David Letterman, the legendary talk show host, recently opened up about his experience hosting over 4,000 episodes of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. During a guest appearance on the show, Letterman and Colbert discussed their shared experiences in the “weird job” of hosting a talk show.
Letterman reflected on the unique nature of his role, noting that very few people have had the opportunity to host a talk show. He mentioned his admiration for talk show pioneers like Johnny Carson and Jack Parr, but admitted that he didn’t have anyone he could call and discuss the challenges of hosting with.
Colbert, who is no stranger to the talk show scene himself, commended Letterman for his incredible run on The Late Show. Letterman hosted an impressive 4,000+ shows during his tenure, earning him the nickname “Iron Man of Late Night.” Letterman brushed off the praise, simply stating that “they were all damn good.”
When asked about what he misses most about hosting a talk show, Letterman replied, “I miss everything.” He explained that hosting provided him with the opportunity to have fun, take risks, and try again if something didn’t go according to plan. The ability to continuously improve and deliver great shows kept him engaged and excited.
Letterman also shared an amusing anecdote from his visit to Colbert’s office. He asked if there was a place he could hide from his producers, mentioning the term “Heidi hole.” Although perplexed at first, Letterman found out that there was indeed a secret hiding spot close enough to the producers’ area where he could hear them calling for him without them knowing his location.
Despite the challenges and pressures of hosting a talk show, Letterman expressed his fondness for the job and the sense of accomplishment it brought. He mentioned that even years later, he would reflect on a particularly successful episode and think, “By God, let’s do that again.”
Letterman’s conversation with Colbert shed light on the behind-the-scenes intricacies of hosting a talk show and the passion and dedication required to deliver quality entertainment night after night. As fans eagerly await the next late-night sensation to grace our screens, we can look back on the incredible legacy left by David Letterman on The Late Show.
