Late Show with David Letterman: Season 11
Season 11 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- Directly follows the overarching narrative developments of Late Show with David Letterman Season 10.
- Faction dynamics and core character alliances shift under escalating external stakes.
- Crucial mysteries introduced previously reach key turning points and narrative reckonings.
- Sets up serialized story arcs that build directly toward the climactic season finale.
Episode Guide
Season 11 Progress Shield
Al Franken, Grant Paulsen
Sep 1, 2003
Dave chats with Stephanie about a (supposed) incident that occurred over the weekend; Alan makes a suggestive offer to Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao; Al Franken promotes his ne
Craig Kilborn, Dave Salmoni, Kings of Leon
Sep 2, 2003
Kings of Leon perform their breakthrough hit, "Molly's Chambers."
Gen. Tommy Franks, Rodney Crowell
Sep 3, 2003
Biff searches for celebrities on the street; recently retired General Tommy Franks looks back at his illustrious military career.
Nicolas Cage, Alton Brown
Sep 4, 2003
"CBS Mailbag," including Stephanie dressed as Batman, "CBS Vice President of Late Night Programming Vinnie Favale," and "George W. Bush" (Gerard).
Whoopi Goldberg, Vic Henley, Ima Robot
Sep 5, 2003
Paul's "Stump the Band" losing streak continues; Whoopi Goldberg promotes her new sitcom.
Andy Roddick, Jack Black, Warren Zevon*
Sep 8, 2003
Dave welcomes 2003 U.S. Open Men's Tennis Champion Andy Roddick and actor Jack Black. Dave remembers the late Warren Zevon with the Show #1895 tape of Warren singing "Mutineer" on
Salma Hayek, Chris Elliott
Sep 9, 2003
Rick Derringer sits in with the band; a woman from Staten Island participates in "May We See Your Digital Photos, Please?"; Chris Elliott comments on current events.
Sharon Stone, The Raveonettes
Sep 10, 2003
An opera singer performs in the hallway; the recently deceased Charles Bronson declares his candidacy for Governor of California; Dave and Sharon Stone make out.
Regis Philbin, Seal
Sep 11, 2003
Steph/Monty dresses up as Don Mattingly for CBS Mailbag; she closes the segment by playing catch with Dave.
Cuba Gooding Jr., Simon & Garfunkel
Sep 12, 2003
Dave has a major announcement to make; Cuba Gooding, Jr. promotes The Fighting Temptations; Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel sing "America" and "The Boxer."
Dr. Phil, David Bowie
Sep 22, 2003
Miss America 2004 Ericka Dunlap presents the Top Ten List; Dave tells the story of his weekend encounter with a bear at his house in Montana; Dr. Phil gives Dave some parenting tip
Ben Stiller, Elvis Costello
Sep 23, 2003
Ben Stiller talks about his new movie, Duplex; Elvis Costello performs a song from his new CD, North.
The Rock, Lynne Cheney
Sep 24, 2003
Cold opening: The Rock shows Lynne Cheney how to apply a "chicken wing" to Paul; New York Giants kicker Matt Bryant attempts rooftop field goals across 53rd Street.
Joe Pantaliano, Kevin Nealon, Outkast
Sep 26, 2003
Stephanie is Peter Pan for "CBS Mailbag;" "Joey Pants" promotes "The Handler;" Kevin Nealon; Outkast sings "Hey Ya."
Denzel Washington, New York Philharmonic
Sep 29, 2003
Paul asks "Survivor 7" castaway Ryan "Skinny" Shoulders (who is wearing a Rage Against The Machine t-shirt) if he digs Audioslave; Denzel Washington promotes Out of Time; The New Y
Tom Cavanagh, Ray Wald, Dido
Sep 30, 2003
It's time for "How Many Guys in Gorilla Suits Can Fit Into a Eyeglass Store?" Quote Dave: "I was going to buy a pair of eyeglasses, but the optical store was full of gorillas."
Tim Robbins, Sting
Oct 1, 2003
The latest role call reveals that Michele O'Callaghan's five-month-old daughter (named "Zoogie") picks Dave's ties; Dave and Paul are dumbfounded by a pitching machine in a new gam
Stupid Human Tricks, Lisa Kudrow, R.E.M.
Oct 2, 2003
Steph/Monty dresses as a letter carrier for "Know Your Current Events;" R.E.M. performs "Bad Day."
Robin Williams, Summerwind Skippers
Oct 3, 2003
During CBS Mailbag, Alan dresses up as Saddam Hussein for his new hidden-camera show "Goof'd!" and gets beat up by several people on the street. Later, Robin Williams comments on
Jessica Simpson, Rufus Wainwright
Oct 6, 2003
Jessica Simpson mentions that she was on Oprah recently, much to Dave's chagrin; fill-in bandleader Todd Rundgren sings "Hello It's Me;" Pat Farmer drops 20,000 ping-pong balls fro
Amy Sedaris, Tom Dreesen, Anthony Hamilton
Oct 8, 2003
Dave calls ousted California governor Gray Davis "a wanker;" Gary Coleman presents the Top Ten via satellite, then falls asleep; Tom Dressen talks baseball.
