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!

[@uwcb1]

This woman is a legend.

[@Chesterton7]

Yes.

[@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!

[@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 before this show 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.

[@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.

[@ArchernAce]

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

[@QuantumBraced]

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

[@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!

[@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?

[@johnm9285]

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

[@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).

[@HfnfNrnd]

​@merrillmarkoe5891 thanks for being a huge part of a great show that my father and I were able to watch together! Me home in the mornings thanks to my highschool schedule and he being on strike from his job...we bonded over this and then Dave's other shows. I think it no coincidence he passed at age 89 in 2016 shortly after Dave retired. Thanks for killing my pop.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@JackSilbert]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@mackstewart4203]

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

[@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.

[@dski2e]

That ge handshake segment really got me.

[@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.

[@NicholasMoreau]

More clips for The Morning Show, please!

[@Chesterton7]

Seconded again.

[@GardenGirlD76]

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

[@michaelr00ney]

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

[@leahgreenwald7726]

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

[@EightPieceBox]

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

[@louisrios5546]

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

[@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....

[@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.

[@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.

[@onyoutuberightnow]

Great to see Merill Markoe back.

[@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!

[@nitedreamer23]

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

[@hamsandwichson]

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

[@chrisbrown7362]

That Ferris Bueler is a righteous dude!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@doddeddo]

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

[@xTheOxx]

Merrill Markoe rules!

[@tspamtyahoocom]

Thank you Letterman team for providing these gems!

[@preesi1403]

Ive heard Barbara Gaines and Walter Kim are running it

[@Walter-Anderson]

Love seeing clips from the "ill-fated" morning show. I've wanted to see this version of the show for a long time and have never had an opportunity to see any. And Merril Markoe is f@©€!ng legend!

[@jimnapier9045]

Talk about some deep cuts! These were such a treat to see. Thank you for sharing Merrill!

[@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.

[@dale1956ties]

I was a big fan of the morning show an was happily dragged along through the NBC, CBS, and now the internet shows. Letterman was the best. Second only to Carson, maybe. Thanks for the channel Dave from a life-long fan, evidently.

[@Mrpaulaustin08]

Its so exciting to see even a brief piece on the Morning Show. Merrill was a huge part of this and Late Night. It's nice to see her get some recognition. I wish her well.

[@madnessbydesignVria]

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... :)

[@johnsjohnson448]

Merrill Markoe is simply one of the most brilliantly, creative and influential comedic writers to have ever worked in both Daytime and Late Night Television. Her contributions were hysterically funny and greatly assisted in creating a Genre. Thank-You for all of the wonderful material and memories.

[@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.

[@evanstansbury7483]

Fantastic. Part Two please.

[@illiamdeebe7579]

I am LOVING this channel.

[@johnb1150]

Glad to see some of the staff getting their moment in the sun and giving us the peek behind the curtain I was born the year they did this but letterman would be the chat show everyone would watch during the 90s when it peaked so nice to see where it all began.

[@mudhens4ever]

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

[@Chesterton7]

Brilliant and fun to see unfold. The beginning of the New Wave of television comedy. Bravo Markoe.

[@ks2008]

Merrill is a legend.

[@Jay-Darkclaw]

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

[@rhuephus]

absolutely fantastic

[@darkurthe]

Merrill Markoe is overlooked, so glad this was made.

[@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.

[@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...

[@JohnQPublic345]

when letterman came out with late night, me and my brother stayed up and watched it, at least on Fridays. bud melmin, the guy under the stairs, the dropping of stuff off the building..... all unforgettable awesomeness

[@gccguy77]

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

[@shenjingbing6021]

I remember watching this show and I loved it. Been a Letterman fan ever since.

[@SpeakerGregoryDwyer]

Surprized to see Merrill on this after all these years.

[@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".

[@wordsbydhaval]

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

[@AS-zc8mr]

thats brilliant! I love her!

[@JonBlondell]

You did a magnificent job!

[@waytospergtherebro]

I enjoyed the continuity breaking, inexplicable jacket changes.

[@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.)

[@brianmoore5498]

i was in my 3rd year of college and would make sure i was up and eating my breakfast in time to watch the letterman morning show. i was late to class a couple of times because of it.

[@THX-C]

I’m glad Merrill Markoe oversaw that morning show and LNwDL which I started watching in middle school. The writing was excellent, Dave was edgy, and the characters like Larry Bud Melman and crew were incredible and very funny.

[@titoramone4465]

Great stuff!!

[@scottsteel2395]

An EXTREMELY talented lady.✌

[@jeffgagne5482]

Thanks for the laughs!

[@random22026]

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

[@mossby23]

I could not have enjoyed this more 🙏

[@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.

[@danwroy]

Yeah yeah we all love her

[@elevenears4785]

skipping school was NEVER BETTER - much love!

[@JeffHobbs]

Merrill is amazing. The best, always.

[@mikethebeginner]

None of the various Letterman shows were ever as good after Merrill Markoe left. She was a genius.

[@ninestories2]

Thanks for enabling auto captions! 👍

[@0ooTheMAXXoo0]

I did not know she was a writer. I loved her as a comedic actress in shows and movies...

[@verbo108]

Merrill is an unsung hero.

[@setharnold9764]

Bringing out Dave's dog is brilliant.

[@DarthJabba504]

Wow, it's crazy that this stuff was on in the morning.

[@pamelabonaparte9383]

Fantastic 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🤣😂❤️

[@realbaresoles2]

I was sixteen when this show was on, and my sister, with whom I was very close, was 14. It was on during the summer so we could watch it. I felt the same way watching this show as I had when I first watched Monty Python on pbs in the late 70s - as if someone finally got me, tapped into my psyche to say what I truly wanted to hear, to point out the things I found absurd in the drollest way possible. I quickly became addicted. In fact there was a great deal of trouble when I went back to school because I frequently played hooky or pretended to be sick so I could continue to watch the show at 9am. I considered dropping out, but then the show was canceled, solving this life-crisis for me.

[@mstipendiary28]

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

[@FC-cz6zd]

Really great to see the feel and style early on for what would become, next to Johnny Carson, the greatest late night show ever.

[@xtraspecialmango]

The unspoken fur coat 😂

[@jadeaslain6327]

This is awesome

[@teresaf991]

Thanks.

[@LightningBoltJpS]

Great stuff.

[@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.

[@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.