Stephen Colbert Reads His Own Top Ten List | Letterman

The future host of the "Late Show" tries his hand at Dave's trademark bit.
(From "Late Show," air date: 4/22/14)
#stephencolbert #topten #letterman
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[@j22mattones]

I just watched the recent episode where Dave came back to be a guest on the Late Show. Steven showed that selfie, and they took another one. It was a fantastic episode, I had goosebumps when Dave came out on stage. I'm so glad Steven has been carrying the torch of the Late Show greats so well.

[@williamogrady8216]

The interview's fresh as if it just happened. These two guys are the perfect complement.

[@laurab9867]

.. I agree. Someone's at Letterman's level.. notice he doesn't make any stupid jokes. Just saying...

[@brandongaming1049]

yah just no but nothing stupid jokes too!

[@vforwombat9915]

this colbert guy seems pretty good. can't wait till he starts.

[@krishnawidardjo5777]

One of the smoothest transition of power ever. I love them

[@willneubauer21]

I just saw Letterman leave the Ed Sullivan today after the taping. I can die happy now after he responded jokingly to something I said. Dave honked the horn of his Tesla for about 20 seconds, even after cars were out of the way.

[@terri6854]

Why didn't you write the thing you said?

[@Frankincensedjb123]

Celebrity worship is a disease.

[@willneubauer21]

@@terri6854 because it wasn’t anything important, the important part is that he said something back to me

[@dawnieb.7394]

@@willneubauer21 you have honor, sir. I salute you.

[@Big007Boss]

At the time, I had no idea who Colbert was, little did I know that I’ll be watching his show every night ever since

[@tatechasers2393]

that's like saying you can't define a woman

[@jefreykoenig6774]

I am absolutely in the same camp! And I love both these men! ❤

[@t7489]

Not too bright, eh?

[@Toastytop]

In that case you need to check out the show Strangers With Candy!

[@victorkong82]

You didn’t know who Stephen Colbert was in 2015, eight years into The Colbert Report?

[@Random-kl6ev]

I miss David letterman every single day.

[@Frankincensedjb123]

that's sad

[@JK1028]

My name is Dave! And I'm wearing no pants.

[@lisamj]

Same. And No it's not sad. It's totally understandable.

[@dawnieb.7394]

@@Frankincensedjb123 no, what's said is taking a minute out of your life to comment "that's sad" about something that made someone else happy. THAT'S sad.

[@travisfox8898]

I'm so so so glad Dave is changing his mind and deciding to do The Late Show once more! Feel like Strike Force Five might've played a role! 🤣

[@kbsuess]

Looking forward to seeing Dave on the show tonight!

[@briarbaron584]

Strike Force Five DID play a role in Letterman's return to the Ed Sullivan Theater. In fact, it was in Episode 9 that Colbert asked Letterman about that matter just as the five hosts were wrapping up their interview with Letterman. Please go check it out!

[@gregraj]

​​​@@briarbaron584it certainly allowed Stephen to ask the question of David. I got the impression that David was not quite ready to go back to the Ed Sullivan theater ... he felt it would be weird. Perhaps Stephen allowed David time to reflect on the option for a few days. 😊 Edit: I'm so glad David accepted the invitation. It was a great show last night and such an important episode that David was his ONLY guest. Also, the selfie! 😍

[@briarbaron584]

@@gregraj That I second the motion!

[@zymurgea]

Nice to see this again and to know that nearly ten years later they would pose and take a selfie there once again. Heartwarming and funny.

[@journeylvr]

Loved seeing Dave back behind the desk. An iconic photo!!

[@tylertyler82]

Been a huge fan of Stephen Colbert all the way back to The Dana Carvey Show, Strangers With Candy, and of course, The Colbert Report. His deadpan comedy is a great evolution of David Letterman's.

[@DavidZetino]

I waited outside Ed Sullivan theater to meet Dave tonight, got to see him he was so funny

[@nolorosales]

Rewatched this after Dave's appearance on Colbert. Love them both, so loving the mutual respect.

[@nerfherder4284]

Paul is actually a very underestimated part of The Late Show. He was able to interrupt at any moment and many guests would acknowledge or talk to him. All this besides being musically talented.