George Clooney, Merle Haggard
Oct 9, 2003
A man from Charlotte, North Carolina plays "Know Your 2003 Boston Red Sox;" ten Hooters Girls present the Top Ten; George Clooney plugs Intolerable Cruelty.
Charlie Sheen, John Mayer
Oct 10, 2003
During CBS Mailbag, Alan has an awkward reunion with the first girl that ever kissed him, and "Ah-nuld" (Gerard) has an enlightened conversation with Dave. Later, Charlie Sheen pr
Halle Berry, Lance Armstrong
Oct 13, 2003
Pat Farmer and an army of stagehands throws a special form of confetti off the roof of the theater; Steph/Monty tells "Survivor 7" loser Burton Roberts an alleged story about a woo
John Cusack, Scott Dixon, Hot Hot Heat
Oct 14, 2003
For the first time in several years, famed saxophonist David Sanborn sits in with the band; Dave announces he's going to rehab, then demands to have some Dunkin' Donuts; John Cusac
Katie Holmes, Brian Greene, Jonny Lang
Oct 15, 2003
Dave congratulates Conan O'Brien on his newborn daughter; ten weightlifters present the Top Ten; noted physics professor Brian Greene tries to explain the mysteries of the universe
Dustin Hoffman, Jamie Oliver
Oct 16, 2003
Ten US Soldiers in Iraq present the Top Ten via satellite; Dustin Hoffman plugs "The Runaway Jury," British chef Jamie Oliver cooks some scallops.
Darrell Hammond, Radiohead
Oct 17, 2003
For CBS Mailbag, Steph/Monty dresses up as a soccer player and kicks balls (poorly) into the audience. Later, Radiohead performs "2+2=5."
Kiefer Sutherland, Emmylou Harris
Oct 27, 2003
Paul sneezes during the monologue; the band area is remodeled; Biff makes his annual report from the World Series; a 1,030-pound pumpkin explodes (via SFX) outside.
Courteney Cox, Doris Roberts
Oct 28, 2003
Dave announces that he's been transferred to Chesterton, Indiana; on tonight's "Meet the Governor," a young Ah-nuld ogles an exotic dancer; Courtney Cox Arquette almost sings TLC's
Keanu Reeves, Sue Johanson
Oct 29, 2003
Steph/Monty dresses up as an elf on a rare Wednesday CBS Mailbag; during Mailbag, Rupert takes part in his yearly tradition of watching the coleslaw change colors; Dave is so fasci
Eric McCormack, Dante Hall
Oct 30, 2003
The Slapinski Brothers, world-class jugglers, interrupt the monologue; Dave points out that Rupert was on last night's episode of "Ed"; Dante Hall of the Kansas City Chiefs catches
Pamela Anderson, Amanda Lollar, Bubba Sparxx
Oct 31, 2003
Amongst this year's "New Halloween Costumes": a George Foreman grill, the button on the remote control that you never use, and the "Queer Eye" fab five. Also, Rosie Perez delivers
Ashley Judd, Richard Belzer, Sarah McLachlan
Nov 3, 2003
The 2003 NYC Marathon winners make their annual run through the studio; eliminated "Survivor 7" hopefuls Shawn Cohen (who was voted out) and Osten Taylor (the guy who quit the game
Regis Philbin, Amy Brenneman
Nov 4, 2003
Dave gives a recap of the events leading up to -- and including -- the birth yesterday of son Harry Joseph Letterman; "Indian Larry" performs motorcycle stunts on 53rd Street; Regi
Will Ferrell, Jack McKeon, Lyle Lovett
Nov 5, 2003
During Mailbag, Steph/Monty dresses up a police officer, while Dave tries to make some sense out of "Liza Minnelli" (Gerard in fishnet stockings). Later, it is revealed that the w
Howard Stern, Iggy Pop with Sum 41
Nov 6, 2003
Amongst the "New Catalogs": Harry & David Pre-Owned Fruit, Victoria's Secret for Monkeys, and special edition of California Style in which all the models have been groped by Arnold
Lauren Graham, Paul Tracey, Wyclef Jean
Nov 7, 2003
An elf named Perry helps out during "Know Your Current Events"; Bert and Ernie (of "Sesame Street" fame) diss Dave; Lauren Graham talks about a recent parking ticket.
Norm MacDonald, Jack Hannah
Nov 10, 2003
Dave announces that Oprah gave him a gift on behalf of the new baby, only to realize that it was delivered by somebody with the same name; throughout the night, weightlifter Willie
Madonna, Chris Elliot
Nov 11, 2003
Cold Opening: Dave compliments Madonna's latest children's book: "I like the picture of the monkey." Also, Chris Elliott introduces Dave's son Harry, who says his first words: "S*
Russell Crowe, Pink
Nov 13, 2003
A sheep herder walks into the theater with his flock along side him; Pink sings "Trouble."
