On February 1, 1982, Late Night with David Letterman premiered. The influential show brought the former stand-up comic and host of NBC’s Emmy-winning but little-seen The David Letterman Show to a new time slot, and late night TV was forever changed.
Letterman’s sarcastic style and love for the absurd were evident from the first episode, which showed footage of “metal being joined,” in response to “man on the street”-style requests. Letterman also gave a tour of NBC, to reveal a jungle-like green room, and a control hub in which Oktoberfest was being celebrated.
However, what most comes to mind from the first episode is Bill Murray‘s rambling, extended appearance as the show’s first guest.
Murray padded the show with a marathon interview segment, during which the Saturday Night Live and Stripes vet alternatively picked fights with, and showered love on, Letterman. Murray also showed footage of what he insisted was his new baby panda, and later performed Olivia Newton John‘s “Physical” as only Bill Murray could.
The first episode also featured a science segment with Don “Mr. Wizard” Herbert.
The show, which many comics have since cited as a major influence — including Letterman’s Late Night successors Conan O’Brien, and Seth Meyers — featured segments like “Stupid Pet Tricks,” and “Monkey Cam,” and absurdist stunts, like Dave’s Velcro suit and trampoline gag.
Late Night with David Letterman ran until June 25, 1993; Letterman left NBC to host the Late Show with David Letterman on CBS.
In 2013, Late Night and The Late Show with David Letterman were jointly ranked No. 41 on TV Guide‘s “60 Best Series of All Time”.
Late Night with David Letterman won two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series, and one Emmy for Directing in the Variety Series category.
Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Related Posts
Music notes: Mariah Carey, Lady Gaga and more
March 28, 2024
Mariah Carey is continuing to celebrate her 55th birthday — or anniversary, as she says. She posted…
Maroon 5 approves of Mick Jagger’s dance to their hit song
March 28, 2024
Christopher Polk/Getty Images for A&M/OctoneOn March 27, Rolling Stones legend Mick Jagger posted a…
Keanu Reeves, Fisher Stevens prepping documentary on MMA legend Benny Urquidez
March 28, 2024
RB/Bauer-Griffin/GC ImagesKeanu Reeves knows his way around a martial arts mat, what with his…
In “Hell Together,” David Archuleta expresses his “joy” at leaving his religion — with his family
March 28, 2024
Irvin RiveraDavid Archuleta, who came out as queer in 2021, announced in 2023 that he was leaving…
Noah Kahan reflects on “surreal” first show of North American We’ll All Be Here Forever Tour
March 28, 2024
John Medina/Getty ImagesThe North American leg of Noah Kahan's We'll All Be Here Forever Tour…
‘Twilight’ vet Kristen Stewart says she would have broken up with Edward “immediately”
March 28, 2024
Dominique Charriau/WireImageKristen Stewart obviously still has some feelings for her Twilight…
Miley Cyrus, Post Malone, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson feature on Beyoncé’s new album ‘Cowboy Carter’
March 28, 2024
Parkwood/ColumbiaBeyoncé's new album, Cowboy Carter, is already out in some parts of the world, so…
Tom Holland’s Romeo gets his Juliet for West End theater production
March 28, 2024
Good Morning AmericaOn Thursday, The Jamie Lloyd Company announced the full cast for Tom Holland's…