The show opens with a haunting intro by NYC-based character actor Calvert Deforest; the NBC Peacock girls introduce Dave; throughout the night, a welding demonstration is held backstage; Dave gives a tour of the backstage area; Bill Murray dances to Olivia Newton-John's hit "Physical"; “Shame of the City”; Dave and Don "Mr. Wizard" Herbert experiment with air compression; Steve Fessler recites lines from the movie "Bowery at Midnight”; Dave gives an office tour to a man named Stanley and a cameraman.
Dave selects an audience member named Sally to operate one of the show's cameras; in the first installment of "Limited Perspecitve," Manhattan-based dentist Norman Hoffman reviews Reds; Pat Paulsen reprises his walking-on-water act as first performed on the "Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" in 1969.
After baseball great Hank Aaron is interviewed on the show, he leaves the set and is interviewed again by WNBC-TV's Al "Marv's Brother" Albert, asking him how the earlier interview went.
A woman named Rita Stipo shows her home movies from New Year's Eve, 1954-55; in the first installment of "Stupid Pet Tricks," a dog hugs her owner, another sneezes and answers the phone, and a rabbit rides a skateboard; Joe Flaherty and John Candy plug "SCTV."
As Walter Fairservis, a professor of Anthropology, drones on about his academic interests, a split-screen exposes Dave's hidden thoughts on how this interview is going. Also, a "man on the street"-type segment finds that the populace of New York City couldn't care less if the Empire State Building were demolished.
Paul introduces the members of his as-yet-named house band; as a Valentine's Day tribute, Harve Mann sings a medley of television theme songs.
Remote: ""Celebrities and their Dry-Cleaning.""
Christopher Reeve talks about press labeling people and why he's lost respect for Marlon Brando.
A (bogus) look at the 1982 World's Fair; Hank Williams, Jr. is interviewed, and sings ""A Country Boy Can Survive;"" ""Celebrities and Their Auto Body Repairs;"" Elayne Boosler does stand-up; director John Carpenter plugs The Thing.
Special show featuring Paul Simon.
It's "Haircut Day," as throughout the show three student barbers cut the hair of audience participants; Alan King shares a clip from "The Ed Sullivan Show"; an ad for Melman Buslines.
A segment producer's dream pairing: Mr. T and Ron Howard, TV's "Opie," guest on the show. Mr. T stays for three full segments, while Howard is almost bumped.
James Brown (in his first Late Night appearance) wings it with the World's Most Dangerous Band, hangs with Dave for four segments, and performs "Sex Machine," "There Was a Time," and "I Got the Feeling."
Larry "Bud" guest-hosts the show while Dave enjoys his vacation, building a ship model at home. Dave returns to the studio after Larry has attempted for the first time in his life to exercise, shortly after being encouraged by Jack and Elaine LaLanne.
After being bumped from the debut episode of Late Night, Warren Zevon finally appears on the show, performing ""Excitable Boy.""
"The Doctors" soap opera actor Alec Baldwin leads two audience members to spy on his set and find out why it's being cancelled. Later in the show, Andy Kaufman, dressed in a diaper, swallows a sword and performs "My Rose Marie."
Extended episode, 90 minutes.
Taped Feb 2
1st Anniversary Special Late Night celebrates its first anniversary with a 90-minute all-star gala, featuring Hollywood's own Army Archerd, who introduces luminaries, such as Captain Haggerty, Howard Taylor, and Calvert DeForest as they emerge from their limousines and enter the NBC studios at Rockefeller Center to watch a clip show. Dave introduces "El Knob Grande," also known as The Giant Doorknob. James Brown appears for three segments, performing "I Feel Good" and "Doin' It to Death."
""Bad Phone Call"" to TV's Larry Hovis; Dr. Ruth Westheimer answers audience questions; Tommy Casabona drills a hole in Dave's desk to accomodate the desktop microphone cord (the legendary RCA 77DX); former ""Saturday Night Live"" creator/executive producer Lorne Michaels visits.