Jessica Lynch, Shelby Lynne
Nov 14, 2003
During "Know Your Current Events," a visiting audience member from Liverpool, England is quizzed on his knowledge of Prince Charles. Later, potential Minnesota gubernatorial candi
Stupid Pet Tricks, Cate Blanchett
Nov 17, 2003
As part of his legendary "fashion show" gag, Dave models the lining of his sportcoat; Dave tells a story involving a mother and two sons trying to hitch a taxi this morning; a time
Dakota Fanning, Rocco DiSpirito, Cast of Wicked
Nov 18, 2003
An arm-wresting challenge is held at Hello Deli; child actress Dakota Fanning plugs "The Cat in the Hat."
Wesley Clark
Nov 20, 2003
Ashrita "Mr. Versatility" Furman balances beer glasses on his chin on 53rd St.; eleven Playboy Playmates present the Top Ten; Dave grills General Wesley Clark about his dismissal f
Robert Downey Jr., Joss Stone
Nov 21, 2003
Dave and Paul play "Potatoes or Gavin MacLeod?"; Dave openly wishes that Paris Hilton had not cancelled her appearance on the show next week; Robert Downey Jr. makes his first appe
Paul Newman, Clay Aiken
Nov 24, 2003
Biff spends a day on the campaign trail with Howard Dean; Gerard stands in for unavailable Survivor loser Rupert Boneham; Paul Newman discusses all things auto racing; Clay Aiken s
Tom Ridge, Puddle of Mudd
Nov 25, 2003
Cold Opening: Tom Ridge finks on Michael Jackson. Also, Dave has yet another rant about Paris Hilton, claiming that she won't be on because a "no-good weasel, beady-eyed putz publ
Mike Myers, Jay-Z
Nov 26, 2003
During Mailbag, Harold Larkin tries a new product, then, in honor of Thanksgiving, starts bleeding gravy; Mike Myers plugs The Cat in the Hat.
Tom Arnold, Moby
Nov 27, 2003
Dorothy (live via satellite) brags about her five grandkids, ranging between 32 years and one month in age, and again stumps Dave with her apple and pecan Thanksgiving pies; Bill D
Jessica Alba, Wendy Liebman, The Rapture
Nov 28, 2003
Felecia makes fun of Donny Osmond during "Stump The Band;" former "Dark Angel" star Jessica Alba plugs Honey; The Rapture performs "House of Jealous Lovers."
Matt Damon, Jack Johnson and G. Love
Dec 8, 2003
Rupert is almost omnipresent in the first half of the show, presenting footage of his trip to the Meadowlands for last week's Jets-Titans game, then chats with ousted Survivor Chri
Danny DeVito, Tim Russert
Dec 9, 2003
Dave mentions that his son likes to suck his nose; Biff & staff decorate taxi cabs for Christmas; Danny DeVito plugs Big Fish.
Amanda Peet, Barry Sonnenfeld
Dec 10, 2003
During Mailbag, the voices in Alan's head result in the horrific demise of his precious ceramic figure collection. Also, upon reading an article in Time about Oprah's refusal to h
Julia Roberts, Alkaline Trio
Dec 12, 2003
Dave announces that he's been invited to appear on Oprah (at long, long last), while Julia Roberts interrogates Dave for his inability to marry the mother of his child.
Liv Tyler, John Witherspoon, Alicia Keys
Dec 15, 2003
It's a Late Show mini-reunion as former Broadway merchants Mujibur, Sirajul, and Joe G. join Rupert in decorating the Late Show Christmas Tree. Also, Dave comments on Saddam's cap
Neve Campbell, Wellwater Conspiracy
Dec 17, 2003
During Mailbag, Dave tries to make sense out of "Saddam Hussein" (Gerard), while a reindeer takes a dump onstage. Also, Neve Campbell promotes the upcoming Robert Altman film "The
Charlize Theron, Dave Matthews
Dec 19, 2003
During "Audience Show & Tell," a man recites the names of all 50 states in alphabetical order in just fifteen seconds. Also, Golden Globe nominee Charlize Theron promotes "Monster
Steve Martin, Shannon Eis
Dec 22, 2003
Dave mentions some strange advice his mother gave him about Harry: "Well, David, I think it would be nice if one day he joined a gang." Also, "The Kalter Brothers" sing "The Littl
Renee Zellweger, Darlene Love
Dec 23, 2003
It's the annual "Holiday Night" on the Late Show: Paul does his impersonation of Cher singing "O Holy Night;" Jay Thomas successfully dethrones the objects on top of the Late Show
Jennifer Aniston, Ryan Adams
Jan 5, 2004
Dave brings out Biff and thanks him, Paul, the USO and a variety of soldiers for making the Christmas Eve trip to Baghdad possible; in the premiere edition of "Will It Explode?" Pa
Eddie Griffin, Marv Albert
Jan 7, 2004
Dave celebrate's Steph/Monty's birthday with a cake that reads "Happy Birthday Tammi!" Also, recent baseball Hall of Fame inductees Paul Molitor and Dennis Eckersley present the T
Nathan Lane, Ruben Studdard
Jan 8, 2004
During his interview with Nathan Lane, Dave suggests to Paul that they should perform together in the musical "The Producers." Also, Ruben Stoddard performs "Sorry 2004."
