What Happened to David Letterman?

David Michael Letterman, born April 12, 1947, carved out an unparalleled legacy in American late-night television. His career began in local Indianapolis media as a weatherman and radio host, where his unconventional humor first gained attention. Moving to Los Angeles in 1975, he honed his stand-up comedy skills at The Comedy Store and quickly became a favorite guest on 'The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,' who became a mentor.

Letterman's groundbreaking 'Late Night with David Letterman' premiered on NBC in 1982, redefining the talk show format with its irreverent humor, self-deprecating style, and innovative segments like 'Stupid Pet Tricks' and the 'Top 10 List.' After a highly publicized 'late-night war' in the early 1990s where he was passed over for 'The Tonight Show' host role in favor of Jay Leno, Letterman moved to CBS in 1993 to launch 'Late Show with David Letterman.' This move was a significant turning point, establishing him as a direct competitor to NBC and solidifying his status as a late-night icon. His production company, Worldwide Pants, also found immense success producing 'Everybody Loves Raymond.'

After 33 years and 6,080 episodes across both networks, Letterman announced his retirement from the 'Late Show' in April 2014, with his final broadcast airing on May 20, 2015. The decision was driven by a desire to spend more time with his family and a feeling that it was simply time to conclude his long run. His departure marked the end of an era, with Stephen Colbert succeeding him on CBS.

In his post-late-night career, Letterman has embraced a more intimate interview format with his Netflix series, 'My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman,' which debuted in 2018. The show has garnered critical acclaim and Emmy awards, featuring in-depth conversations with global figures and celebrities. The sixth season of the series premiered in December 2025, featuring guests like Michael B. Jordan, MrBeast, and Jason Bateman. Letterman also produced the Disney+ docu-special 'Bono & The Edge: A Sort of Homecoming' in 2023.

As of May 2026, Letterman remains engaged in the entertainment world. He is scheduled to appear at the Netflix Is A Joke Fest in Los Angeles from May 4-10, 2026, hosting 'This Better Be Funny With David Letterman' with guests like Martin Short and John Mulaney. He has also recently commented on the state of late-night television, expressing his thoughts on CBS's decision to replace 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' with a Byron Allen-produced comedy block, stating, "They don't want to spend any money." Letterman, who turned 79 in April 2026, has stated that "retirement is a myth" and that he intends to continue working.