[@patrickdempsey9706]

Always confused me who was he. Did he do stg big n music that I missed?

[@mammawlee]

Wow! This must've long, long ago. I never watched The Late Show until Colbert. I knew him on the Colbert Report and followed him. Mostly l just watch the intros.😅

[@krishnawidardjo5777]

One of the smoothest transitions of power ever - and it happened because they are both a very humble person. I love them so much

[@bettyveronica9880]

After Dave retired, I didn’t watch any late night TV 💔 I’d heard of Colbert, but never watched him. Fast forward to early 2020, I watched Colbert and decided I’d give him a chance. Once he started doing his show from his basement (later the supply closet at the EST), I was a regular viewer.

[@dank3151]

I was there in '97 when Dave gave up explaining the jokes. By "there" I of course mean my couch.

[@pjmiller8632]

We miss you Dave!!! ❤ Amazing to see you back at your office! Please fill in for Stephen whenever and as often as you can. No offence Steve!

[@fillhixx]

Stephen is what we've needed in these troubled times, but it has certainly aged him.

[@wendylucka2397]

It has aged us all!

[@Static-ash]

Aww Stephen!! Been cracking me up since i was a kid trying to understand the Daily Show. My favorite late night guy forever!

[@stephaniec9539]

Loved seeing the updated selfie

[@nikwalters1029]

I love that they recreated the selfie!

[@seanwebb605]

Stephen Colbert has had the best transition replacing a major network late night TV show host and David Letterman has had the absolute best post retirement of any major network late night TV show host. Both have excelled in the things that they have chosen to do since then and audiences are enjoying so much good content. I'm so glad that Letterman is welcome on all of the various programs and podcasts while still killing it at the content he chooses to produce. Colbert has managed to stay at or near the top of the fray in terms of creative output and ratings while maintaining good relations with his peers. Jay Leno continues to stink.

[@NefastusJones]

Jay who?

[@seanwebb605]

@@NefastusJones He works for the automobile club. He was a mechanic from the Boston area.

[@joshnkegbe1984]

Leno should go reunite with Fallon.

[@seanwebb605]

@@joshnkegbe1984 They did that already. Fallon has his own problems right now.

[@roberturibe3150]

Do you think these two care whose side your on.

[@jeffreys-vu6gd]

I had no idea Dave was going to be on until I watched early this morning. He is still king.

[@timothywalker4563]

It wasn’t a “change of command ceremony” but a group selfie will do😂

[@bossfan49]

That was a really good Top 10 list. One thing, he forgot to say...from the home office in Rockford, IL... or something like that.

[@itsthelittlethings100]

2:03 - Stay on target. This is what its about. 4:59 - Also me. 11:21 - Astute, and the exit so precise. What a beautiful set.

[@228Brendon]

Aaaahhhh…nice to see a peaceful transfer of power

[@fatalmodelmadhatter]

No kids, there are no deaths involved this time, it's just that Dave finally, finally relented to visit his old stomping grounds. In itself, this is great. But there's a part of me that also wishes for Paul Shaffer to be there, too. And if Dave appears in a suit and clean-shaven I might even shed a single tear from the corner of my eye...

[@NefastusJones]

No need for Schaffer, he brings nothing.

[@kristeneL]

Best decision they made. Stephen Colbert is the best 😊

[@StevenTorrey]

And Colbert is still the best. He creates a complete trajectory of hysterical commentary on the news. Course, he has the Trumpster for fodder, so he can hardly go wrong for comedic material. I don't know that Dave could do that, certainly Johnny Carson couldn't.

[@julesbower762]

Super crossover between your channels. Professional grade.

[@janeltranmer2284]

Am looking very much forward to seeing Dave on Stephen Colbert. I watch Stephen on KZbin, as well, so I have to wait until tomorrow to watch it here in Toronto. Oh, and a very good example of a peaceful, dignified, mature, sane, lawful transfer of power.

[@janeltranmer2284]

@@robertgoerss I am such a radical.🙄

[@user-yn7yo1co3k]

Good point there, JT. 🇺🇸🇨🇦🇺🇲🇨🇦

[@ianw0ng]

so you're saying jay leno is the donald trump of late night.

