Staff Favorite Moments: Merrill Markoe On "The David Letterman Show" | Letterman

Original head writer Merrill Markoe shares some of her favorite bits from Dave's morning show.
#MerrillMarkoe #Letterman #MorningShow
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Welcome to the Letterman KZbin Channel, home to all your favorite clips from Late Night and Late Show - as well as conversations with the writers, producers and performers who helped make it all happen. These highlights have been artisanly-produced, carefully-curated, and chosen completely at random by an old computer that used to pick numbers for the New York Lotto back in the 90’s.

[@BrittWhitmire]

I'm so happy they had Merrill do this. She was a major reason that the Late Night show became what it was. Fantastic writer. Incredibly funny

[@dixonpinfold2582]

It's just wrong that she was never Dave's bride and he was never her groom. Wrong, I tell ya.

[@brycemcneil4404]

Arguably the most influential comedy writer of all time right here.

[@cyclo1224]

100 PERCENT agree!!

[@dixonpinfold2582]

Ok, but it's a bit hard to appreciate that when you're gawking at her megawatts of good looks. 9:24 Dave didn't stand a chance.

[@kevinwatts661]

Every time I walk by a store called "Just _______" be it bulbs, lamps, coffee, whatever, I thank her for those classic bits.

[@kevinwatts661]

@@salvagemonster3612 If you go back and trace the evolution of humor in the 80s, she and Dave are at the top of the pyramid. They were a couple, too...so they egged each other on.

[@danejurus69]

You must be a comedian too because you're joking right?

[@KrisRowberry]

In an industry where so many forget where they came from, Dave would routinely and adamantly remind people when she was on the show that without Merrill, there wouldn’t be a Late Night or Late Show. Massive props and fan for life - thank you Dave and THANK YOU MERRILL!

[@untexan]

Merrill was so far ahead of her time. People only had like six TV channels in 1980 and everything that got on the air had to be dumb, bland, and accessible to a mass audience. She really helped create the market for this kind of comedy.

[@christopherweise438]

untexan - Excellent synopses. The choices were not endless back then. You had to bring the goods to truly be noticed.

[@chasbodaniels1744]

I had 2 VHF channels. One was slightly fuzzy. The NBC affiliate was on the UHF band, and was just barely watchable through the “snow”.

[@curtisbme]

@@alukuhito Must have been in a big city that had a lot of locals or were picking up multiple cities locals. In the 70's in the Seattle/Tacoma area we had 6. abc, nbc, cbs, pbs, local channel 11 and 13 which is now CW and Fox. Later there was also a UHF channel or two but we mostly couldn't get them.

[@teresaf991]

Are you all taking about 1980. I can't believe it but I guess that's about right depending on where you lived 6, 8 or 12. Seems like cable was invented or available the same year SNL started. 1979? But how many years until people started getting it. Cable not SNL humor.

[@chasbodaniels1744]

My roommate in 1982-84 had a job going door to door in our medium sized city, signing up new cable subscribers.

[@oscarandgroucho]

This morning show was responsible for my buying my first VCR. The machine was steam powered, and it cost me a small fortune.

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

I bought my first VCR to tape Late Night, back in the early 80s. I used to make mix tapes of all the best bits. Still have them but haven't watched any of them for over 30 years I bet. No need to since Don Giller did all the work for us, and now this channel.

[@lordofthemound3890]

Good point. In the Midwest, Late Night didn’t come on until midnight. I was in my teens back then and actually used to record the show on CASSETTE tapes.

[@TJamesBell]

What did you feed the hamsters?

[@OuterGalaxyLounge]

Operated by dinosaurs turning the gears on a treadmill. I remember them well.

[@rahard]

@@TJamesBell cigars? oh, wait a minute. I thought it was smoke. it was steam. my apology.