Billy Bob Thornton
Jan 9, 2004
It's time for another round of "Stump the Band," and as usual Paul does his Carnac schtick; ten interns present the Top Ten; Billy Bob Thornton describes his short-lived tenure as
Patricia Heaton, Kate Bosworth
Jan 12, 2004
Dave goes on a rant about Jay Leno's appearance on CBS' "People's Choice Awards" home site, while Dick Gephardt presents the Top Ten.
Bette Midler, Howie Day
Jan 14, 2004
Mailbag: Alan gets clobbered by an angry Irishman, George Clarke takes a shower with former basketball star Manute Bol, and Steph/Monty gives heart surgery fun facts. Also, Howie
Dave Chapelle, Carmen Electra
Jan 15, 2004
Throughout the night, foreigners tell jokes; Dave and Paul play a new game called "Mars or Nevada?" then come to agree that it's utterly stupid; Al Roker presents the Top Ten; Carm
Christina Aquilera, Gary Muledeer
Jan 16, 2004
During "Audience Show & Tell," a woman from Texas shows off photos of her Chinese hairless in various costumes; Dave reads a fan letter from someone whose life depends upon "Will I
Jessica Simpson & Nick Lachey, Al Green
Jan 19, 2004
Stephanie demonstrates her ex-boyfriend's lackluster dancing abilities once more; John McEnroe does the Top Ten and promotes his new talk show at the same time; Gavin MacLeod makes
Ashton Kutcher, Paula Abdul
Jan 20, 2004
Singer-songwriter John Mayer sits in; Dave shows footage of Howard Dean's head exploding; in the latest edition of "Pat Farmer's Gaffe Alert," our favorite film-loving stagehand po
Kristin Davis, Joe Simpson
Jan 21, 2004
Dave does a really bad Howard Dean impression; during Mailbag, Rupert puts a ruined slice of turkey in the soup of the day; Dave chats with a mountain climber with an epic story of
Matthew Broderick, Jim Garvin
Jan 22, 2004
Dave shows several photos that answer the question "What's the Deal with Donald Trump's Hair?;" Howard Dean presents the Top Ten live via satellite from New Hampshire.
Al Franken, Jake Johannsen, Phantom Planet
Jan 23, 2004
Al Franken comments on his trip to Iraq; Phantom Planet performs "Big Brat."
Regis Philbin, The Thrills
Feb 2, 2004
Dave mentions the passing of influential late night great Jack Paar; Biff introduces his annual "Biff at the Super Bowl" segment; Bill DeLace does another Top Ten remote, this time
Harry Connick Jr., Sean Astin
Feb 3, 2004
Dave announces that after 22 years on the wagon, he would like to start drinking again, but only during the show. Later, he wishes Oprah a belated happy 50th birthday.
Bill Belichick, Cindy Crawford
Feb 4, 2004
Dave mentions that water is not running in the building for the time being; during Mailbag, Pat Farmer tortures a stagehand with a George Foreman Grill; Dave shows a (bogus) clip o
Hilary Swank, Todd Barry, Nellie McKay
Feb 6, 2004
Dave recaps last night's accident on 53rd Street: snowboarder Tara Dakides slid off a landing platform and fell to the pavement. She was taken to New York's Bellevue Hospital, and
Dr. Phil, Tara Dakides, Clip of The Beatles
Feb 9, 2004
Dave chats with snowboarder Tara Dakides, whose accident during a demonstration on 53rd Street cancelled the taping of last Thursday's episode. Also, in honor of the 40th Annivers
Drew Barrymore, Jack Hanna
Feb 10, 2004
Rupert selects a 53rd Street Loser to play "What Did Merv Have For Lunch;" Drew Barrymore and Jack Hanna remain clothed during their segments.
Adam Sandler, Eve
Feb 11, 2004
Dave tries out a new catchphrase: "Ba da boom, ba da bing." Also, Steph/Monty dresses up a 1980s-era Olympic hockey player, and Dave goes back to calling her "Smitty."
Bill Murray, Jermaine O'Neal
Feb 12, 2004
Throughout the night, the CBS Orchestra plays songs by Air Supply; Dave mentions that the continent of Australia has demanded to see that clip of the monkey washing a cat; Bill Mur
Alec Baldwin, Sofia Coppola, Kylie Minogue
Feb 13, 2004
This week's "Will It Float?" item is a box of chocolates; Alec Baldwin and Sofia Coppola visit; Kylie Minogue performs "Red Blooded Women."
