Final David Letterman..

[rykerw1701]

I agree with what most are saying. His best days were at NBC in the later time period. I was religious about watching him for years, then very sporadic in recent years. While always a welcome part of the evening and always producing more than a few laughs, he did get overly political, less in touch with younger guests and less innovative in later years. I'll miss him, but I think he was right in deciding it was time to step down and pass the "toast on a stick" to the next generation.

His last episode was ok. Didn't leave me feeling as melancholy as Carson's last show, though. Biggest laugh was Julia Louis-Dreyfus line "Thanks for letting me take part in another hugely disappointing series finale" with Jerry Seinfeld looking on.

[Sideshow Spock]

^Yep, here's that final Top Ten

[Allie Fox]

I'm in the same camp as many here (and elsewhere) who thought Letterman lost his edginess upon the move to CBS and the earlier time slot. I actually hung on for about a year after that before switching over to Leno, who was just more fun.

The same thing happened to Conan when he took over The Tonight Show from Leno. He just wasn't as funny anymore and now I can barely watch his new show.

I think the greatest loss to the late night scene of late was Craig Ferguson. Ferguson may have ended the line of good, funny talk show hosts. The current batch now; Kimmel, Meyers, and the god-awful Fallon are just snarky dipsticks looking for one of their skits to go viral. Cordon is still new but is on the same path as the rest of the crew.

I suppose I will now watch for the guests rather than the hosts.

[Mikey]

I'm not a fan of Fallon but I will give him credit for one thing.

He's easily the most benign and non threatening late night host --- which eases guests and let's them open up more.

Carson and Leno-(to an extent) had that same quality.

Same with oldies Merv Griffin, Dinah Shore, Mike Douglas and Dick Cavett.

Letterman, Conan, Ferguson and Kimmel are a bit more threatening because they seem to be trying to get laughs at your expense.

[Nostalgiabuff]

not that I disagree with anything said, but really he is the last of the generation and it's sad to see him go. I never like Leno, always thought he was a smug *******. nothing was ever the same after Johnny retired

[EMCE Hammer]

I'm in the same camp as many here (and elsewhere) who thought Letterman lost his edginess upon the move to CBS and the earlier time slot. I actually hung on for about a year after that before switching over to Leno, who was just more fun.

The same thing happened to Conan when he took over The Tonight Show from Leno. He just wasn't as funny anymore and now I can barely watch his new show.

I think the greatest loss to the late night scene of late was Craig Ferguson. Ferguson may have ended the line of good, funny talk show hosts. The current batch now; Kimmel, Meyers, and the god-awful Fallon are just snarky dipsticks looking for one of their skits to go viral. Cordon is still new but is on the same path as the rest of the crew.

I suppose I will now watch for the guests rather than the hosts.

I totally agree on the Ferguson point. I think he and Conan were the last ties to the old ways. The new batch reminds me of the modern remakes of the old muscle cars. They're great in their own right for many people, arguably better in many ways, but definitely not the same.

[megoapesnut]

I actually got to see the show live several times before he moved to CBS. My brother would get tickets often and we would trek up to the big city for the day.

[Allie Fox]

I'm not a fan of Fallon but I will give him credit for one thing.

He's easily the most benign and non threatening late night host --- which eases guests and let's them open up more.

Carson and Leno-(to an extent) had that same quality.

Same with oldies Merv Griffin, Dinah Shore, Mike Douglas and Dick Cavett.

Letterman, Conan, Ferguson and Kimmel are a bit more threatening because they seem to be trying to get laughs at your expense.

Fallon is way too benign. To the point of being a cold fish. His interviews are disinteresting and reek of "The Chris Farley Show." Leno pandered a bit but always made the interviews and the show interesting. Carson (in his prime) was a master no matter who was on his show.
But with Carson and Leno, it was the hosts that made viewers watch every night. It was not the guests.
For some reason Jimmy Fallon is hip. My guess is his love affair with social media. For a celebrity, a good viral video is the gift that keeps on giving. As such The Tonight Show has had most of the better guests, thus better ratings. I refuse to believe that viewers tune in because Fallon is funny or intriguing.

Kimmel is the only host on the list above that I feel will make jokes at the expense of his guest. While not as hip as Fallon's show, Kimmel is the only "mainstream" gig on the west coast right now. So if you are putting yourself out there and you're in LA. It's Kimmel or nothing. With all due respect to Conon and Cordon (and even Ferguson when he was on), they are the minor leagues by comparison.Just don't do anything remotely stupid within a few weeks of your appearance or Kimmel will run with it like a bully on the playground making fun of the kid with a ketchup stain on his pants.

[tiinacat]

Ever since the 80's I've divided the world into two groups, those that get Dave and those that the world would be better off without.

The only real host that was out there, who took Carson's sexist tired act and stood it on it's head.

Those in the industry, who aren't your Paris Hilton Brand celebrites, had only one choice when it came to late night. There will be nothing but YouTube bits in the future of late night, that edge is gone forever.

Shocked how many collectors are on the right side of politics, but I guess the right goes hand in hand with Leno's audience....

Add your own insult here cause it's too easy.

[Mikey]

.............

Shocked how many collectors are on the right side of politics, but I guess the right goes hand in hand with Leno's audience....

..............

Is this an attempt to get us fighting about politics ?

Toy collectors in general cover the full rang of the political spectrum

[Bionicfanboy66]

Dave wasn't afraid to get under peoples' skin. Always thought Leno was too much of a "nice guy". Carson, Letterman, and Ferguson had the better personalitites, IMO. Got a kick out of seeing Regina, Harry, and Harry's buddy Tommy. Harry looked like he wanted to join his dad on stage.

[jwyblejr]

The last time I watched Letterman was with the Sonnie & Cher reunion.