[@Shellinois]

Several things stood out. In watching old clips of The David Letterman Show, the program went through several changes in its short four-month run. The set changed at least twice, and Dave's desk area changed at least three times. The "family" concept was shelved after it was deemed to not work. Edwin Newman's updates went away, as did the extra half hour, as local affiliates were running syndication to cover this weird program. It's a known fact that Dave was asked to call local GMs to keep them on the hook, but once he lost the Group W/Westinghouse stations in the major markets, the program was doomed. Bob Sarlotte was the original announcer and was replaced by Bill Wendell who would remain all through the early CBS years of "Late Show" before retiring. In this clip two other things stood out. Merrill Markoe was confused by the replacement show on NBC being "Card Sharks", but the short-lived "Las Vegas Gambit" hosted by Wink Martindale, hence why an audience member was holding a "KILL WINK" sign during the last show, and the desk that was destroyed during the nudie magazine bit was the original desk Dave sat behind when the show first aired. I wish they'd release this entire series. Some very groundbreaking comedy went out to the American airwaves during this short period, which led to "Late Night with David Letterman," and the world was better for all three of his programs. A special thank you to you, Merrill Markoe, for your wonderful contributions to television and comedy, as well. Dating and working with the moody host of the show could not have been at all an easy task.

[@merrillmarkoe5891]

You got most if not all of this right.

[@lordofthemound3890]

@@merrillmarkoe5891 If you’re the real Merrill Markoe, I want to thank you so much for the show that got me through my teenage years!

[@last808]

And Markoe apparently changed coats at least once during this interview.

[@carlodave9]

@@merrillmarkoe5891 This show turned me into a chronic truant in 6th grade before VCRs were common. My grades never did recover. Thanks for making me a dumb-dumb MERRILL (if that even is your real name).

[@robatsea2009]

Merrill was key to what people know and love as "Late Night", and hearing all of the background on the short-lived morning show was a treat. Also, kudos for including the unsung genius of Valri Bromfield. She was a peer of Dan Aykroyd and the SCTV gang, was showcased on one of the very first episodes of "Saturday Night Live" in 1975 and went on to become a cast member of shows like "Best in the West" and "Grace Under Fire".

[@LoudGoat74]

Is it wrong that I will always immediately recognize her from playing the police detective in Who's Harry Crumb?

[@stevensenski2134]

Please, please, please, please post more material from the morning show. I watched it religiously and, four decades later, the memories bring me immeasurable joy.

[@Chesterton7]

Seconded.

[@jamessekorski2492]

I am one of the few that watched also. My favorite memory was the wedding show. Especially when the confetti caught fire.

[@alro2434]

Only saw it once & had to call in sick just to do it!

[@ChristopherHemsworthCreative]

I LOVE that for no reason at 6:30 suddenly Merrill is wearing a fur coat and then it's GONE again at 8:49 with no explanation! hahahahaha

[@user-hm5zb1qn6g]

Dave is still in charge of the thermostat on set.

[@johnm9285]

Unbridled genius, hugely talented, one-of-kind comedy royalty. And PS nice fur.

[@uwcb1]

This woman is a legend.

[@Chesterton7]

Yes.

[@QuantumBraced]

I can't believe they did this at 9 AM, I'm surprised it lasted as long as it did LOL.

[@ArchernAce]

I was 21. This was the greatest show ever. I audio recorded every one and wept when it was canceled.

[@MADINTHEKITCHEN]

Merrill Markoe is a genius and a legend!!

[@merrillmarkoe5891]

And she learned to make im chi from YOU.

[@MADINTHEKITCHEN]

@@merrillmarkoe5891 THAT makes me happy!

[@magiciangob]

I don't think I've ever seen any clips from the morning show. Really great to hear from Ms. Markoe, a genius who will never get the credit she deserves. Thanks for all of this.

[@RobLives4Love]

a lot on Don Gillers page

[@dixonpinfold2582]

The viewer mail letter about prepositions and the bit Dave made around it were very tight and came off terrifically well. I didn't laugh, but it was good writing and performing. Sometimes you don't laugh because it's too damn good.

[@rockturtleneck]

This is great- Ms. Markoe. you are a true comedic genius and I thank you for the laughter you have given me over the years. I worked several years with Ed Subitsky as a fellow copywriter at a NYC ad agency from 2000-2005. It was a couple years before I realized he was the guy from Letterman, National Lampoon, etc. Great guy and a fantastic writer too, of course.

[@NicholasMoreau]

More clips for The Morning Show, please!

[@Chesterton7]

Seconded again.

