Top 10 Things You Should Know About David Letterman

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It’s almost over. David Letterman, far and away my favorite TV talk show host, has been doing late-night television longer than anyone else out there, 33 years to be exact, and tonight, his 6,028th show, will be his last and that makes me sad.

In honor of the Late Show host’s iconic Top 10 lists, our friends at Newser compiled the 10 best pieces of Letterman reading out there:

“David Letterman, Prickly Late-Night Innovator, Counts Down to His Exit”: The New York Times offers a sort of obituary for Letterman’s career that answers one question you may not have known you had: Was he friendly with his favorite guests in real life? “I’ve never seen him outside of the building,” says a laughing Julia Roberts, who had great onscreen rapport with Dave during her 26 visits to the show.
“The Top 10 List of Top 10 Lists About the Late Show“: Yes, lots of outlets are playing off the “Top 10” idea, and the Guardian rounds up the best (including the 10 best times Roberts and Letterman flirted).
“David Letterman and Bill Murray Share One LastLate Show Moment”: Murray is another one of Dave’s memorable repeat guests, and last night he went out with a bang. The Raw Story also has video of Murray’sfirst appearance on the show.
“8 Comedians Who Worked for David Letterman Before They Were Big”: One of the names on Mashable’s list: Louis CK.
“Why David Letterman Is Among TV History’s Biggest Losers”: Not all of the coverage is fawning. The Washington Post highlights Letterman’s “very long, very public tenure as second banana.”

“My Favorite Moments of Late Night With David Letterman“: Merrill Markoe, the Late Night writer who created “Stupid Pet Tricks,” among other iconic Letterman segments, compiles her list of favorites (with video for all) from the Late Night days in the early 1980s.
“Jimmy Kimmel Pays Tribute to David Letterman”: Kimmel spent more than six minutes of his show last night honoring Letterman (and he’ll continue honoring him by airing a rerun tonight).
“David Letterman’s Friends, Enemies, and Frenemies Through the Years”: WaPo continues its let’s-be-honest coverage of Letterman by reminding us of those who didn’t get along with the “prickly” host, including sometimes-awkward video.
“David Letterman’s First Episode of Late Night Was Totally Bizarre (and Fun)”: Entertainment Weeklyoffers highlights from that 1982 episode “that helped kick off … his reputation for trail-blazing.”
“How We Freaked Out David Letterman”: Penn Jillette offers a behind-the-scenes look at Penn & Teller’s … memorable second appearance on Dave’s show.

Click for five great tributes to Letterman from other comedians and VIPs.

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Professor Mike

Professor Mike is a left-leaning, dog loving, political junkie. He has written dozens of articles for Substack, Medium, Simily, and Tribel. Professor Mike has been published at Smerconish.com, among others. He is a strong proponent of the environment, and a passionate protector of animals. In addition he is a fierce anti-Trumper. Take a moment and share his work.

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