After more than three decades, David Letterman made a triumphant return to The Tonight Show, delighting audiences with his signature wit and humour.
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A long-awaited comeback
Letterman’s unexpected appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon marked his first visit since 1992, when Johnny Carson was still at the helm. As Fallon kicked off his monologue with light-hearted jokes about the Super Bowl, the unmistakable sound of Letterman’s theme music filled the studio.
Feigning confusion as he stepped onto the stage, Letterman quipped, “Jimmy! Paul? What are you doing here?”—a nod to his longtime band leader, Paul Shaffer, who was filling in for Fallon’s house band, The Roots.
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A playful reunion
The exchange between Letterman and Fallon was filled with sharp humour and nostalgia. Letterman poked fun at the changing landscape of late-night television, jokingly comparing Fallon’s show to a Chuck E. Cheese attraction. He even referred to Fallon as “TikTok,” playfully highlighting the generational gap between them.
One of the segment’s standout moments was the spontaneous tortilla slap challenge. Letterman landed multiple hits before Fallon finally retaliated, leading to raucous laughter in the studio. “I think you cracked a crown, by the way,” Fallon joked.
Letterman’s return was significant given his history with The Tonight Show. After being passed over for the hosting gig in 1993 in favour of Jay Leno, a legendary late-night rivalry ensued. However, Letterman made it clear that he harboured no resentment.
“I was never angry,” he said, expressing genuine happiness for Fallon’s success.
A legacy that endures
Letterman’s influence on late-night television is undeniable. Having pioneered a new comedic style during his time at NBC with Late Night with David Letterman, he paved the way for many hosts who followed. His return served as a reminder of his lasting impact on the genre.
Reuniting with Paul Shaffer added an extra layer of nostalgia, with Shaffer later sharing, “I talk to Dave all the time.” Their effortless camaraderie was a highlight of the segment.
A moment of comedy history
Letterman’s surprise appearance wasn’t just a throwback for longtime fans—it was a celebration of how comedy continues to evolve while remaining a unifying force. The segment reminded audiences why he remains one of the most beloved figures in late-night television.
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