Final Episode of ‘Late Show With David Letterman’ Airs as Letterman Ends a 33-Year Late-Night TV Career

On May 20, 2015, CBS aired the final episode of Late Show with David Letterman as the late-night host retired from a television career that lasted more than 30 years. The full episode can be viewed on the official CBS site for the show, and several clips have been uploaded the show’s YouTube page.

We have included some of our favorite moments from the episode like the show’s cold open that featured President Barack Obama and former Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George H.W. Bush quoting Gerald Ford‘s 1974 inauguration speech announcing that “Our long national nightmare is over,” referring to Letterman. We’ve also included Letterman’s final monologue, his final sign-off, and the Foo Fighters’ performance of their song “Everlong” that featured highlights from Letterman’s 33 years in late-night television.

During his career as a late-night host, Letterman inspired two generations of comedians, writers, and broadcasters, and has left a permanent mark on television history.

Thanks, Dave.