[@janeltranmer2284]

You get the credit for saying it, but, yes, absolutely!

[@sailorjupoak]

Can't wait to see Dave back at the ol' theater tonight!

[@BearMeat4Dinner]

Wow!! So awesome to see Dave without the beard!!

[@jamesaren152]

If they start right now, it's not too late to get a Christmas Special with Dave and the gang -- it's what the world needs now!

[@MadDragon75]

These two are legendary!

[@ruthmarland835]

Ahh love this, flashbacks to Letterman’s show! Dave seemed happier as humble. We miss as love you❤️🎶

[@jayisola6787]

Seriously the best two entertained of all time.

[@GaryALucas]

I just remember 1 'Brush With Fame' when Dave would go out in the audience and ask folks what famous person they met. One fellow said he got in an elevator with Henry Kissinger and said 'Hello Mr Kissinger', to which he replied 'Dr. Kissinger'. Another fellow said he was in line at McDonald's behind Dustin Hoffman when Dustin ordered 20 McNuggets.

[@debrahelmlinger6256]

I was in line behind Tiny Tim at Walgreens in Hollywood Florida. He was buying hair color

[@twitchdoomx]

Aye he said my name! 😂 I was actually named after the drummer for the David Letterman band ❤

[@PygmySurfer]

The algorithm works in mysterious ways - Dave is Stephen’s guest tonight.

[@chadmelonite9999]

It's not the algorithm, yo. Although this interview was taped long ago, the video itself is a new upload from the Letterman crew. The timing is on purpose.

[@FloraWest]

The folks who run this channel are so on top of things. Really good.@@chadmelonite9999

[@sMVshortMusicVideos]

Two of my all time favorites, plus OG for me, Johnny.

[@ekdaufin1485]

Stephen was hilarious! 😂 Get well soon. We love you and value you!

[@markstevens1729]

Anyone who had been won over by Colbert on the “Report,” knew he’d win in this role too.

[@bretEdwards]

All those Daily Show alums are awesome! Thank you, Jon Stewart

[@Frankincensedjb123]

huh?

[@hugomego7329]

I love David Letterman. He is another bright fella.

[@81caasi]

"I was unemployed at a professional level" - Stephen Colbert

[@tomking2613]

It's so nice to see Colbert in the seat. its nice to meet you :)

[@OrchestrationOnline]

I love how Paul's band played the opening of Zappa's Zomby Woof at the end.

[@lastangelman]

Thanks for running this segment -

[@AC3handle]

nearly 10 years later, steven has a few gray streaks, letterman went beardo.

[@lisavandenhoven5672]

I did not get familiar with Colbert until he had at least one kid in college, so picturing him as a dad to a nine year old really threw me for a loop.

[@annroberts7935]

This is one dynamic duo!!

[@user-cw1ez3rh5u]

it's crazy to me that Dave was in late night for 30+ years while Colbert is only in his 8th year

[@buchor9455]

Other than the 11 years he did The Colbert Report...but sure. Just eight years.

[@eatonuter7113]

I'm super excited for tonight! I've been a fan of Letterman for twelve years now and Colbert since 2015.

[@mikewhite4560]

Only 12 with DAVE. Dave's KZbin Channel is GOLDEN...LOL 😅

[@PreferredCustomer]

Colbert went from making memes to being one.

[@tetrakoop]

never skipped a beat

[@BluBlu777]

Yep! loved Colbert since the days of The Colbert Report back about 11 years ago. At first my wife struggled for several months to convince me that he wasn’t actually a conservative. 😂

[@robertolagartos4838]

Please, do not cut the entrances of the interviews! They are a very important part of the segments! 🙏🏻

[@TheSteveBoyd]

That was awesome! Those Christmas jokes are all evergreens. 😶

[@noitallmanaz]

That guy seems like he would be good on a show :)

[@ChrisM-tn3hx]

I still miss my nightly dose of Dave. :)

[@zindi1138]

he forgot to throw the cards thru the window

[@freckledone1073]

My late show crushes. 💙🖤💛❤️

[@timduggan1461]

This is cool....after watching David Letterman on Colbert's show Monday, 20 November 2023.

