David Letterman ended his long run as host of NBC's "Late Night" and later became the host of CBS's "Late Show." Across both transitions, he replaced well-known figures who shaped the late-night landscape before him.
This article traces the key succession moments in Letterman's career, focusing on the hosts he directly replaced and the context behind each change.
| Show | Time Period | Role | Person Replaced | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Late Night | 1982–1993 | Host | Tom Snyder | NBC |
| Late Show | 1993–2015 | Host | Bob Costas | CBS |
| Late Night | 1993 | Interim Host | Conan O'Brien | NBC |
| Late Show | 2015 | Interim Host | Stephen Colbert | CBS |
The Late Night Handover from Tom Snyder
When Letterman joined NBC in 1982, he took over the hosting duties from Tom Snyder on "Late Night." Snyder had cultivated a quiet, intimate interview style in the time slot, and Letterman was chosen to inject a sharper, more ironic tone that would redefine the show's identity.
Moving to CBS and Replacing Bob Costas
In 1993, Letterman moved to CBS and became the host of the "Late Show," replacing Bob Costas, who had been the face of the network's evening lineup. This high-profile shift represented a major realignment in late-night television, with Letterman bringing his established brand of humor to a direct competitive arena.
Late Show 2015 and the Transition to Stephen Colbert
As Letterman approached retirement, CBS planned a carefully managed succession. Stephen Colbert was named as his replacement, and for a brief interim period before Colbert's official debut, Letterman returned to the stage, effectively filling in for the incoming host and smoothing the transition for viewers.
The Momentary NBC Shift with Conan O'Brien
When Conan O'Brien was preparing to move from NBC to primetime, the network arranged a short interim arrangement on "Late Night." Letterman hosted select episodes during this overlap, providing stability while O'Brien completed his transition to a new format and time slot.
Key Takeaways
- Letterman replaced Tom Snyder when he took over "Late Night" on NBC in 1982.
- He replaced Bob Costas as the host of the CBS "Late Show" in 1993.
- He filled in for Stephen Colbert during the 2015 transition period on CBS.
- He provided interim hosting during Conan O'Brien's format change at NBC in the early 1990s.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which host did David Letterman replace on Late Night in 1982?
David Letterman replaced Tom Snyder as the host of NBC's "Late Night" in 1982.
Who did David Letterman replace when he moved to CBS in 1993?
David Letterman replaced Bob Costas as the host of the CBS "Late Show" in 1993.
During the 2015 transition, who did Letterman temporarily stand in for on the Late Show?
In 2015, Letterman temporarily filled in for the incoming host Stephen Colbert during the transition period on the CBS "Late Show."
What role did Letterman play during Conan O'Brien's move at NBC in the early 1990s?
Letterman hosted select episodes on "Late Night" during the interim when Conan O'Brien was shifting roles, helping maintain continuity on the show.