Dave makes a Bad Phone Call to "Hogan's Heroes" star Larry Hovis; Dr. Ruth Westheimer answers audience questions; Tommy Casabona drills a hole in Dave's desk to accomodate the desktop microphone cord (see recap); former "Saturday Night Live" creator/executive producer Lorne Michaels visits
Sly Stone (performing "Dance to the Music" with the WMDB) and Sandra Bernhard make their debut appearances on Late Night- Sly, his first and last; Sandra, her first of 28. Also, on "Get To Know Your Staff," George Meyer reveals that he's a gag writer by day, crimefighter by night.
Dave invites poorly-seated audience member Cathy Renault to sit onstage; Andy Kaufman & Freddie Blassie visit; Alba Ballard and her assistant show off costumed birds.
Dave invites poorly-seated audience member Cathy Renault to tell a monologue joke and sit onstage; Andy Kaufman and wrestling great Freddie Blassie visit; Alba Ballard and her assistant show off costumed birds.
The second Friday special of the year features Steve Khan subbing for Hiram Bullock, Madeline Khan as guest, Chaka Khan performing "Tearin' It Up," and saxophonist Dave "not a Khan" Sanborn making his first appearance on Late Night.
Carrie Fisher visits the show to talk about the new 'Return of the Jedi' film and tells David how she always wanted to be the center square on the game show The Hollywood Squares.
Guest Robin Williams talks about his newborn son, taking sax lessons and more.
R.E.M. performs ""Radio Free Europe.""
Dave introduces a new clip policy: promos from specific movies are replaced with the "General All-Purpose Film Clip," a scene from a 70s porno flick called "Oui Girls
It's "Camping with Barry White Night" as the bass-voiced singer gives sage advice on camping do's and don'ts. Also, Bobcat Goldthwait makes his network television debut.
Bob & Doug McKenzie
Dave introduces his Columbus Day gift collection and fronts an Afterschool Special called ""They Took My Show Away;"" Gilda Radner promotes Roseanne Roseannadanna's ""Hey, Get Back to Work!"" book, which has an unusually long forward. Later she and Dave call Mrs. Elizabeth Gilles, the prototype for Gilda's Emily Litella character on ""Saturday Night Live.""
Dave goes across the hallway and annoys Sophia Loren, who is in the Live-at-Five make-up room; Chris Elliott makes his first appearance as The Conspiracy Guy, as his rant is cut off with a "Please Stand By" note to the home viewer; in their network television debut, R.E.M. performed "Radio Free Europe" and a rough cut of "So. Central Rain (I'm Sorry)."
From a maniac's camera point-of-view, Larry "Bud" puts a pumpkin on his face and stalks Dave with a knife; Pee Wee Herman drops by dressed as a pirate; Frank Zappa makes his last appearance on the show.
""New Dial-It Services;"" Bill Cosby; comedian-juggler Michael Davis.
"New Dial-It Services;" Bill Cosby discusses child-rearing; comedian-juggler Michael Davis.
It's the very first "Custom Show": an NBC page fills in for Bill; the theme from Gilligan's Island is played; the audience picks the monologue jokes; and Dr. Ruth is selected as the first guest, edging out Teri Garr. The names of each and every audience member is included in the closing credits.
Larry "Bud" greets bus passengers arriving at the New York City Port Authority with hot towels, constantly moving the microphone away from his mouth before finishing his sentences. Dave described the odd behavior and overall incompetence to "a ventriloquist in training."
Andy Kaufman brings on the set his adopted black kids Herb, George, and Tony (also called Tino). Meanwhile, B.B. King performs "The Thrill Is Gone" and "Hummingbird."
Guest Isabella Rossellini talks about life with her famous parents Roberto Rossellini and Ingrid Bergman.
Saturday airing
Dave unveils his Kitchen of Tomorrow, but not all of the props work.
Dave returns to his Kitchen of Tomorrow with the Crouton Toaster. Later he and Paul stage a Rocket Chair Race. The Stupid Pet Tricks segment include a dog that can buy beer and a cockroach walking a tightrope. The postponed ""Know Your Staff"" piece highlights show guitarist Steve Cahn.
Leno suggests why aliens never visits MIT.
George details the changes he would make if he were in charge of all sports.
Chris Elliott (as The Panicky Guy) dies and gets a call from Gordon Cooper; Howard Stern defends his controversial local radio show.
Tonight on "Ask Mr. Melman," audience member Susan Blair asks Larry "Bud" for advice on being an art student moving to NYC. Larry replies, "Be ready for a lot of suffering."
