David Letterman Question

[gwynne]

I may not remember this right but I don't think it was Carson's decision. In fact, I thought Carson wanted Dave and was not pleased with NBC giving the job to Leno. That was why he came back and guested on Dave's show but never with Leno.

You do remember it right. Carson and Letterman were friends. Carson (after he retired) used to call and give Letterman jokes now and then.

 

[MomofKatie]

Letterman has a different style of interviewing. He doesn't fawn all over his guests, and he doesn't suffer fools gladly. If he thinks a guest is not worth his time, he doesn't really try to hide his disdain. Pair this with his dry sense of humor, and he can seem pretty curmudgeonly.

Julia Roberts was on the show recently, and she told Dave she was nervous and scared of him before her first appearance. Dave asked why she would ever be afraid, and she told him several fellow young actresses had told her horror stories about how mean he was and how he made their interviews hard. She then said that she was fine after her first appearance, and she figured out Dave just didn't like stupid people.

 

[Andtototoo]

I could never see the appeal of Letterman. He always seemed smug to me and I can't stand smug. But to each their own!

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

I know what you mean. I've always thought he was super annoying and an awful host. He can't interview worth poop in my opinion. He's always making weird noises and he hardly knows what he's talking about. Half the time it seems like he doesn't even know who he's interviewing. At least, that's the way it was the last time I watched him..but it seems that way every time I see a clip of him. I for one won't be sad to see him go.

Uh Letterman is acknowledged as one of the best interviewers of the late night hosts. His weakness is stand up.

 

[kimblebee]

Uh Letterman is acknowledged as one of the best interviewers of the late night hosts. His weakness is stand up.

I'm allowed to have an opinion and this is mine.

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

I'm allowed to have an opinion and this is mine.

And I am allowed to comment on said opinion.

 

[Handbag Lady]

I love David Letterman and I will miss him more than I can say. At least I won't have to stay up late any longer for a great guest and I will have more time on my hands from not having to spend time emptying my DVR for average guests.

When he leaves next week, there will be no more good late-night TV hosts. Craig SHOULD have been given the Letterman job. I hope Craig's pilot pans out.

 

[jtobykrauss]

He lives in the same town I do and always see him at jogging or at the local shops he is a little awkward but super nice for a celebrity.

 

[denisem]

Letterman is definitely a "love him/hate him" kinda guy/comedian (as we can see by the replies). I've enjoyed the tributes by all the guests for the last month or so.

I love him; and anyone who had Johnny Carson's respect is good enough for me!

 

[hereyago]

I will miss him. I watched tonight and Norm Mcdonald was doing a standup skit and tried to hold back some tears. It got me all choked up.

 

[asta]

I will miss him. I watched tonight and Norm Mcdonald was doing a standup skit and tried to hold back some tears. It got me all choked up.

Me too! It seems so not Letterman to get all sentimental but I had tears tonight. I think I will be in trouble next week.

 

[Planogirl]

I'll give Colbert a shot but otherwise I'm pretty much done with late night too. I miss Craig.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I may not remember this right but I don't think it was Carson's decision. In fact, I thought Carson wanted Dave and was not pleased with NBC giving the job to Leno. That was why he came back and guested on Dave's show but never with Leno.

Not sure on your statement. I do know Carson a bonafide jerk to everyone, so I would not put it past him. In addition I am sure it was network wars to boot.

That being said, that is when I felt the show jumped the shark so to speak.

 

[moon]

Me too! It seems so not Letterman to get all sentimental but I had tears tonight. I think I will be in trouble next week.

So will I!

 

[missbrooke06]

Not sure on your statement. I do know Carson a bonafide jerk to everyone, so I would not put it past him. In addition I am sure it was network wars to boot.

That being said, that is when I felt the show jumped the shark so to speak.

Asta is correct. There's a great book about it called The Late Shift by Bill Carter. I believe it's out of print.

I can't say I'm a huge Letterman fan as I do find everything except his interviewing awkward. Maybe it's a generational thing as I tend to prefer the guys Letterman inspired like Conan and Jon Stewart.

 

[Original Amber]

Dave's image belongs next to Johnny's.