Stupid Human Tricks, Ray Romano, Kayne West
Feb 16, 2004
Dave makes fun of a new commercial, and the clip is repeated throughout the broadcast; during "Stupid Human Tricks," a man stuffs his mouth with a tennis ball; Ray Romano promotes
Kelly Ripa, Lindsay Lohan
Feb 17, 2004
Leon Russell sits in; Dave is still fascinated by a quote from last night's film trailer ("If you need help, here I am") and repeats it several times throughout the show; Dale Earn
Ashley Judd, Ben Harper
Feb 18, 2004
Mailbag: Steph/Monty/Smitty is dressed up as Dale Earnhardt, Jr., while "Senator John Kerry" (Gerard) brags about the perks of being married to the heir of a ketchup empire. Also,
Gordon Geisbrecht, Sarah Jessica Parker, Nelly Furtado
Feb 19, 2004
Noted hypothermia expert Dr. Gordon Geisbrecht jumps into a tank of icewater to demonstrate its effects; the US Senate announces that when referring to George W. Bush, "president"
Amber Tamblyn, Brian Regan, Leona Naess
Feb 20, 2004
During "Audience Show & Tell," Dave meets a former White House intern; George Clarke fills in for Kiva "Grinder Girl" Kahl during "Will It Float?"; comedian Brian Regan comments on
Jeff Goldblum, Norah Jones
Feb 23, 2004
Demolition demo (shut down by Hizzoner Bloomberg's office) on 53rd St. turns into Pat Farmer dropping stuff off the roof; Survivor loser Rob Cesternino drops by Rupert's; Jeff Gold
Edie Falco, Steven Bailey, Edie Brickell
Feb 24, 2004
It's "Steve and Edie" night on the Late Show: Edie Falco promotes the upcoming fifth season of "The Sopranos;" Dave meets Steven Bailey of "My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiancé" fame; Edie
Diane Sawyer, Benjamin McKenzie
Feb 25, 2004
Stephanie/Monty/Smitty is in dentist garb (and Dave-ordered model posture) for "CBS Mailbag;" Diane Sawyer gushes over Oprah Winfrey's 50th birthday party; Benjamin McKenzie ("The
Stupid Pet Tricks, Tim Robbins, Evanescence
Feb 26, 2004
Dave shows an (bogus) political ad in which Dennis Kucinich announces he's marrying Lorenzo Lamas; in an all-dog edition of "Stupid Pet Tricks," one canine says hello to Dave; Erne
Bill Cosby, Toby Lightman
Feb 27, 2004
On "Audience Show & Tell," Dave make his contribution to an audience member's collection of gum chewed by celebrities; "Will It Float?" sinks a tray of billiard balls; Bill Cosby d
Anne Heche, Cee-Lo
Mar 1, 2004
The studio audience votes Dave off the show, so Gaines orders Paul to take over during "Survivor Loser." When Dave reappears during Paul's interview with Richard Hatch, Paul goes
Turkey Callers, Julia Stiles, Jessica Simpson
Mar 2, 2004
National Turkey Calling champs are trotted out; Ryan Seacrest presents the "Top Ten Catch Phrases Ryan Seacrest Rejected Before 'Seacrest Out!'" (via satellite); Julia Stiles visit
Ben Stiller, Robert Rudolph and The Family Band
Mar 3, 2004
During Mailbag, Biff goes to bed with a guy named Cameron Diaz; George Clarke fills in for Anna Jack on hula hoop; Alan admits to a $1000-a-week addiction to Vicodin; Robert Randol
Viggo Mortensen, Sting, Bill Murray
Mar 4, 2004
Dave announces that he's on steroids, then shows before-and-after photos to prove his point; Biff goes on a cruise; the outside cam finds Bill Murray lying in the gutter, a despera
Charles Grodin, Chloe Pang
Mar 5, 2004
Twelve-year-old piano prodigy Chloe Pang plays Bach's "Goldberg Variations." Dave is almost brought to tears by the performance, declaring it one of the show's best.
Jim Carrey, Steve Winwood
Mar 15, 2004
Dave points out that for the nineteenth year in a row, the WMDB/CBS Orchestra will be the house band for the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies; Dave and Les Moonves ch
Kate Winslet, Bruce McCall, The Vines
Mar 16, 2004
After two weeks of plugging their product, Dave shows a single Shick Quattro razor the company sent, and reads a very peculiar letter to Gaines from someone in the company; the Top
Tom Hanks, N.E.R.D.
Mar 22, 2004
Cold opening: Tom Hanks gives Harry Letterman an Oscar, and Dave accepts it on his behalf. Later, the Ladykillers star gives the absentee infant a $50 savings bond, while Congress
Jamie Foxx, Al Franken
Mar 23, 2004
All-American basketball player Andre Barrett throws various items off the roof, aiming towards a basketball hoop at ground level, the misses the basket on all six chances. Also, A
Ricky Gervais, Blondie
Mar 24, 2004
Mailbag: George Clarke's attempt at surgically losing weight is thwarted when some guy steals his clothes. Also, Blondie performs "Good Boys."