[@michaelkottler]

Two of the GOAT - This epi demonstrates their very different but equally brilliant styles. Colbert is doing a fantastic job (after Mr. Letterman went semi-retired to grow out his beard & interview Obama et al). Comedians like Carson, Myers, Letterman, Colbert, Oliver, Kimmel and Fallon: Our sources 4 truth once news got FOX-ed.

[@TannerCIS]

Thank you, Dave.

[@catherinegigliotti1368]

Thanks David😊

[@kyleebrock]

They made the ultimate best choice with Colbert.

[@annmarieholland4242]

We are all different. I was not a fan of Letterman but lovee Colbert. I need his humor to keep me from despair over the political situation of the last 8 years.

[@styrpak1]

I love these guys.

[@fatalmodelmadhatter]

While you folks wait until 11:35 p.m., let me give you a spoiler: he looks great in that fancy new set of Stephen's, or that set of his looks good with Dave behind the desk... Either way, makes you almost forget the beard just seeing him back there.

[@Big007Boss]

7:15 remember when phones were just easy to handle?!!!

[@dielaughing73]

Just buy a smaller one. It's my main buying point these days

[@kleverich]

I notice these clips almost always exclude Paul's music as the guest is coming out. Some sort of copyright clearance issue?

[@olddecimal2736]

Wayback machine is functional. So rad.

[@kenfraza]

The only time he got the GBS Orchestra lead-in to the Top Ten List!

[@ayleen7558]

Just watched Dave on Stephen right before this😊.

[@jeffclement2468]

Ever since Stephen mentioned his slightly deformed, deaf right ear, I can't take my eyes off it. 😳

[@Archerjr1]

What?

[@marybishop9928]

@@Archerjr1😂

[@LeslieKerr-jq4by]

Thank Goddess Stephen Cobert followed David Letterman! How did we get so lucky?

[@garryferrington811]

The network execs said, "Hey, another guy with glasses! Okay, he's in."

[@libbyworkman3459]

David letterman looks so much better with no beard.

[@annmarieholland4242]

It is an ugly beard. It needs professional trimming and styling!!

[@pbbdmedia]

Colbert is the bastion. I couldn’t hope for a better successor to the king that is Letterman.

[@RuskoKain]

This is almost 10 YEARS ago, wow....Can`t believe it....

[@Sagey_p]

Wow I remember this and cried … losing Lettermen… and gave up on Late Night… now I am bummed if Colbert is a rerun!

[@chrisrobinson679]

Thats pretty funny... the interview and the top 10 as well

[@MrSunlander]

This has probably been asked before, but what is Stephen looking at so often, up in the balcony? Evie?

[@patriciamurfitt4590]

I remember when this happened 😅 At that time Stephen was not as well known or as loved as he is now. Also, damn I miss David 😢

[@slkhjf]

That was priceless. You guys are the absolute best.

[@jgray5034]

Still fantastic.

[@findsharon]

This is the first time in years that Dave didn't look like a troll who lives under a bridge.

[@abortretryfail9350]

That was a respectable top ten list, but I probably said that when this aired too....

[@ekdaufin1485]

That too 10 was fabulous except the last one #1

[@sarcasmo57]

It was a good top 10.

[@fabrislemos]

Stephen's right ear is a rare sight nowadays

[@allanjacquadro870]

Love love Dave. Just watched Colbert’s interview with Dave. No comparison. Dave is king.

[@hamperionsma7218]

Tell him, Steve Dave!

[@dominicdavis3272]

❤❤❤

[@SN-sz7kw]

I loved Letterman, but the timing was right. Only Colbert had the balance of gravitas & humor to best row us through the Trump years. Forever grateful.

[@jefferysmith3930]

It’s just a crying shame that things didn’t work out for that Colbert kid😂

[@maureenparker6185]

Looks great

[@christelheadington1136]

I miss the top ten, and hate that they wouldn't let Colbert bring"The Word" to the Late Show

[@Keepithonest7]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@Nicolas-uu3jr]

❤❤