It will be the end of an era. David Letterman says that he plans to retire from Late Show with David Letterman in 2015. The host made the announcement at the taping of this evening’s show.
He said, “The man who owns 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. And I phoned him just before the program, and I said ‘Leslie, it’s been great, you’ve been great, and the network has been great, but I’m retiring.”
Letterman continued, “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 theater, all the people on the staff, everybody at home, thank you very much. What this means now, is that Paul and I can be married. 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, 2015 for the love of God, in fact, Paul and I will be wrapping things up.”
Update: Here’s an official statement from CBS:
STATEMENT FROM LESLIE MOONVES, PRESIDENT AND CEO, CBS CORPORATION, REGARDING DAVID LETTERMAN ANNOUNCING HIS RETIREMENT
“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. He’s also managed to keep many celebrities, politicians and executives on their toes – including me. 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. Fortunately, we won’t have to do that for another year or so. Until then, we look forward to celebrating Dave’s remarkable show and incredible talents.”
What do you think? Will you miss Late Show with David Letterman? Do you think it’s time? Who should replace him? Jay Leno?
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6 Comments on "Late Show with David Letterman: Host Retiring in 2015 (Updated)"
jay leno would be the perfect replacemen hostt for lleterman. he irony woould be awesome.
Yes I will miss The Late Show with David Letterman. I grew up watching that show since I was a kid on the weekends. I would love it if they continued it late at night again. But I understand if David Letterman wants to retire. But I would love it if he continued more episodes. The same with Jay Leno I watched him since I was a kid. Glad they kept the show on.
I have always seen Letterman as Carson’s true heir. Letterman is both amusing and intelligent and I will be sad to se him go. I hope CBS can work out a deal with some specials for the next few years to relieve the pressure of the day to day but allow Dave’s quirky intellect to stay in our living rooms.
I would like to see Craig Ferguson succeed, I think the Carson debacle should give some guidance. Whether he is able to make the change to more mainstream I have no doubt, whether he wants to, I am not sure.
I always watch Letterman. He is not the greatest for the monologue but it does not go on forever. I don’t like the top ten list either.
I like the rapport between Dave and Paul. I watch for the guestss which are always excellent. The fact the Dave does his homework on the people who will be on his show makes it much more exciting. I can’t think anyone that I would watch when he leaves. Surprise me. I am not crazy about any of the other late night hosts.
Thank you Mr Letterman.