Janet Jackson, John Mayer
Mar 29, 2004
Throughout the night, Columbia University professor and 1999 Nobel laureate in economics Dr. Robert Mundell tells lame redneck jokes; Bill DeLace presents another hidden-camera rem
Matthew Perry, Lou Reed
Mar 30, 2004
After weeks of shilling their product, Dave finally receives a thousand Schick Quattro razors in the mail, then promises to give them out to the audience. Unfortunatly, Gaines and
The Rock, Liz Phair
Apr 1, 2004
A minor controversy that started earlier in the week is resolved by a very apologetic CNN anchorwoman (see recap). Also, Dave congratulates Craig Kilborn on five years at CBS.
Tyler Crotty, Michael Imperioli, Jim Gaffigan
Apr 2, 2004
Audience Show & Tell: a husband and wife tandem demonstrates a neat trick involving a yo-yo and a shiny quarter. Also, Dave chats with Tyler Crotty, the tired pre-teen who has bee
Bruce Willis, Renee Askins
Apr 6, 2004
The Top Ten list is now sponsored by rake-attack.com, while Bruce Willis shows off his new, stealthy, Trump-style hairpiece.
Billy Crystal, Alex Rodriguez
Apr 12, 2004
Alan brings a video of celebrity well-wishers for Dave's 57th birthday (just a tape of a fleeing Regis); it's "More With Les," as Dave phones up CBS-TV head honcho Les Moonves; Bil
Chris Rock, The Upside Down Act
Apr 13, 2004
Biff makes his annual trip to Spring Training, where he for the second year in a row, he and Hideki Matsui perform Abbott & Costello's "Who's on First?" routine; Jerry turns Dave u
Amy Sedaris, Damien Rice
Apr 14, 2004
Mailbag: After noticing that a letter-writer misspelled his name, Paul comes with a homonym for his moniker, resulting in a rival homonym from Biff. Also, Dave kisses a donkey, wh
David Duchovny, Chris Russo
Apr 15, 2004
In the "season finale" of "Trump or Monkey?," a dancer from the musical Hairspray wins an alleged trip to Acapulco; David Duchovny discusses his son's linguistic skills; after gett
Phil Mickelson, Kathryn Morris, Patti Smith
Apr 16, 2004
Phil Mickelson brags about his victory at the 2004 Masters; James Lipton delivers Paul's cape.
Megan Mullally, Eli Manning, Diana Krall
Apr 26, 2004
al-Qaeda takes responsibility for Derek Jeter's batting slump; Dave resurrects his two favorite Cold Mountain sound clips; stuntman "Magic Brian" eats a lightbulb.
Andy Richter, Davy Rothbart, Mary Chapin Carpenter
Apr 27, 2004
Dave declares that the new mission statement for the Late Show will be "We are here for you. We'll make things better." Also, Rupert hosts the debut edition of "Stop the Pump," a g
Julianne Moore, Robert Klein, Todd Rundgren
Apr 28, 2004
Dave announces that he's going to be "more dynamic," resulting in spasm-like movements by him and Paul; to accompany Steph/Monty/Smitty dressing as Amelia Earhart for Mailbag, Dave
Kelly Ripa, Jennie Finch
Apr 29, 2004
The theater audience is given the option of either having Tom Hanks drop by or watch stock footage of a camel on skis. Dave claims the camel tape won. Also, Dave thinks he's addi
Hillary Clinton, The Roots
Apr 30, 2004
An audience member turns her hand 360 degrees; Hillary Clinton discusses her husband's book and the war in Iraq; The Roots perform "Don't Say Nuthin'."
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Adam Brody
May 4, 2004
Nobel Economics Prize winner Robert Mundell tells "Yo Mama" jokes; a woman off the street pretends to be in an earthquake with Rupert; Survivor All-Stars loser Shii-Ann Huang prese
Kelsey Grammar, Orchestra Baobob with Trey Anastasio and Dave Matthews
May 7, 2004
Ten celebrity moms (including Dorothy and Gerard as "Betty Lou Roberts") present the Top Ten, and later the faux mother of Julia Roberts delivers Paul's cape.
Amber Brkich, Regis Philbin, Black-Eyed Peas
May 10, 2004
Dave announces that motorcyclist "Johnny McCoy" will be performing a very dangerous and complicated stunt out on 53rd Street, but it ends up getting cancelled; Dave makes Jerry pla
Amy Sedaris, Modest Mouse
May 14, 2004
A special edition of the show taped in the middle of the night. Dave arrives on horseback; vermin expert Robert Sullivan searches for rats; Dave shows footage of Eric Stangel tryin
Charlie Sheen, Jack Hanna
May 18, 2004
Chef Emil Castillo makes a $1000 frittata (read: omelet), and when completed, Dave smothers it with ketchup; Dave pays tribute to Tony Randall, who passed on that morning; Dave res
Kiefer Sutherland, Incubus
May 19, 2004
Dave gives Steph/Monty/Smitty another weird nickname ("Gunther") while baseball star Randy "Big Unit" Johnson presents a perfect game-themed Top Ten.