During his interview, Steve Martin feels sick, goes up to Dave's office to lie down, and is later seen having a party with about twenty others, including Brooke Shields and NBC's Science Correspondant Robert Bazell.
Tonight on "Viewer Mail": a viewer complains that the monologue isn't funny enough; this gives Dave another excuse to once again fire Old Henry.
Guest Whoopi Goldberg explains the unusual benefits of working as a mortuary cosmetologist.
Having been teased for the last few months for wearing green pants for the show, Bill Wendell appears tonight in a tuxedo; New Product Tester Bob McMath displays "gorilla balls"; Bob Hope drops by unexpectedly to chat; Chris Elliott stars in the fifth episode of The Guy Under the Seats: "Disaster in Shaft Nine."
Tonight on "Brush With Greatness," Dave brings Rickey Henderson in from the hall for a wave to the audience; John Lowe of Hammacher Schlemmer demonstrates expensive new products for Christmas, one of which is a 6-foot blimp; Eddie Murphy later uses the blimp as a phallic symbol: "Yeah, that's about right."
It's “Christmas With the Lettermans,” as Dave and his family (wife Audrey, brother Daryl, and kids Hank, Terry, Melissa, and Kyle) celebrate the holiday with Pat Boone and Brother Theodore.
""Brush With Greatness;"" Dave brings Rickey Henderson in from the hall for a wave to the audience; John Lowe of Hammacher Schlemmer shows gifts and gadgets; Eddie Murphy plugs Beverly Hills Cop.
Saturday
Dave wears the Suit of Sponges; after being dipped into 25 gallons of water, his weight increases from 190 to over 500 pounds. With Douglas Adams, Jack Hanna & Rich Hall.
Los Angeles, Day 4: the Hollywood sign behind Dave reads "El Monte"; also in the backdrop, Mayor Tom Bradley throws things behind Dave's desk, with the obligatory crashing noises; Johnny Carson drops by with a quick-to-assemble "Tonight Show" desk, then completes a joke he began on his own show an hour earlier.
It's the 552nd ""Late Night"" program, and the fourth to originate in L.A. County. The Hollywood sign behind Dave reads ""El Monte."" Within that backdrop, Mayor Tom Bradley throws things behind Dave's desk, with the obligatory crashing noises. Johnny Carson drops by with a quick-to-assemble ""Tonight Show"" desk.
Taped Jun 5 Thanks Donz
Taped June 3
Pre-taped June 4?
Included: ""Brush with Greatness,"" now with writer's embellishments.
Tom Hanks plugs Volunteers; Chris Elliott is ""The Fugitive Guy;"" Mickey Mantle visits.
Returning NBC affiliate WSAV in Savannah, GA., is brought up to date throughout the show with ""Al Frisch's NBC Theatre;"" ""Viewer Mail;"" Ohio State Fair blue ribbon prize winner Seth Miranda displays giant fruits and vegetables; Chris Elliott with a look at ""The Fugitive Guy;"" a tour of 46th St.; fashion designer Dianne Brill visits.
Tonight's episode of The Fugitive Guy: "Eenie Meenie Minie Murder." Meanwhile, Francesco Hernandez (of Jose Cuevro fame) whistles "New York, New York."
Aired at 11:30 PM this night
Cold open: Dave rips Arnold Schwarzenegger's sport coat; ""Viewer Mail;"" Dave talks with Arnold and tries to coax fiancee Maria Shriver from the green room; a confused Chris Elliott is under the seats for ""The Fugitive Guy;"" Julia Child makes an omelet; a surprise walk-on from George Burns.
90 minute episode
""Top 10 Complaints About Brent Musberger;"" ""Dumb Ads;"" Lily Tomlin; Dave answers the NBC complaint line; Sting and Branford Marsalis perform ""Roxanne,"" and talk about Bring On The Night.
Andrea Martin, Catherine O' Hara (90 minute show)
General Electric has responded to the show's first batch of jokes. As such, Letterman has his own pushbutton and a brochure on pushbuttons, courtesy of G.E.'s General Purpose Control Department in Bloomington, Illinois. Before getting to the guests, Letterman shows off actual Christmas items.
