[queasy27]

I was in my late 20s when his NBC show first started and I'd go to bed and set my alarm for 12:30 so I could wake up and watch before going back to sleep. I'd never seen anything quite like him and was always eager to see what kind of stunt he would pull next.

I was happy when VCRs became affordable and could finally sleep through the night, but as the decades rolled past I got more in the habit of watching Leno instead. I started recording Dave regularly again the last couple of months as he started his farewell tour.

It's been nice to see the articles and tributes, especially by other comics. Jimmy Kimmel got choked up talking about how much Dave meant to him, as did Norm McDonald.

So thanks for all the laughs, Dave. I wish him well in retirement. It can be a difficult transition for some people and I think he may be one of those.

[jblum315]

Over the many years my favorite late night host was Steve Allen. My second favorite was Johnny Carson. After that I had kids and a job and I really couldn't stay up that late.
So my appreciation of Dave and the others is spotty

[Jaggy]

I have been DVR'ing his show for the past couple wks.. ( I got old and can't stay awake to watch at night) and I am getting more and more teary as the wks progress. I am afraid I will bawl like a baby after tonights show.. Thanks Dave for the many laughs through the years..

[graciegirl]

Never could catch his spark.

Still missing Johnny Carson.

[John_W]

I can always remember the last time I flew on an airliner by David Letterman Show. His first show was Feb 1, 1982 and I had flown into Dallas that night and caught his debut show with Bill Murray. Last night's show with Murray I have recorded. I probably saw 90% of his shows when he was on NBC after Carson and a good majority of his CBS shows up until about five years ago. I've always been a big fan, it seems like his show was like college humor and Leno was like high school. I'll take college anyday.

[MikeV]

Not really a fan.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Letterman was actually Carson's choice to replace him. NBC thought that he wasn't mainstream enough and went with Leno.

Carson appeared on Letterman's show a few times, but never on Leno's. Carson actually wrote some things and gave them to Dave to use on the program.

When Carson died, Ed McMahon and Doc Severinson appeared on Leno's show to talk about Johnny.

I liked them both for different reasons.

I think that Jimmy Fallon is better than both of them put together. I believe that Stephen Colbert will be a major flop. Not a big fan of snarkiness.

[Phanatic Luvr]

I would have watched more of Letterman if it wasn't for that Paul Shaffer.
Watching him was like fingernails running down a chalkboard to me. HAHAHA!!!!!!!

[Barefoot]

It's always sad to see an icon retire.
He has great timing and a weird sense of humor.
Late night hosts can learn a lot from him.
Good luck to his wife who will have him "underfoot" all the time.
P.S. -- Does anyone like Conan?

[tomwed]

I think Conan is the best.

I watch his skits and side pieces on youtube. He has a silly sense of humor. I get the sense that he's trying to make you laugh and when that works, he feels good, not smart or clever like Letterman.. I watched an interview with him and he pointed out that he wanted a sidekick that was as funny as he was. Not someone that had to know their place and always be the second banana. Finding out the real Carson was a let down. I think the real Conan is the same as the one you see on TV.

Colbert and Stewart are doing a news show parody. I think it will be interesting to see where Colbert takes the show. 1'm going to miss them both in their old jobs.

[gerryann]

Originally Posted by Phanatic Luvr

I would have watched more of Letterman if it wasn't for that Paul Shaffer.
Watching him was like fingernails running down a chalkboard to me. HAHAHA!!!!!!!

I couldn't agree more. Paul Shafer is hard to take. I didn't watch Letterman when Leno was on, because I liked Leno...... But after Leno left, I started watching Letterman....Fallen occasionally, if he has someone on that I want to see. Fallen is immature (guessi I'm showing my age). Can't stand Conan!!!

Last nights Letterman show was ridiculous and boring. Looking forward to tonight's show though.

[queasy27]

I thought the show with Bill Murray fell a little flat.

In one of the articles about Letterman published recently, Tina Fey said, "Once he retires, there's nobody left to be scared of. It's all friendliness now." I think so, too -- Dave was the only one who was willing to call his guests out on their foolishness, even if it was only by a lifted eyebrow and side eye to the camera.

I don't mind Fallon or Seth Myers but don't watch them. I like Kimmel. I'm interested to see what Colbert does in the Fall and will record for at least a few weeks.

Conan is one of those people that I disliked at first sight for no good reason. I mean real antipathy. I also thought he acted very badly when NBC gave The Tonight Show back to Leno. I'm obviously biased because of the "can't stand Conan" thing, but Leno doesn't run NBC. The network execs are the ones who gave The Tonight Show to Conan, then changed their minds. I didn't blame Leno for accepting it back -- in fact, I probably watched him more afterwards because of the majority opinion that blamed him.

[Ad poster]

As one of the staff at TOTV… I had to chime in and pay tribute to Letterman.. I agree with the first poster.. I remember watching the very first show.. Letterman was so raw and great and started late late night… After Carson, he was the only true talent.. Good last show tonight..

I of course have to say.. Welcome Jimmy Fallon.. the New King of Late Night.. The order already has to be Carson, Letterman and Fallon.. Interesting to see the next 40 Years with Fallon of he takes #1 overall.. He is that good.. Kimmel is really talented as well but Fallon is on another level..

[jebartle]

Just looking at Dave made me giggle.....Guess it was the separation of his front teeth, I also had that but thanks to a good dentist that changed.
He is just a funny man and I will miss him....Come to the Villages and have
a great retirement!...

[rubicon]

Johnny Carson was the best at that type of venue everyone else was a copy cat
Leno Letterman, et al just fail/.

Additional in my personal view Letterman had a meanness about him that he tried to hide but couldn't. So I am glad he is gone but then watch what you wish for because you just may get it. Well Letterman left and replacing him is one of the most vile people to replace him. To add insult to injury for me my daughter just loves Stephen Colbert and my love for her trumps the honest response I want to convey to her every time she mentions his name.

Cést la vie