So glad this is preserved here. It’s 2024 and I enjoyed watching this all over again. Thank you!

After I watched this last year, I understood why my dad was so empty when he watched Carson's final show.

Rewatching this today because I miss when television was fun and had quality entertainment

Very poetic that Bill Murray gets the final "Top Ten" line, given that he was Letterman's first guest on his first show.

Still hard to accept there is no Late Show with David Letterman

Still feels so fresh after so many years. David was the best in his trade.

That montage at the end, with Foo Fighters playing in the background, is my favorite closing to any show ever...just stunning.

David Letterman. We STILL miss you!

40:25 - "We've done over 6,000 shows ..... I was here for most of them" LOVED THAT.

"What am I gonna do now that I'm retired?" We found out -- he's going to grow one of the most epic beards in history.

Watchin this in 2024 :) David is a legend.

You know what is sad, I am sure Robin Williams would have loved to be in the last Top 10 list. Miss you Robin, always!!!!!!

I just turned 40.. I remember watching Carson retire with my grandpa in the 80s, I'm watching this now, and it brings back a childhood feel from the 90s.. thanks Dave

Letterman got me through three marriages, and the passing of all my family, wtf do I do now, lol, sad but true. Yeah he taught me to laugh through the hard times, as well as the good. Thank you David.

I absolutely loved this show... Watched it every night while Dave was there... One regret never had the chance to go and watched it live... All the best to Dave and his family.

I was in the live audience for one show during my only trip to New York City. It was a great experience.

I miss so much getting off work at 11pm & going home & showering & grabbing a cold beer 🍺 with a few snacks & some munchies & turn on some “Late Night With David Letterman” 👍……. Now there is nothing on for late night that interests me 😑

The one & only David Letterman. What a ride, what laughs, what memories. Enjoy retirement Late Night King...

He was a part of my life in 1999 when studying engineering and failed. Was a kind of light at that time.

Legend says the audience's still clapping

I'm from Germany and there's virtually no American I respect more than David Letterman.

This guy was absolutely hysterical and had one of the most unique shows - - I remember partying with friends in the early 90s and watching him - he will be missed and is one of the great pioneers of unique comedy

Just watched this for the first time this afternoon (March 2024). 🤩

The 1990s were so great that our biggest debate was “Leno or Letterman.” Perfect song to close out this show and that chapter of American history.

It was so touching that so many great comedians and celebs came together to give Dave this sendoff. He was one of few hugely successful TV hosts/personalities that everyone genuinely liked.

So underrated his role in live music support over the years 🙏👍🕺

Tear JERKER😢😢...OH YES THE DAYS OF FUNNY PEOPLE AND FABULOUS SHOWS WITH NO NEGATIVES....YA, REALLY. LOVE DAVES AND CARSON'S SHOW FOR MANY MOONS...THE GOLDEN SHOWS🤗✌️🙏🪄☮️🫂🤸🏻🎆🧡🧡❤️☯️💞💞

Do you have any idea how freakin' legendary you have to be to have all of those guys open up for you?

"Save a little for my funeral,alright?" Classic Dave,we love you!!

Thanks, Dave, for 30 years of comedic relief. It's been two years, but I still have no late night to watch.

I can still remember Foo Fighters at the end. Such an iconic moment in TV history! The golden era of late night tv is over with the departure of Conan as well. Seeing this multiple times and watching it again in 2024, it feels more bittersweet as it feels like the end of my own childhood as well. I’m sure i’m not the only one who feels this way! Long live Letterman!🎉❤

What a sad time in television. Craig left, Jon Stewart left, David left. At least we still have Conan and Colbert.

Holy shit this is really heavy. All those things, Madonna in 94, Sean Penn and Jim Carrey, 9/11 speech, getting all strange with Julia Roberts. Amanda Seyfreid, Joaquin Phoenix, Dennis Hopper, Sharon Stone shows, Paul and Slash, and everything I haven't seen yet or can't remember right away, all the fun and all the fucking joy and perfectly spicy and intelligent hosting, all these nights I just used to get back in time and let this show make my life happier. It has been a fucking lifetime now.Thank you Dave P.S. I'm not from the USA, not even close. You realise the IMPACT?

Letterman was a fucking legend I don't care what anyone says.

How was Dave not bawling all the way thru this? What a legacy! What a legend.

Home to the best late TV rock performances ever. Have a good one, Dave!