Cold opening: ""Grant Tinker"" comments on sending ""Tom and the gang"" to Tokyo for the Late Night ""Japanese Show;"" Dave and interpreter Mako Hatori look at New Gift Items; Kenny Rogers visits; Larry ""Bud"" with ""Ask Mr. Melmansan""; Randy Bass on being an American playing professional baseball in Japan; Japanese game show producer Masahiro Takahashi is interviewed by Dave and Mako.
Two Late Nights aired on September 25, 1986. The first was a new show that broadcast in place of the Tonight Show, which had celebrated its 24th anniversary earlier in prime time. The second Late Night followed in its usual 12:30 am slot; it was a rerun from February 17, 1986, but with other voices replacing everyone who was on the show. Peter Fernandez was the voice of Dave; Earl Hammond as Paul; Corinne Orr as Raquel Welch; and Maya Danzinger as Sandra Bernhard, with LN writer Randy Cohen supplying additional voices.
Dave does a mini-rant on the all-nude, NYC cable access show, ""Interludes After Midnight;"" ""People Who Won't Be On The Show"" goes awry because it's ""dog night"" in the control room; Dave crashes the set of ""Live At Five,"" and Marv Albert's interview with Wayne Gretzky (anchors Jack Cafferty and Sue Simmons and weatherman Al Roker are briefly seen); Connie Chung disappoints the audience by refusing to do impersonations; another look at the Mayfair House hotel in Coconut Grove, Fl.; Wayne Gretzky brings his Pro Stars breakfast cereal.
A bullhorn-toting Larry ""Bud"" -- outside the Soviet mission to the United Nations -- tries to get Russians to defect; Lee Marvin promotes Delta Force; kid inventors; comedian Bill Hicks.
Test video from the failed first attempt at the ""Late Night Monkey Cam;"" ""Supermarket Finds;"" Michael Keaton plugs Gung Ho; another ""Regulator Guy"" promo; a call to Arnie Barnes; Mariel Hemingway; Roseanne (Barr) does stand-up.
With the baseball season underway, Dave chats with all-time Home Run king Hank Aaron, then meets George Brett of the '85 World Series Champs, the Kansas City Royals.
Lincoln BurnhamGoodbye to the Rough-tailed Jellyfish; ""Viewer Mail"" kills another actor/singer; Jonathan Winters gets a surprise visit from worshiper Robin Williams; Judy Mowatt sings; New Hampshire farmer Lincoln Burnham tells why he refuses to acknowledge Daylight Saving Time.
In response to Dave's cajoling about her dress that had arrived at NBC one week prior to her appearance, Cybill Shepherd appears, clad only in a towel; golfer Mac O'Grady; 80-year-old rock singer Gert Mulvin.
More with the remote-controlled Neanderthal skull; after ""Small Town News,"" Dave has to rescue one of the Stupid Pet Tricks dogs from a burning green room; video: making a frequent stop at the same New York State Thruway booth; Marv Albert; actor Ron Silver.
Cher makes her memorable first appearance.
Belinda Carlisle talks about why the Go-Go's broke up and performs "Mad About You".
""Viewer Mail"" features Dave proving he does have a ""romantic bone"" in his body; Rodney Dangerfield ""drops by,"" complete with a Top Ten list and a clip from Back To School; Rosanne Cash; ""Grant Tinker"" with the history of Studio 8H; Dennis Miller; Rosanne performs ""Second To No One.""
Dave interviews Max Headroom, seen on a television monitor in lieu of a live, breathing guest. Max's alter-ego, Matt Frewer, is seen backstage. Todd Rundgren & Grace Jones perform.
Recapping the Mets/Astros bet with Houston mayor Kathy Whitmire; ""Viewer Mail"" features eight letters (#6 twice); Paulina Porizkova; director John Waters; Bonnie Raitt sings.
Guest Steve Martin thinks outside the box when it comes to promoting his new film.
This rebroadcast from July 7, 1986, was sped up to allow six extra minutes of new material at the end. With guests Anthony Perkins, Sandra Bernhard, and Eric Burdon.
Sat 11:30pm-1am
The Italian Gina Lollobrigida actress talks about old Hollywood, entertains Dave's proposal and more.
Chris Elliott as Paul
Live from Las Vegas Day 2
Al Franken draws the United States on a dry-erase board in just two minutes.
