David Letterman

Late Night with David Letterman Debuts

Launched his revolutionary NBC late-night show after 12:30 AM, introducing irreverent comedy and unconventional segments. The show quickly became a cult favorite and established Letterman as a unique voice in television.

CBS Late Show Deal Worth $14M/Year

After losing The Tonight Show to Jay Leno, CBS offered Letterman a record-breaking contract to compete in the 11:35 PM slot. The deal made him the highest-paid person on television and sparked intense late-night competition.

Contract Extension Worth $31M/Year

Renewed his CBS contract at an unprecedented salary, cementing his status as television royalty. His influence on comedy and late-night television was unmatched, making him a cultural institution.

Final CBS Contract $20M/Year

Signed his final contract extension with CBS, continuing to dominate late-night despite increased competition. His 33-year late-night career had made him the longest-serving host in American television history.

Retires After 6,080 Late-Night Episodes

Concluded his legendary late-night run as the most influential talk show host in television history. His retirement marked the end of an era, with tributes from every major entertainment figure.

Netflix Series My Next Guest Debuts

Returned to television with a critically acclaimed Netflix interview series, proving his continued relevance and appeal. The show demonstrated his evolution as an interviewer and kept him in the cultural conversation.

Legendary Television Icon and Cultural Force

Remains one of the most influential figures in television history, with his innovative comedy style still impacting modern late-night shows. His legacy as a transformative entertainer and his continued Netflix presence maintain his status as a global icon.