David Letterman is such a kind human being, he reminds me of my dad. Could not help but tear up knowing he is done with Late show, I have been watching it since I was a little kid! Dave you're a good man! I wish him and his family good health and a continued great life!

Miss Dave & his shows. Watching this is a great experience for all his hard work in television & enjoy seeing him on late night tv shows as a guest. My favorite was with Norm MacDonald 💙💙!

What an incredible farewell show...still hurts to watch it over a year and a half later. Dave is and always will be The King of Late Night!

There will never, ever, EVER be anyone as consistently brilliant.

The show was chalk full of some amazing guests, musicians, comedy...just great moments of entertainment. Watched it religiously from the very beginning. Greatly missed these days - along with Johnny Carson. That montage at the end was mind-blowing - incredible editting. Cheers Dave...thanks for the 6000+ episodes over the years.

love dave miss you

There will never be another like Letterman...thanks for the years of entertainment!

Watched Dave since Day 1. I don't watch late night tv anymore. I miss you more than words can say Dave. Thanks for having class, your humor, for loving Johnny, for staying humble, for all the laughs, the skits, the musical guests-- thanks for everything. Decades full of great memories. I love you. A fan from Indiana-

his smile when he thanks his family.....

Holy shit the kids flashback was hilarious. I miss you Letterman!

This is must watch TV

Very impressive closing show. 👍May God bless you, and your family, too, David. 💖

I’m 43 yrs old. Binge-watching Dave clips like it’s my job. Appreciating every word, look, action, reaction of Dave’s on a whole new level at this time in my life & every clip & episode brings so much joy to my life. ❤National Treasure, period. BETTER THAN GOLD. Edit: Appreciating all that Paul, the band & all of the skits with all of the other hilarious, sweet staff members brought to the show every show. ❤ Whole operation=JOY!

Im 23 and I’ll be honest I never watched much of late night tv, let alone letterman, this was probably the first time I ever watched a full episode of letterman and this whole thing made me emotional. So many iconic memories made, such an iconic figure in American tv culture. It makes me sad that as young as I am I feel like I missed out on all of the memories and how much of staple this show actually was

the best ever show exists.. david you are a great performer and a phenomenal as a person 🙏🏻❤️

Julia's top ten moment was obviously made 200% funnier by the fact that Jerry Seinfeld was onstage when she said it.

I'm from Malaysia, it's been a long time that our country don't allow the the show, I only found out that he is retire. He brought me a lot of laughs , thank you Dave and enjoy your life!

i recall that year 1983,, when Dave first came out on Late Nite show..! Gosh,,,, it's been more than 30 yrs.. That college yrs... and all that top 10 lists we giggled at.. crosses mind w/ lots of memories.

He was such a class act. I grew up watching him with my folks... Such a clever mind. It was sweet that he personally thanked his team on the show.

What a gloriously profound finale to an illustrious career. And what an honor to be asked by such a one as David Letterman to perform this song, here and now, is the new capstone of their lives. Congratulations to the two Daves.

ill never forget that night. it was 10th grade & I turned on Conan like I did every night only to find Conan begging the viewer to turn off his show and go to letterman. the next day was a very emotional day for anyone who grew up in the 80s 90s, I recall my gym teacher the next day with tears in his eyes saying how he can't believe that hell be going to bed that night without letterman. 💔💔

He's so adorable, how he gets embarrassed and shy and overwhelmed at the deafening applause, lol

It's weird getting old. When this show first followed Carson, it was 1982. I was 12 and would sneak downstairs and watch it with the volume low until I could see the lights go out from my parents' bedroom. Letterman was like the Beatles of late night shows. He was so different and totally entertaining. Like taking Zsa Zsa Gabor on a date in a giant convertible Cadillac, just driving all over town hitting every fast food joint. Then parking, scarfing down twenty bags of food and just talking about the food, "oh you gotta try the chicken gravy on the taco delux..can I get a swig of your shake? Which one's that, the pineapple? Take a swig of the pineapple, then a bite of that bacon popper..."

Terrific finale, so many amazing people and situations in the snapshots at the end, brought back so many memories. Thank you Dave and the crew !

I miss David Letterman's show so much!!!

I honestly never knew how much I would miss Letterman until it was all over. It's not the same exactly, but in a way it hits me in the same that it did when I was a kid and Mr. Rodgers retired.