Ellen DeGeneres, The Strokes
May 21, 2004
Dave claims he has a rare form of tuberculosis, and that a Dave stand-in is waiting backstage for when the time comes; Kiva "Grinder Girl" Kahl reports from her apartment in Brookl
Nicole Kidman, Avril Lavigne
May 24, 2004
Dave's stand-in is still waiting for his cue; Dave demands to hear the airplane and Cold Mountain SFX again; the stars of The Sopranos perform the Top Ten; Nicole Kidman makes her
Dennis Quaid, Velvet Revolver
May 25, 2004
Dave congratulates Sid McGinnis on becoming a grandfather; karate expert Leif Becker attempts to break 500 boards in a minute, but ends up tying his personal record of 415; ten NBA
Mandy Moore, Nate Erwin, Counting Crows
May 26, 2004
Mailbag: Steph/Smitty/Gunther is dressed up as Rahal/Letterman racer Buddy Rice; the upcoming cable channel "Logo" declares the Late Show "the gayest show on television;" Dave is i
Darrell Hammond, blink-182
May 27, 2004
Dave announces that he's had another falling-out with CBS, which may or may not give him the justification to mock the network again; hundreds of sailors walk onstage for "Is This
Andy Dick, Bob Woodward
May 28, 2004
A 1 1/2 pound Porterhouse steak is subjected to "Will It Float?" and despite Dave's scientific argument that a dead animal would more than likely float in water, the meat sinks. A
Bill Murray, P.J. Harvey
Jun 7, 2004
Dave brags about his Indy 500 win last week; Alan's recap of the first game of the NBA Finals turns into a striptease; Bill Murray announces that he's now moonlighting as a circus
Bette Midler, David Tidmarsh
Jun 8, 2004
In honor of one of tonight's guests (a spelling bee champ), Dave mentions that the most commonly used word in the English language is "biscuit"; a new game called "Cicada/Secada" i
Buddy Rice, Christopher Walken, Kid Rock
Jun 9, 2004
Dave and Paul have a heated discussion over who would win a fight- "badass" Kid Rock or "nerves of steel" Buddy Rice; during Mailbag, Biff goes to Wisconsin to help out a law stude
Matthew Broderick, Jamie Cullum
Jun 10, 2004
In honor of his death earlier that day, Paul and the band performs Ray Charles' "What'd I Say"; Dave sends Matthew Broderick outside to get hosed with water; jazz pianist Jamie Cul
P. Diddy, Jim Gaffigan
Jun 11, 2004
Jim Gaffigan comments on married life and becoming a father for the first time. Also, Paul Anka delivers Paul's cape for this Friday night James Brown homage, then in honor of the
Paris Hilton, Patti Scalfa
Jun 14, 2004
Dave shows us another photo of Harry; Paris Hilton discusses The Simple Life and her now-infamous sex tape; Patti Scialfa (Mrs. Bruce Springsteen) performs "23rd Street Lullaby."
Ben Stiller, Beastie Boys
Jun 15, 2004
To further promote Popeye's Green Beans, Dave and Paul eat Popeye's chicken and give fun facts; Ben Stiller attempts to break windows across the street with a dodge-ball, but ends
Michael Moore, Jennifer Hawkins, Los Lobos
Jun 18, 2004
Michael Moore discusses his infamous speech at the 2003 Oscars and promotes Fahrenheit 9/11; Dave tries on Miss Universe's sash and tiara; Los Lobos performs "Charmed."
Larry Brown, Sean Hayes, Phish
Jun 21, 2004
Throughout the night, George Clarke eats fish sticks on the roof to honor a certain band performing on the marquee; for the third night in a row, Dave shows (well-edited) footage o
Kevin Kline, Nicole Richie
Jun 22, 2004
Dave announces that he and Paul will be in this weekend's Gay Pride parade; past contestant Jennie Ford plays "Super Trump or Monkey;" Ken Griffey, Jr. presents the Top Ten; Nicole
Kid Inventors, Shawn Wayans, Secret Machines
Jun 24, 2004
During a "New Products" segment, Dave sinks his teeth into some charcoal briquets, which he swallows with mouthwash. Also, The Secret Machines (in their TV debut) perform "Now Her
Bonnie Hunt, Dylan Moran
Jun 25, 2004
"Know Your Current Events" is played for the first time in over six months; Dave spills coffee on his lap, and Paul suggests hydrogen peroxide to clean it off; "Dwight the Troubled
Piedmont Bird Callers, Kirsten Dunst, Chris Robinson
Jun 28, 2004
Dave admits that after spending all weekend watching documentaries about building motorcycles, he wants a hog for himself. At the end of the show, Dave forms a motorcycle "gang" w
Keira Knightly, Joseph Wilson
Jun 29, 2004
A husband and wife combo plays the "Late Show Bill Clinton Memoir Challenge," in which they must find the name "Monica" in his new book within thirty seconds. Later, Pat and Kenny
Ethan Hawke, Jon Heder
Jun 30, 2004
Dave turns on the hose-cam again, shooting water at unsuspecting passersby; during Mailbag, Dave shows footage from the new Spiderman movie (actually the classic 60's cartoon) of D
Will Ferrell, Dashboard Confessional
Jul 1, 2004
Two lumberjacks compete against each other out on 53rd Street, while Will Ferrell shows Dave a home movie of his four-month-old "baby" (a sports car).
