David Letterman Announces Retirement from ‘The Late Show’

TV legend David Letterman has announced his retirement. The Late Show host will vacate the Ed Sullivan Theater stage in New York City in 2015.

Former R.E.M. star Mike Mills let the news slip on Thursday afternoon after he had been a guest on the taping of the show, during which the 67-year-old host announced his plans to step down in a year.

Now, Letterman, who has been fronting the show for 21 years, has released his Thursday night monologue, in which he reveals he broke the news to his network boss at CBS, Les Moonves, before the taping began.

He said, “The man who (runs) this network, Leslie Moonves, he and I have had a relationship for years and years and years, and we have had this conversation in the past, and we agreed that we would work together on this circumstance and the timing of this circumstance.

“I phoned him just before the programme, and I said, ‘Leslie, it’s been great, you’ve been great, and the network has been great, but I’m retiring’.”
Letterman added, “I just want to reiterate my thanks for the support from the network, all of the people who have worked here, all of the people in the theatre, all the people on the staff, everybody at home, thank you very much.

“We don’t have the timetable for this precisely down – I think it will be at least a year or so, but sometime in the not too distant future.”

A statement from Moonves reads: “When Dave decided on a one-year extension for his most recent contract, we knew this day was getting closer, but that doesn’t make the moment any less poignant for us. For 21 years, David Letterman has graced our network’s air in late night with wit, gravitas and brilliance unique in the history of our medium. During that time, Dave has given television audiences thousands of hours of comedic entertainment, the sharpest interviews in late night, and brilliant moments of candor and perspective around national events.

“There is only one David Letterman. His greatness will always be remembered here, and he will certainly sit among the pantheon of this business.

“On a personal note, it’s been a privilege to get to know Dave and to enjoy a terrific relationship. It’s going to be tough to say goodbye.”

Some of U.S. TV’s biggest names have taken to Twitter to acknowledge the news: Ellen DeGeneres writes, “David @Letterman announced he’s retiring in 2015. It’s been 31 incredible years. Television won’t be the same without you, Dave,” and former Seinfeld star Jason Alexander adds, “Mr. Letterman, you have always been the best. I’ve had more fun on your show and you’ve been a class guy all the way. Enjoy ur (your) final days.”

Responses

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  1. Any thoughts on who his replacement might be? The first name that comes to my mind is Jon Stewart because he already has a huge late night fan base and I believe his contract is up around that time. I like Craig Ferguson but his format is WAY different from all the other late night hosts

  2. Craig Ferguson is actually my favorite 🙂 But yea – he has a way different format that I don’t think would work in that time slot. Jon Stewart would be interesting – but I love the Daily Show so much that I would hate to see him leave. That really doesn’t leave anyone though does it? I almost venture to say it has to be someone completely new – or new to late night at least.

  3. I agree, Craig Ferguson is the funniest of them. One name that should have been obvious to me is Chelsea Handler. You had posted that she was not going to renew her contract, maybe she’s lining up for a late night position. I just am not sure she has a strong fan base but she would the first female host (not including guest hosts)