On August 30, 1993, the LATE SHOW with DAVID LETTERMAN premiered on the CBS Television Network. Since its debut 15 years ago, the critically acclaimed, multi-award-winning late-night program has remained one of the funniest and most creative shows on television.
Letterman, who marked his 25th year in late night television in February 2007, continues to draw praise from television critics. In fact, the LATE SHOW was named one of Entertainment Weekly's "New Classics - Television," praising that "we still celebrate his somewhat mellowed brilliance at CBS: canned hams, ‘Will It Float?', hassling Rupert, and the ongoing liberation of countless blue cards and pencils. Heart trouble and shingles be damned, his cackle is eternal."
One look at the LATE SHOW makes it apparent that the program, which is often imitated but never matched, is unlike any other talk show. With its commitment to showcasing the most sought-after stars in entertainment, music, sports and politics, as well as its around-the-town remotes and visits to local establishments, its surprise guest appearances, inventive comedy segments and signature Top Ten List, the LATE SHOW delivers an unpredictable hour of innovative viewing each night.
The LATE SHOW has received numerous honors, including 57 Emmy nominations and nine Emmy Awards, including six for Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Program in 1994, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002. It is the only competing late-night program to be consistently honored with Emmy nominations for Outstanding Writing. The show was named Program of the Year at the 1994 Television Critics Awards, and in 1995 and 2001 Letterman was nominated for a Career Achievement Award by the TCA. He has won two American Comedy Awards as Funniest Male Performer in a Television Series and a Foundation Award from the International Radio and Television Society for his "extraordinary domination in late-night television." Letterman was also honored as "Favorite Late Night Talk Show Host" at the 31st Annual People's Choice Awards in 2005.