[@michaelr00ney]

Comedy in the last forty years isn’t the same without Merrill. Good to see her again.

[@barbarasmith3794]

I was home on maternity leave when the show aired. It was wonderful to have such a funny, innovative show to watch in the midst of the usual morning programming. My two favorite moments were when the stage caught fire at the end of the show (LIVE!) and the guest was terrified, but Dave was unperturbed; and Dave commenting on the earnest efforts of a woman who made "useful" items out of trash. I have never laughed so hard. It was so disappointing when it was cancelled. Merrill is terrific.

[@JackSilbert]

Oh I'm so happy she agreed to do this!! An especially good batch, thank you!

[@plaws0]

Is there a worship-as-if-a-goddess emoji I can put next to Ms Markoe's name? No MM, no DL. Thank you both.

[@alandoane9168]

Very nice to see Ms. Markoe presenting her faves. I was a young teen when this show debuted and never missed an episode. My mom was in her early 50s then and loved it even more than I did. Thank you, Merrill and Dave and everyone else involved in this and the late night shows for a lifetime of joy and delight.

[@TJamesBell]

Weren't you in school?

[@alandoane9168]

@@TJamesBell You'd think, but no!

[@TJamesBell]

@@alandoane9168 Good answer.

[@realbaresoles2]

@@TJamesBell the show started around the time of summer vacation. I was totally absorbed by it as my summer thing. When I had to go back to school in September, I was devastated, and missed a lot of school. Eventually the network solved this problem for me.

[@TJamesBell]

@@realbaresoles2 Thanks for clarifying.

[@irenehoffman2190]

I was 21 and a first year high school English teacher who taught crappy afternoon session since the school had grown too large, and the new one hadn't been built. And then: I was I ironing my clothes and sipping my coffee, morning ritual, and landed on this most unusual show! Watched first through last. Entirely hooked. My mood improved immeasurably! I agree with Bryce that you rank among the most influential comedy writers of all time. Dave's genius in executing, and probable contribution to this writing made me yearn for more. Couldn't wait until the next morning. I was devestated when the show ended because I knew what I had in store for TV watching while I grumbled that I had to teach awful afternoon session, with no TV hope. Extraordinary team of people who started a ball of comedic fire.

[@mackstewart4203]

Thank you Merrill for your contribution to comedy! Was great to see this video

[@LoudGoat74]

I never got to see the morning show (I was a wee lad with no access to or awareness of much on TV beyond cartoons at that point), but these clips make me want to see more. My dad always used to talk about how much Late Night reminded him of watching Ernie Kovacs, but it feels like the morning show was an even closer cousin, with the experimental comedy wrapped in the trappings of a time slot usually reserved for much more banal offerings. What a magnificent vibe for the viewers who "got it." And thank the fates it was able to have another chance to shine on Late Night.

[@zefallafez]

On the last morning show, Bill Wendell, who worked on Ernie Kovak’s show, said that David reminded him of Kovak.

[@cablecoshow]

Fred Silverman met Dave in the bathroom during a hosting gig he was doing at some event. I always wonder if Silverman would have tracked him down if they hadn't run into each other in the bathroom. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6PVpGqpmtt0paM

[@GardenGirlD76]

Awesome, to see you, Merrill!!! Thanks for sharing this fun! Awe! I want that David Letterman T shirt!!

[@hamsandwichson]

I'm loving all the new uploads! I didn't know Edie Mcclurg and Rich Hall were part of the original show!

[@edclarkson638]

I first saw the morning show when I was on an extended period of working midnights. Got home turned on the TV and there he was. Absolutely loved it. Did not own a VCR at the time so this was a chance to see ground breaking comedy live. I do remember a recurring character "Chuck the Human Weasel." Does anyone else remember that or was it just sleep depravation? I hated midnight shift....

[@drewgeraci8434]

My dad and I didn't have a lot of shared interests when it came to TV but I remember during one summer of the morning show, we'd both laugh our asses off.

[@mikec3853]

Where I lived they only showed the last half hour of the show because the affiliate chose to show Donahue instead but even a half hour was better than nothing. Was it a dream that there was an episode of the morning show that was done as a lost episode of the 50's morning show? Merrill Markoe is one of the funniest people ever.

