David Letterman is confident that stepping away from late night television was the right call.
At 78, the comedy legend reflected on his career and the state of modern television during a recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
When Kimmel asked if he ever missed having a large platform to comment on current events, Letterman was blunt.
“Boy, you would think, but no—I’m so glad to be out from under this mess,” he said, showing that retirement suits him just fine.
Leaving the Airwaves Before the Trump Era
Letterman officially left primetime in May 2015, just a month before Donald Trump announced his bid for the presidency
. Looking back, he credits his successors—Stephen Colbert, Seth Meyers, and Kimmel himself—for skillfully navigating political commentary on their shows.
“People like you and people like Stephen and people like Seth do such a masterful job of defending this democracy,” Letterman said.
“About all I’m capable of is showing up every now and then and saying f*** Waymo and that’s it.”
He also praised Saturday Night Live for its political satire, calling it an essential element in keeping a democracy alert.
The State of Late Night Comedy Today
Kimmel joked about wishing Letterman would limit his commentary to him, while Letterman included Jon Stewart and other entertainers in the mix, acknowledging the vital role of comedy in politically divisive times.
Letterman noted that satire, when done well, is a crucial part of public discourse.
“Thank God for you, thank God for others, SNL and everybody else,” he said.
“It’s just, I think it’s the way things need to be in a democracy that’s seemingly this crippled.”
Reflections on Trump and Political Ridicule
Having hosted Donald Trump multiple times in the 1980s and 1990s, Letterman shared his views on the former president’s sensitivity.
“Irrespective of party or political ideology—if the leader of the free world is a fool, the leader of the free world should expect and examine every bit of ridicule he receives,” he said.
Letterman’s candid observations highlight his enduring perspective on public figures and the role of satire in holding them accountable.
Support for Kimmel and the Next Generation
Letterman expressed relief and support for Kimmel, who faced uncertainty after a suspension in September over controversial remarks.
“Another year is twisting those folks at Disney—good for you,” he said, encouraging the younger host to keep going despite challenges.
A Career That Shaped Late Night
Letterman’s departure from CBS more than a decade ago marked the end of a 33-year career that transformed late night television.
Starting with NBC’s Late Night in 1982, he brought an avant-garde, irreverent style that influenced generations of comedians.
After a contentious period with NBC over The Tonight Show, Letterman moved to CBS in 1993, taking the 11:30 p.m. slot and solidifying his legacy as one of television’s most influential hosts.
Where to Catch Jimmy Kimmel Live
Fans can watch Jimmy Kimmel Live! Monday through Friday at 11:35 p.m./10:35c on ABC, continuing the tradition of political and cultural commentary that Letterman once dominated.
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