Watch David Letterman Return to The Late Show as Stephen Colbert’s Guest For the First Time Since Retiring

Andy Swift
·1 min read
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David Letterman returned to his old stomping grounds on Monday night, dropping by CBS’ The Late Show for the first time since Stephen Colbert took over as host in 2015.

In a clip released by CBS prior to the broadcast (11:35/10:35c), Colbert announces Letterman’s arrival by borrowing one of his most famous lines: “My guest tonight certainly needs no introduction. Please welcome back to the Ed Sullivan Theater, Mr. David Letterman!”

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The 76-year-old TV veteran is welcomed with a standing ovation from the elated audience, and Colbert encourages him to take his time soaking up their applause. Just when you think the excitement is dying down, a chant of “David! David! David!” brings the former host back to his feet.

“This is going to be trouble,” he says, visibly touched by the audience’s outpouring of support, followed by this totally genuine request: “Oh my God, Stephen, control your people!”

Letterman’s late-night career spanned 33 years, between his gigs hosting NBC’s Late Night With David Letterman (1982–1993) and CBS’ The Late Show With David Letterman (1993–2015). Since his retirement from late-night TV, Letterman has earned four Emmy nominations hosting the Netflix interview series My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman.

Watch clips from Letterman’s long-awaited return, then drop a comment with your thoughts below. Do you miss having him behind the desk?

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