[@toofbrown6335]

Late Night was never the same after Ms. Markoe. There was an edge of no being sure what would happen. Not just all the room to let unscripted things happen, but also using "actors" Like Calvert DeForest, guests like Brother Theodore made you feel so uncertain about what would happen. They would take a person, like the woman from the window across the street and just put her on. I don't know where else a show had that edge. Must have been near impossible to write, needed Letterman's improv ability and NBC must have hated the uncertainty and awkwardness of it, but they made it and it worked. So glad I got to watch it as it happened.

[@bYtealiEnSzen]

I was going to college. There was a german themed restaurant just off campus that served beer before noon. Perfect combo... Dave and Beer at 10:30 am!

[@jimlaforte1755]

Merrill was the brainchild behind some of the greatest television comedy ever produced. It was is nice to see her do this. Thank-You for sharing these terrficly memorable moments.

[@uosdwiSrdewoH]

I'm so happy this channel exists. So much of what Dave did is lost to time and having this stuff available to watch again is incredible.

[@louisrios5546]

I watched the morning show frequently during that summer of 1980. Great to see clips of it again.

[@GeauxRight777]

WSnt Mrs marv the secretary in Ferris buehlers day off?

[@HelpfulMike]

And the rental car agent in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles?

[@waytospergtherebro]

I enjoyed the continuity breaking, inexplicable jacket changes.

[@douglaslowe5]

I was in college but would Betamax the morning show and watch it at night. always figured it would be short lived it was too quirky for its time slot, which was the appeal.

[@madnessbydesign1415]

I remember the morning show - it was brilliant. I raved about it to everyone I could, and then, it was cancelled. Fortunately for us all, the late night show followed, and rest was history... :)

[@jrpipik]

"Mister Letterman" -- ouch.

[@Heres_Johnny.]

She calls the man she dated “Mr. Letterman”?

[@random22026]

10:12 😁😁😆😆😅😅🤣🤣😂😂🤪🤪Merrill Markoe, saving the best for last. Obviously.

[@josephcote6120]

I loved the morning show. I happened to be taking a semester off from college (medical recovery) and it happened that that was when the show debuted. It was great for my spirits and I came to adore Edie McClurg.

[@EightPieceBox]

I like these intros from the people who worked on the show. Nice to see Merrill again!

[@leahgreenwald7726]

Terrific! I miss Letterman and I can see now I obviously miss Markoe too.

[@seanwebb605]

She thinks David Letterman is a righteous dude.

[@Lethgar_Smith]

Letterman has said he was a pretty heavy pot smoker in those days and that for the entire run of the morning show he was pretty baked during most of the tapings. If you look closely he does have a bit a "bleary eyed" look in most of the clips you see from that show.

[@Lethgar_Smith]

@Charlie King Yeah, kind of like if you and your friends were siting around getting high and someone walked in and said, "You guys should do a TV show" and then the very next week you're like, doing a TV show.

[@exley8100]

Why do I think its funny she, for some reason, is wearing a fur coat half way through the video..

[@nitedreamer23]

The morning show was great. It gave me a reason to wake up early as a kid. Rich Hall was terrific.

[@electrojones]

She created David Letterman and then he screwed her over. There would be no Letterman without Markoe.

[@evenmorebetter]

If you're not following Merrill on Twitter, you should definitely be following Merrill on Twitter

[@bluebear1985]

That game show guy who left before the show even went to air was I believe Bob Stewart. Although he produced a good number of shows, he's best known for being behind various incarnations of "Pyramid" for a couple of decades. He also produced an unsold pilot Dave had previously hosted, "The Riddlers".

[@pauld.cullenjr.7934]

I've love this so much. Thank you, Merrill, for the inanity!

[@Occupant]

One of the greatest comedy writers of all time

[@Chesterton7]

Agree.

[@doddeddo]

That first actress from movies like Ferris Bueller and Plains, trains and automobiles is iconic, always memorable no matter her lines

[@Mrshoujo]

Edie McClurg was in Ferris Bueller's Day Off. 👍

[@jaypickett3552]

She was also the car rental counter person in “Planes Trains and Automobiles”

[@jb888888888]

Are memories from Robert Bob Morty Bob Rob Morty Morton and Tony Big Ink Mendez far behind?

