I will freely admit that this show owed a lot of its silliness to its predecessors--especially Steve Allen's TONIGHT SHOW--who was the first to do many of the things Letterman later did (such as the jello vat). But, despite this, it was a relatively fresh and very funny show---complete with lots of funny things above and beyond the celebrity interviews. Who can forget "Monkey Cam"--a chimp on roller skates zipping around the skit on ramps? Or Chris Elliot's "MAN UNDER THE STAIRS" or "THE FUGITIVE GUY"? Or Dave walking around the city and meeting "Mr. Eggroll" and his wife "Mrs. Eggroll" and then stopping for PIZZADONUTS?! Or the wonderful Christmas presents created by his staff--I especially loved the "rabid dog shave cream dispenser" and the "Joe Theisman pencil sharpener"--complete with his broken leg as the crank! But, after a while, he just looked pretty grumpy and did self-parody. It was like he was "phoning in the episodes" and the banter between him and the horribly unfunny Paul Shaffer was just becoming tedious. And for me, as Letterman's interest waned, so did mine. Stick to the first few seasons.

This is hands down the most cool, funny, entertaining talk show that has ever been on television!! Most TV shows only wish they were half this good. If the greedy execs at NBC ever decide to release these episodes, be sure and check it out! That's all that needs to be said really.

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.

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.