S5·E191 Yasmine Bleeth, David Brenner, Barenaked Ladies

Episode recap

The episode opens with David Letterman delivering his opening monologue, after which he turns to a segment that highlights a quirky newspaper item. Letterman displays a personal advertisement from the Washington Post that is styled to appear as though it were written by former President Bill Clinton, prompting a brief comedic commentary on the tone of the ad. The segment is presented as part of the show’s regular blend of humor and current‑affairs observation.

Following the ad, the program moves to a recurring bit in which Alan, the show’s announcer, indulges in a day‑dream about waffles. The fantasy is treated in a light‑hearted manner, with Alan’s imagination providing a brief, whimsical interlude that contrasts with the earlier political satire.

The guest lineup for the night includes actress Yasmine Bleeth, comedian David Brenner, and the Canadian rock group Barenaked Ladies. After the opening segments, Letterman conducts an interview with Bleuth, during which Paul Shaffer, the bandleader, offers a musical tribute. Paul serenades Bleuth, delivering a performance that serves both as a personal homage and as part of the show’s customary musical interludes. The interview with David Brenner follows, allowing the comedian to share anecdotes and engage in the show’s trademark banter with Letterman.

The episode concludes with a full performance by Barenaked Ladies, who take the stage to deliver their set as the program’s musical closing act. Throughout the broadcast, the Late Show maintains its established format of monologue, comedic sketches, guest interviews, and live music, while the specific segments highlighted in the episode’s synopsis— the Clinton‑styled personal ad, Alan’s waffle fantasy, and Paul’s serenade of Yasmine Bleeth—provide the distinctive comedic moments that define this particular installment.