[@Jay-Darkclaw]

I miss this show. It would be great if they put it back on this channel

[@xTheOxx]

Merrill Markoe rules!

[@wordsbydhaval]

At 6:38 she turned this interview into a bit. Love it.

[@Onemore59]

I was sick for a week when I was a kid and watched this show. It was the only thing on that was different or interesting. The only way to watch it was if you were near death and stuck at home or in the hospital. Any fanboys who talk about seeing this were in their pajamas with Vics Vapo rub on their chests. I promise.

[@daedralord1]

Where did the fur coat come from?

[@alandoane9168]

Saks Fifth Avenue.

[@merrillmarkoe5891]

Wait til you see my picks for the night time show. There are WARDROBE CHANGES!

[@marcthompson3665]

It's genius.

[@merrillmarkoe5891]

@@alandoane9168 It's FAUX from the 90s and I got it at a thrift store.

[@caliscribe2120]

I was able see the morning show only sporadically because I had my college classes. My attendance at the classes then became more sporadic in the morning. (No vcrs in dorms back then.)

[@GeorgiaOverdrive]

She calls him Mr. Letterman

[@HeyMySock]

It's so great to see bits from the morning show! It's legend! Thank you Merrill for creating it and talking about it here!

[@jedblaugrund597]

Will Don Giller ever be able to post again?

[@guspolly]

I thought I read he may be involved with this channel in some way now, maybe?

[@danhermon4922]

I don’t know what went on between them, but for all the lip service credit he gives her he really owes her millions, because he would’ve had no career without her. Late Night caught on because of her ideas, he was a lousy stand-up and average interviewer. Without her genius that show would’ve gone nowhere.

[@thefifthdementia5231]

Letterman started dating his current wife Regina while still living with Merrill. This happened in the mid-to-late 80s but he and Regina didn't marry till 2009, after their son was born in 2003. That same year, in an attempt to defuse a blackmail attempt, Letterman confessed on-air to having an affair with a Late Night staffer. What a peach. I agree he'd have stayed a so-so standup without Merrill's inspiration.

[@infrequentvlogs4433]

I watched this show religiously.... as a kid. I was born in 1970, and had generally developed a taste for weird humor living in London England in the heyday of so many British things-- not just Python, but Ripping Yarns, as well as The Goodies, Sellers in Clouseau movies, etc. We moved back to America in late 1978, and I was often bored by supposed "edgy" US TV comedy. This was 1 of the 1st shows to really seem exciting, along with (partially-Canadian) SCTV

[@WEPDRabbitEarsTV]

Has anyone mentioned the wardrobe change?

[@Letterman]

👀

[@sdne1959]

. "Mr. Letterman" ?? Seems oddly formal for her to refer to him that way, given the fact that Ms. Markoe had a VERY close relationship with the man.......in fact LIVED with him, if I'm not mistaken..... Not a judgment.......just seems a bit odd...... Be funny to find out that's how she ALWAYS referred to him......even when they were at home !! ;-) .

[@ac9559]

I missed the morning show, but as an awkward, maladjusted teen LNWDL gave me so much joy and comfort. Millions of us learned to set the VCR timer because of it. Luckily, I blossomed into a beautiful, beautiful man. Thank you Merrill, you made a difference.

[@elizabethrothwell6562]

Aha. The brains behind the operation.

[@raymondm.9954]

I wonder why Dave never had Edie McClurg or Valri Bromfield on as guests on "Late Night" or "The Late Show." Bad associations with the morning show's failure? Hope he didn't blame them.

[@discosecret6363]

Edie McClure is such an incredible comedic actor.

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

220 acting credits on IMDB. She probably has many more as I couldn't find any mention of her work on the morning show.

[@EightPieceBox]

She was an 80s icon seemingly without ever having a leading role.

[@emmgeevideo]

I worked in Manhattan for a year starting in September 1978. I was research assistant and had to drive to schools at random times to collect data. So I spent a fair amount of time in my apartment between appointments. I ran across this strange morning talk show and was captivated by it...

[@onyoutuberightnow]

Great to see Merill Markoe back.