Christina Applegate, David Sedaris
Jul 2, 2004
The musical talents of Paul, Felecia, and Bruce are laid to waste once more on "Stump the Band"; "Fat Spider-Man" (George Clarke) presents a remote Top Ten; David Sedaris reads an
Kristin Davis, Ali G
Jul 12, 2004
In the debut edition of "Where They Would Have Gone For Their Summer Vacation," Biff tells Dave that Charles Bronson would've gone to Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut; Jeopardy! s
Will Smith, Jet
Jul 13, 2004
Dave continues to discuss motorcycles; Alan's baseball commentary is interrupted by the return of that guy who used to beat the daylights out of him several years back; to prove so
Hilary Duff, Jonathan Ames
Jul 14, 2004
Dave compares President Bush to Porky Pig; during Mailbag, a young, fairweather Letterman fan is thrown out of the theater; Hilary Duff promotes A Cinderella Story.
Julianna Marguiles, Bob Sarlatte, Ashlee Simpson
Jul 16, 2004
Audience Show & Tell: Dave chats with a meteorologist from Connecticut who was once mentioned on "Know Your Current Events." Also, Dorothy celebrates her 83rd birthday with a Dave
Denzel Washington, Jim Rome
Jul 19, 2004
Dave gloats over Rahal/Letterman Racing's visit to the White House earlier in the day; three stagehands attempt to smear a camera lens with sunscreen from 90 feet above street leve
Halley Berry, Maria Mena
Jul 20, 2004
In honor of the 35th anniversary of the moonwalk, it's time for a new game at Hello Deli called "Would You Like to Plant a Flag on the Moon?" Rupert brings in a contestant from Yu
Matt Damon, Carmelo Anthony, The Hives
Jul 22, 2004
We watch news footage of Pete Rose's restaurant being looted of everything except a Late Show t-shirt; while addressing the Sandy Berger controversy, Dave unwittingly spits on Tony
Brittany Murphy, Paula Poundstone
Jul 23, 2004
An audience member from Cincinnati suspends a grape in air by blowing on it; Dave comments on Krispy Kreme's new doughnut shake, followed by a fake ad for Burger King's new liquid
John McEnroe, Zach Braff
Jul 27, 2004
With the Olympics approaching, Dave reminds the audience that he's on steroids; a standby audience member calls up Regis and tells him to shove it; Biff makes his second report fro
Bob Newhart, 213 with Snoop Dogg
Jul 28, 2004
A remarkably ornery Dave attempts to apologize to Regis via telephone but hangs up on him, then answers every question on CBS Mailbag with a resilient "who cares?" Also, Bob Newha
Natalie Portman, Ambulance LTD
Jul 29, 2004
Biff tries unsuccessfully to interview Michael Moore; Natalie Portman talks about sleeping with her dog Charlie; Ambulance Ltd. performs "Primative."
Rosie Perez, Greg Giraldo
Jul 30, 2004
Anton (still filling in for Paul) plays "Will It Float?" for the first time; Rosie Perez tells a funny story about an actor who spits when he speaks; Alan Kalter asks Dave to talk
Pamela Anderson, Al Franken
Aug 2, 2004
The guest chairs are replaced and Dave's desk has been altered; during "Who Asked For It?" an audience member vaporizes himself; Pamela Anderson brags about having sex without dati
Bill Clinton, Natalie Merchant
Aug 3, 2004
Former President Clinton discusses a wide variety of topics with Dave, then signs a copy of his book for Harry. Also, Natalie Merchant performs "Sally Ann."
Tom Cruise, Dax Shepard
Aug 4, 2004
Michael Bearden and Anton continue to fill in for Paul, prompting Dave to ask Anton how Paul would respond to some of his comments tonight; during Mailbag, Pat Farmer determines th
Gerard Mulligan, Jada Pinkett Smith, Jessica Simpson
Aug 5, 2004
Dave bids farewell to longtime writer Gerard Mulligan with a sitdown interview and a clip montage heavy on NBC-era footage.