As much as David would like to think his show had no viewers, it did. Though he has a dry sense of humor he is genuine and real to the core. So with that said, you do not stay on the air 33 years if you suck and Late Night will not be the same without him. Congrats on your retirement Dave you deserve it! Thanks for always being there when I turned on the TV when there was nothing else to watch at that moment.

I watched the show from the beginning on NBC and always loved it. This was a great finale.

I am 44 yrs old. I remember watching my first Letterman show when I was 16. Late Night with David Letterman. I was hooked. Thank you Dave. So much fun and joy thru the years. Noone like Letterman. My favorite late night talk show host.

Harry is a sweet boy! I just loved that he was so proud and happy to see his dad introducing best friend in the last show. It was gesture of kindness to his buddy that will last forever.

Miss him so much, I grew up with him, since freshman in college ❤

God We miss this guy!!!!!!!!!!

While watching this, for some reason it crossed my mind to check and see if Dave's mom was still with us. Her appearances on the show were always very enjoyable. She came across as a very warm, genuine, good person. Sadly, she left us earlier this year, aged 95. That's the kind of innings in cricket that'll earn a warm ovation, sometimes even standing, as you make your way to the pavilion.

Late Show isn't Late Show without Dave and Alan Kalter and Paul Shaffer and the-C-B-S-Orchestra. I especially liked Dave and Paul's bantering

He was a hell of a lot better than what we are stuck with today.

Wow, never noticed how they played "Central Park and West (Ian hunter) just over half way through. Awesome little nod to NYC.

I can honestly say that we really miss Dave. Have watched the new show with Stephen, and it is just not the same as when Dave was doing it. Hope we see Dave again soon on something

Just got to watch this show and how I wish I would've known the show before it ended. I got very interested and it sure did get me tearing up when seeing the crowd cheering and seeing the montage and old videos. Thank you for the entertainment Mr. Letterman

Thumbs up if you like gettin' wasted and watchin' comedy.

Unscripted comedy is simply the best, not saying that his show was unscripted but the bits he's done with the kids and when he pretended to work at taco bell were golden

...And THAT is how you end a show on a high note.

I ❤️ Dave Letterman!!! Miss his late night show!!

I miss him. I haven’t watched late night talk really since he left. He was always my favorite when I was a kid in the 2000’s and I would always watch him on Friday night to get my weekend started. Just not the same without him.

I miss you so much. Come back, please. From your biggest brazilian fan. I love you.

Thanks Dave, I grew up watching you,,,,,,u r a true legacy!

The end of an era... thank you Dave. You are unmatched, nobody can come close to the show you did. It truly was an era.

Talk about going out with a bang! So great this classic episode is available here. Thank you!

David L was a stable in my life since I was 7-8 years old. 39 in a week. feel like my dog died.

I couldn’t help but sheddin some tears as he started his final acknowledgements. I grew up watching him, and he will always remind me of my father, trying to show some interest on him (we’re brazilians), just for the sake of spending some time with me. I always had fun. Its gotta be rewarding to have brought so much joy to so many. Thanks, Dave.

I noticed they had Warren Zevon's still up for a few extra seconds during the montage. Good job on whomever produced it. It was nice to see some extra recognition for an musical artist that had a special place on Dave's show.

Thanks for posting this classic.

The upholstery farm thing kills me every time.

That was a perfect way to end an era. Just perfect ❤

I watched this episode live, re-watched in on the CBS website the next day, and am watching it again now. But by god if I don't well up a little every time I see it. The end of an era, the loss of a legend. He is one of the most important people to ever be on television. When Stewart left, I was crushed. Same with Colbert, Ferguson, etc. But there is no one that did it like Dave and he meant a lot to me even though I never met the guy, never will, and will probably never see him on TV again. Norm is my favorite comedian, and his goodbye to Letterman is exactly how I felt. Dave gave so much to us throughout an amazing career. Anyway, enough with the sap.

When late night comedy wasn’t political. Just funny.