[@harlhequim]

A simple premise. The essence of what people rave about Letterman got consolidated in NBC's Late Night. Merrill Markoe was structural in the success of that show. You do the math

[@davecongalton2858]

David Letterman was nothing without Merrill Markoe. She shaped the morning show and the late night show. Markoe single-handedly reshaped late night television. I plead with her to write her memoir. I beg Netflix to make a movie about David and Merrill, but told from her point of view.

[@dorklyasmr6017]

It's funny to see Markoe call her former boyfriend "Mr. Letterman." Man she was such an incredible and important person in the history of the greatest show on TV.

[@mockmonkey1]

Adding Wil Shriner as one of the regulars on the morning show. I worked 3rd shift when this aired and I would force myself to stay up to watch this every weekday morning. It was so different. I remember Merrill Markoe doing a "Dogs on Prozac" segment on the short lived TV Nation on NBC.

[@jimsmith7212]

I watched the show quite a lot and enjoyed it but the show that I rememember is when they had a "big celebration" with confetti and streamers and balloons falling from overhead and they then handed out lit sparklers to the people on stage, starting a fire in about 2 inches of confetti. Oh the humanity!

[@mstipendiary28]

Has Merriil has found the fountain of youth or something? I've never seen her look better! She was always great.

[@randolfo1265]

That Mrs Bjorkman kinda reminds me of Perini Scleroso. Look that one up. (Hint, character of the brilliant Andrea Martin)

[@dski2e]

That ge handshake segment really got me.

[@danwilliams1920]

Watching all these old Letterman clips that have suddenly appeared on KZbin make me feel so, so fortunate that I grew up in a time when this was the thing. And it makes me so, so sorry for today's generation that have grown up with the crap we call late night now. I don't say that to be mean. I'm 100% sincere. It's shameful the cultural atmosphere we've left to our children.

[@PeterMaranci]

I was threatened with jail by my college because of Late Night with David Letterman! Seriously.

[@RickBeatsWorld]

without Merrill Markoe.......Enough said. Her DNA is all over the show.

[@Leadhsr]

"Mr. Letterman"...

[@howdythere3121]

Can we all please just acknowledge her mysterious fur coat that just comes and goes with no explanation??

[@psadelachute363]

2:59 - Will you look at her 🥰 it's mrs. Herb Tarlek from Cincinnati. 📺 WKRP 📻

[@darrtetzy]

I would *much* rather watch the Morning Show with David Letterman than suffer through "The View" .

[@WaitingtoHit]

Wow, I wonder if this was the inspiration for the Kristen Wiig/Fallon bit where she goes on as celebrities she obviously isn't.

[@gccguy77]

Merrill Markoe RULES, also thank you Dave.... AWESOME...

[@mudhens4ever]

I remember the dancing-on-the-speaker bit. Loved Letterman from the first time I saw him on TV!

[@kpkelsey]

I loved Edie. Her saying her zip code cracked me up every time. It was so simple and ironic. My kids wonder why I will just say randomly, “10101!”.

[@dankelly7292]

Mrs Marv, Box 8-4-8, New York New York, one-oh-one-oh-one! When I moved to LA and someone once asked for my "old NY address" I gave them Mrs. Marv's address.

[@Archerjr1]

Those three little words that will never, exit my conscience...Mrs. Marv Mendenhall.

[@musicmakelightning]

I watched the show as frequently as I could. I remember distinctly the advertisement for "Winky's Cow Paste" and "Small Town News." The lead up to "Floyd Styles Day" and the actual Floyd Styles day are comedy jewels that make me giggle even now. Of course, I'm getting old and recovering from chemo therapy, so maybe I giggle at lots of things I shouldn't. But I do wonder if the real Floyd Styles remembers his trip to NYC or if he's like me, and wonders if it was just something dreamt up by his grandchildren. And the phrase, "Isn't this more fun than humans should be allowed to have?" Has come in handy for me over the decades. I've used it at psychotically boring business dinners, when it's 10PM and everyone wants to go home, but has to sit and listen to the drunk customer (whom you have made drunk) tell the same story about his wife and the wide-mouthed bass for the 3rd time.

[@scottsteel2395]

An EXTREMELY talented lady.✌