2nd Friday night show
Dave talks with Glendora Buell, host of the New York City cable access show, ""A Chat With Glendora.""
Dave experiences spotlight trouble; ""Top Ten Least Known Norman Rockwell Paintings;"" Gerard's ""Family Circus"" scrapbook; a visit with ""Connie Plesko;"" Goldie Hawn plugs Overboard; ""Kenny The Gardener"" stops by; gourd lady Minnie Black; Bob Sarlatte.
Connie Chung narrates ""Dave Letterman's Old Fashioned Christmas,"" with Teri Garr, Ted Nugent, Bobby Rahal and Dave's ""family.""
Viewer mail: Anton bites the head off a ""canary.""
""Viewer Mail;"" Tracey Ullman visits; a look at the ""Chris Elliott, Jr. Show;"" comparing ""Cats"" and the Tyson/Holmes fight; Mike Ditka; guitarist Neal Schon sits in.
Sonny & Cher reunite on Late Night to perform "I Got You Babe" one last time. Cher jokes that they’re only getting paid scale for this legendary event. Phil Donahue Cameo.
onight's broadcast from the 26th floor at Milford Plaza in midtown Manhattan. Guests include a stage-frightened Carly Simon, podiatrist and shoe collector Dr. Ted Burgess, and a clearly inebriated Hunter S. Thompson.
This rerun from May 9, 1985 features various video asides by Dave taped 3 1/2 years later and aired on December 30, 1988. Guests were Bob Hope, Bill Maher, and Brandon Gray-Devitt. Plus Viewer Mail and Crushing Things with an 80-Ton Hydraulic Press remote.
""Viewer Mail;"" Pat Sajak; Dave goes to NYC fortune tellers; Buster Poindexter sings; NFL player Timmy Smith.
Tonight's Network Time Killer is "Secrets of the Late Night Lockers" with Al Maher, to be flashed when the show gets boring. During the Sandra Bernhard/surprise walk-on Madonna guest appearance, Al is shown. This was also Show #1,000, highlighted by 3-year-old skateboarder Danny Kramer, who keeps falling during his demonstration. Quote Dave: "Well, that was our 1,000th show, and I think we're going to go back and have meetings."
Paul congratulates Dave in the wake of Late Night's 1,000th broadcast. As a present, NBC head (and G.E. crony) Robert C. Wright gave the show a four-slice toaster. Thus Dave breaks out a whole loaf of bread and makes toast for everybody who attends this strike-breaking show. Hal Gurnee calls on two acrobats for a Network Time-Killer.
Guest Bruce Willis talks about his new film "Die Hard".
A visit to a NYC laundromat via satellite; Jackie Mason; Dave's suit fitting continues; Iggy Pop.
Cold open: Dave & Paul send up the Quayle/Bentsen debate; a crowd at Shea Stadium's parking lot watches the show on Diamond Vision; a Super SloMo camera demonstration; Sid's birthday; Tom Hanks with vacation photos; Mike Wallace visits; Eddie Money sings.
""Who Asked For It?"" Candice Bergen calls Dave a ""poodle;"" another plea from Calvert to come home from the Goodwill Tour; Jon Lovitz gets in a plug; Boz Scaggs sings.
The annual (bogus) lighting of the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Plaza; another call from Calvert's Goodwill Tour.
""Elf Night;"" A NYC Christmas tree vendor shocks Dave by charging $75 for trees; Art Donovan talks about drinking beer and promotes the paperback edition of his autobiography Fatso; a look at Paul's new Christmas movie; Geena Davis.
Similar to the English overdub show, except Spanish-speaking actors from Mexico were hired to record over the episode's original dialogue. Originally aired February 10, 1989.
""Viewer Mail;"" a less than talkative Cybill Shepherd talks about dating Elvis Presley; Larry ""Bud"" (in a bird suit) flies through a window; Elvis Costello performs.
Dave spoofs the final curtain call from "Family Ties" by bringing the Late Night staff onstage to say farewell. Included are Paul and the band, Biff, NBC Nurse Dennise Robinson, Hal, "Today" host Deborah Norville, and Larry Bud.
As Dave discusses the causes of Lyme Disease, a sandbag lands on his desk. Dave finds a guilty Tick Boy backstage.