The show ended years and years ago, and I'm still watching it. I'm not really ever watching anyone else either...just see Craig Ferguson from time to time. Thanks Dave.

you know, i remember DOGGING on Mr. Letterman during the final years. it was tired. old. the material was weak. but now... looking back at over 30 years... he's actually my favorite on-air personality. you just don't know what you got till it's gone, man. he's SO missed. and SO loved. i just wanted to share that with all y'all.

not in order, but, guests in the closing montage include: Larry Bud Melman, Bill Murray, Crispin Glover, Andy Kaufman, Chris Elliott, Sandra Bernhard, Madonna, Jerry Lawlor, Jerry Lewis, Jonathan Winters, George Burns, Bob Hope, Marv Albert, Father Guido Sarducci, Brother Theodore, Harvey Pekar, Bette Davis, Bill Wendell, Julia Child, Bev Tanner, Nastasia Kinsky, Michael Keaton, Teri Garr, Shirley Maclaine, Sonny and Cher, Tom Hanks, Steve Martin, Jay Leno, Steve Winwood, Jerry Garcia, Stevie Wonder, Phil Donahue, Liberace, Eddie Van Halen, Johnny Carson, Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, James Brown, Tom Jones, Cyndi Lauper, David Sanborn, Demi Moore, Sean Penn, Shelley Winters, Paul Newman, Tony Randall, Richard Simmons, Oprah Winfrey, Peter O'Toole, Sammy Davis Jr., Bette Midler, Charles Grodin, Connie Chung,Julia Roberts, Richard Pryor, Don Rickles, Sarah Jessica Parker, Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, Paul McCartney, Joan Rivers, Robin Williams, Jerry Seinfeld, Jim Carrey, Yoko Ono, Prince, Johnny Cash, George Miller, Tom Brokaw, Regis Philbin, Walter Cronkite, Roy Orbison, Super Dave Osborne, Drew Barrymore, Whitney Houston, Hilary Clinton, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George Bush, Michelle Obama, Barack Obama, George Forman, Sean Connery, Bob Dole, Justin Bieber, Jennifer Lawrence, Jennifer Aniston, Michael J. Fox, Anthony Quinn, Carl Reiner, Joaquim Phoenix, Alec Baldwin, Ringo Starr, Farrah Fawcett, Norm Macdonald, George Clooney, Tina Fey, Warren Zevon, Gilda Radner, Siskel and Ebert, Fran Liebowitz, Mary Tyler Moore, Christopher Reeve, Meryl Streep, Carol Burnett, Jack Lemmon, Richard Lewis, Dolly Parton, James Earl Jones, Cameron Diaz, Sylvester Stallone, Howard Stern, Martin Lawrence, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Mick Jagger, Colin Powell, Lauren Bacall, Lou Reed, Eddie Murphy, Warren Beatty, Tom Cruise, Martha Stewart, Denzel Washington, Martin Short, Chris Rock, Henry Kissinger, Al Gore, Meg Parsant, Kiss, David Bowie, Bob Dylan, Betty White, Lou Rawls, Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Walker, Gene Shalit, Dr. Phil, Will Ferrell, Adam Sandler, (and many others)

Miss the antics. Thx for all you did Dave, crew, and guests.

Man's whole entire career is just one experiment in comedy after the next, and I think it's safe to say they were successful. If we have comedic television today that hits and slaps it's because of this man and his team & crew. God's bless ya Dave!!!!

truly the best late night long talk show host.

Sad but powerful emotional ending. Foo Fighters are beyond amazing and to cancel their tour to do this is also a tribute to their greatness. I only wish Dave had mentioned the name of each of the Foo Fighters in thanking them. Love them and their music so much. Dave was the Johnny Carson for the next generations.

All the greats are gone from there shows thank you for the memories

Holy shiiiit. 53:55 gave me flash backs. "This is CBS." This video got me all in my feels. I adore Dave. So much nostalgia. I wish I could rewind. Listen, I hate to sound like a Grandma right now, but kids, that phrase "dont blink" is legitimate. Life goes by sooooo quick. I feel like yesterday I was a teenager, skateboarding, watching MTV (when it was good) music videos, Jackass, Ren and Stimpy, Beavis and Butthead, Unplugged, and Saturday cartoons... the fkin good ones, Dexter's Lab, Tom and Jerry, Courage the Cowardly Dog, CatDog, Pinky and the brain, Rugrats, Hey Arnold. Now I'm a 31 year old Mom of two who works and pays bills. Just enjoy your life. Live it to the fullest. Making memories are so important. You'll make memories when you're older and have a family obviously, but those memories as a kid/teenager/young adult are the absolute best& it goes by too quick. When we're young, we can't wait to grow up& when we grow up, we wish we were young again.