Watch Late Show with David Letterman

From 1993 to 2015, the Late Show with David Letterman was a staple of American late-night television. Hosted by David Letterman and featuring his loyal musical director, Paul Shaffer, the show redefined the genre of the talk show and became a cultural touchstone for generations of Americans. The Late Show with David Letterman premiered on CBS on August 30th, 1993, taking over the coveted time slot previously held by Johnny Carson's legendary The Tonight Show. Letterman, a former weatherman turned stand-up comedian, had gained a devoted following during his time hosting NBC's Late Night with David Letterman, and his move to CBS was seen as a major shift in the late-night landscape. One of the defining features of the Late Show was its irreverent, offbeat humor. Letterman was known for his quick wit and his willingness to push the boundaries of what was considered appropriate for network television. His Top Ten Lists, in which he would mock current events or pop culture trends, became a signature of the show, as did his Stupid Human Tricks segment, in which ordinary people would showcase bizarre talents. But while Letterman was the face of the Late Show, Paul Shaffer was its musical heart. Shaffer, a veteran of Saturday Night Live and other comedy programs, had been Letterman's bandleader since 1982, and the two had a dynamic chemistry that was impossible to replicate. Shaffer's band, the CBS Orchestra, was a fixture of the Late Show, providing musical accompaniment for guests and performing humorous skits and parodies. Over the course of its 22-year run, the Late Show with David Letterman featured some of the biggest names in show business. Everyone from actors and musicians to politicians and athletes made appearances on the show, with many becoming regular guests. One of Letterman's favorite targets was his friend and fellow comedian, Jay Leno, with whom he had a long-standing rivalry that played out on television. The Late Show was also known for its elaborate stunts and pranks. Letterman was famously fond of disrupting interviews or surprising his guests with unexpected gags, such as the time he filled actress Drew Barrymore's shirt with whipped cream. He also had a penchant for performing dangerous stunts, such as diving into a vat of water or riding a horse through the halls of the Ed Sullivan Theater. But while the Late Show was often silly and lighthearted, it also had moments of genuine emotion and gravitas. Letterman was renowned for his thoughtful, introspective interviews with guests, often delving into their personal lives and struggles. He was also unafraid to tackle serious topics, such as the 9/11 attacks and the war in Iraq, using his platform to address important issues and advocate for change. Throughout its run, the Late Show with David Letterman remained a cultural touchstone, influencing countless comedians and talk show hosts who followed in its wake. When Letterman retired in 2015, he was widely praised for his contributions to the genre and his role in shaping modern television. But for fans of the show, the end of the Late Show was bittersweet. After more than two decades, it was hard to imagine late-night television without Letterman and Shaffer's irreverent humor and infectious chemistry. Yet their legacy lived on, a testament to the enduring power of a well-crafted talk show and the people who brought it to life.