'Seriously considering it!' CBS hopeful of David Letterman's return to late-night TV after retiring in 2015

CBS is hopeful of David Letterman's return to late-night TV after his appearance on Stephen Colbert's show pulled in 2.2 million viewers
PUBLISHED DEC 26, 2023
Former host David Letterman made an appearance on Stephen Colbert's 'The Late Show' (The Late Show with Stephen Colbert/Facebook)
Former host David Letterman made an appearance on Stephen Colbert's 'The Late Show' (The Late Show with Stephen Colbert/Facebook)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA:  CBS executives are reportedly hopeful that David Letterman might return to late-night television after years away from the spotlight.

The speculation comes after Letterman's recent appearance on CBS's 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert', which garnered an impressive 2.2 million viewers.

According to sources, CBS executives see a potential return of the 76-year-old as a major boon for the network, possibly surpassing the ratings of current late-night hosts like Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, and Jimmy Kimmel.

An insider emphasized that Letterman's departure from the late-night landscape in 2015 might have contributed to a decline in viewership since then.

'David Letterman misses his old gig'

According to Radar online, the insider further revealed that after his appearance on Colbert's show, Letterman has come to realize his affinity for television once more. "Dave didn't understand how much he misses his old gig until he sat down with Colbert," the insider disclosed.

The insider added, "He's been approached many times in the past with plans to launch a new show, but for the first time since he quit, Letterman's seriously considering it!"

With over three decades of experience hosting late-night television, David Letterman's return, even as a guest on CBS, feels like a homecoming.

His retirement in 2015 from 'The Late Show' on CBS, after a remarkable run that began at NBC and then shifted to CBS in 1993, was a decision made to focus on family and explore new ventures.

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 07:  Presenter David Letterman speaks onstage at the 32nd Annual Rock & Roll Ha
David Letterman was given a standing ovation during his recent appearance on Stephen Colbert's show at the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City (Getty Images)

David Letterman fond of the fun experiences he had as a late-night host

During his recent appearance on Colbert's show at the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City, the audience gave Letterman a standing ovation, demonstrating their excitement at seeing the iconic host back on television.

In a conversation with Colbert, Letterman expressed his fondness for the "mostly fun" experiences he had during his tenure as a late-night host. He also highlighted the unique aspect of the job, allowing for a fresh start every day.

CBS and David Letterman representatives have yet to comment on these reports, leaving fans curious and hopeful for a potential comeback.

Nonetheless, the enthusiasm from both executives and audiences indicates that Letterman's return to late-night television could be a much-anticipated event, potentially reinvigorating the late-night landscape.

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