Appearing this weekend in Atlantic City, it's "David Letterman's Amazing Monkeys." Also, in a rare American television appearance, XTC performed "King for a Day."
Dave rants about having his driver's license suspended; ""Viewer Mail"" features Paul torching a box of baby chicks, Chris Elliott in a dog food taste test and Hal Gurnee making out with staffer Deirdre Dod; Shelley Winters plugs her second book; ""Head of Homicide;"" future murderer O.J. Simpson talks about driving 170 MPH in his Ferrari Testarossa on the San Diego Freeway.
Bruce Willis shares his memories of ""Moonlighting"" and plays harmonica on ""10th Avenue Tango"" with the WMDB and guitarist Robben Ford; higlights of Dave's tour of the U.S. House of Representatives with Congressman Jack Buechner; Dave and Garry Kasparov begin their chess match.
Via satellite from Tulsa: Roy Clark washes his truck; Roseanne (Barr) plugs her book (My Life As A Woman) and movie (She-Devil); more long distance chess with Garry Kasparov; Phil Collins sings ""Another Day In Paradise.""
Paul does a commercial for new Late Night fragrances, ""Letterman,"" and ""Forever Biff.""
Dave chats with artist Reinhold Marxhausen, inventor of the ""Stardust"" sound sculpture (which puts Dave ""in the mind of fairies"").
Dave gets a hug from an audience member; ""Viewer Mail,"" assisted by the PUMA 260 robotic arm; locked out California Angels Mark Langston and Scott Bradley play catch in the hallway; Tom Hanks plugs Joe vs. the Volcano; Jack Hanna with animals; Natasha Richardson visits.
Tonight's guests are Phoebe Cates, Peter Wolf & Mike Myers.
The show begins by airing high school student David Gottlieb's black and white stick animation of the opening montage. Also, the studio is filled with smoke after a fireworks display.
Chris Elliott makes the first of his many ""Triumphant Returns"" to Dave's show.
Dave opens up with talk of the NBC affiliates' convention, at which it was agreed that all late-night programs would begin Monday through Friday at 11:35 P.M. starting the next season. All that affiliates' talk was lost, of course, with Johnny Carson's late cameo.
Billy Crystal shares stories of his family and his new movie City Slickers. Dave tries to take his nephew on a tour of New York, but he spends the day with top models.
Film critics Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert Actress Dana Delany Boston Red Sox Pitcher Roger Clemens
In a taped ""Staff Talent Show,"" Assistant Producer Barbara Gaines eats an entire Carvel cake.
Dave calls the page in the hallway to get guests Adam "Batman" West and Lesley Ann Warren in from across the hall at Live-at-Five, but the line is busy.
The control room is turned into a Gap outlet as guests Monica Seles and Robbie Coltrane check out the merchandise.
Don Novello of ""SNL"" fame promotes his new one-man show off-broadway; Dave welcomes the recently reunited Procol Harum.
Included: ""A Day in the Life of Laurie Diamond,"" showing Laurie's many (bogus) responsibilities as Dave's assistant: getting him breakfast (a bucket of soft-serve ice cream); signing for daily fudge deliveries; helping Dave with his ""Golden Girls"" scrapbook; helping him get his hand unstuck from a cashew jar; finding his shoes; avoiding his ""mom;"" playing a prank on Willard Scott; answering his fan mail.
Jon Stewart talks about his racist grandfather, Geraldo, Ted Kennedy and more in his network television debut.
Included: a tribute to Johnny Carson on the night of his final ""Tonight Show.""
Guest Sigourney Weaver reveals an "Alien" secret. You'll never look at the alien the same way again.
Bette Sussman fills in for Paul, while Tom Brokaw talks about fly fishing.
Kirstie Alley talks about her last ditch attempt to keep the hit show 'Cheers' going.
• Clip from December 10, 1987: Steve Martin's card trick. • ""Best of Stupid Human Tricks,"" including Scott Vassil using his tongue to stop an operating electric fan (first performed on February 25, 1987). • Reprise of ""The Strong Guy, The Fat Guy, The Genius.""
Clip from March 28, 1989: Pestering Joan Collins on the ""Live At Five"" set.
Tom Hanks, Bruce Springsteen. Last NBC show. 65 minutes.
