his "character's" schtick, but when he's himself he's okay.

Zvon Apr 10 2014 05:46 PM Re: Letterman to retire

It would suck if his Colbert Report persona would turn people off even before they see him try. But he was so good in that role I could see it being an issue. I can also see Colbert finding a way to use that to his comical advantage when he launches. That's the thing about Chelsea. She doesn't seem to give a shit about anything. She's good in her format, with three others to shift (usually pretty funny folk) to. She plays that well. The short interview usually feels a 'lil more intimate than others. She will land a more mainstream talk show when her E time is up next year.

Frayed Knot Apr 10 2014 06:17 PM Re: Letterman to retire

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: The thing that's lost on people who haven't actually, y'know, watched Colbert-- ahem, FK and BG-- is that he's a really, REALLY good interviewer (notably better than Stewart, and far, far better than Conan O'Brien); he's agile, asks interesting questions, strains to keep his shtick from dwarfing the person opposite him, and actually, y'know, listens. Again, I'm not saying he CAN'T make the transition from character to real guy (I haven't seen him enough to have an opinion on the matter) only that he'd have to in order to appeal to the broader audience that an established network show is going to want. Obviously, assuming this is officially official, Les Moonves and the moneymen at CBS are convinced that he can.

Edgy MD Apr 10 2014 08:06 PM Re: Letterman to retire

The inspired part of his character is that he tips his real guy soon enough in every interview.

themetfairy Apr 10 2014 09:02 PM Re: Letterman to retire

Jon Stewart opened tonight's show with heartfelt congratulations to his friend and colleague.

Ceetar Apr 10 2014 09:11 PM Re: Letterman to retire

themetfairy wrote: Jon Stewart opened tonight's show with heartfelt congratulations to his friend and colleague. Daily Show really doing well in terms of graduating guys to the big time.

Zvon Apr 10 2014 09:50 PM Re: Letterman to retire

themetfairy wrote: Jon Stewart opened tonight's show with heartfelt congratulations to his friend and colleague. That was nice and genuine. TDS has always been good since Stewart took over but it was, IMO, the shit when Carell and Colbert were the corespondents. When Colbert did the Python silly walk behind the politician in an interview that time I was crying in laughter.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 10 2014 10:20 PM Re: Letterman to retire

Ceetar wrote: themetfairy wrote: Jon Stewart opened tonight's show with heartfelt congratulations to his friend and colleague. Daily Show really doing well in terms of graduating guys to the big time. Holy hell, right? Far better batting average than SNL, even over the last few years.

Benjamin Grimm Apr 29 2014 09:04 AM Re: Letterman to retire

Craig Ferguson, who follows Dave in the 12:35 slot, will also be stepping down, effective December 2014.

Ashie62 Apr 29 2014 06:18 PM Re: Letterman to retire

As part of his contract Ferguson got 10 million out the door for not being "promoted" at CBS I will be Geoffrey the most...