DKosty123
This one happened because Letterman was young and talented and he was being mentored by johnny Carson. since Carson was much more modest and shy too those he helped had to have the talent to make it on their own. Letterman turned out as a Cum Laud graduate. Carson wanted to name David as his replacement and World Wide Pants was actually a production company associated with Carson directly.The reason NBC did not make Letterman the new tonight show guy was an NBC exec was still angry they had to really give Carson such a generous contract. NBC had to really open the vault to give Carson all he asked for but that money is on of the reasons this got started.Letterman did the rest and created a late night that would not create an empty space when Carson retired. He did it very well and would go on to fill the Empty Ed Sullivan Theater as well.
absharp
I have followed Letterman in his time at CBS and am a big fan, but I think the way Letterman treated Bill Hicks in the early 90s shows a real weakness. I am not sure if it was on NBC or CBS, but Letterman 'bumped' comedian Bill Hicks because of his cutting edge pro-choice material. If this is the way a veteran treats an up-and-comer, then the show falls short is being true variety.
BigEd-4
With Dave having won best series Emmy two years in a row, one need only check his track record to see who really kicks butt in late night TV.Dave has won Emmys at each of the three shows he has hosted. Unlike Conan, he has some sense of perspective. Unlike Jay, he has some sense of humor.Dave has been King ever since Johnny got too tired to try. Ever since, it's been no contest.
Liz-59
While Conan does have one of the best shows on TV now, David Letterman's original Late Night talk show is what created it all. This is where such classic things like "Stupid Pet Tricks" and "The Top Ten List" were born. Dave knows what people want to laugh at, and from that show he did it all, like once leaving an audience member as host for nearly the entire show while he "looked for his fake teeth" and other great things. David Letterman's current show may get more viewers, but this one should never be forgotten.
