Late Show with David Letterman: Season 12
Season 12 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 11.
- 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 12 Progress Shield
Jon Cryer, Chris Kentis, Renee Olstead
Aug 23, 2004
Dave points out that CBS is airng stock footage of a guy wresting an ostrich to compete with NBC's Olympic coverage; director Chris Kentis promotes Open Water; ""Still Standing"" s
Dennis Leary, Sam Easterson
Aug 24, 2004
Dave has difficulty explaining to Paul what exactly animal photographer Sam Easterson does; Dave shows another out-of-focus clip from the Olympics; Denis Leary promotes the FX hit
Paul Hamm, Josh Hartnett, Nick Cave
Aug 25, 2004
""CBS Mailbag"" features Dave getting friendly with U.S. Olympic volleyball stars Kerri Walsh & Misty May (bogus), Alan Kalter's ""You're Busted"" at Ranch 1, and New Jersey going
Maureen Dowd, Tom Ryan
Aug 27, 2004
A man from Pennsylvania turns himself into a human jack o'lantern on ""Audience Show & Tell;"" ten U.S. Olympians present the Top Ten; political writer Maureen Dowd makes several a
Carly Patterson, Jeff Foxworthy, LL Cool J
Aug 30, 2004
Osama bin Laden announces that he wants to replace Craig Kilborn as host of the Late Late Show; Dave celebrates 11 years at CBS with a timeline; Biff reports from the Republican Na
Jane Pauley, Greg Giraldo
Sep 3, 2004
Jane Pauley promotes her new book, talk show, and bipolar disorder.
National Hollerin' Champions, Neve Campbell, Keane
Sep 6, 2004
Dave brags about working on Labor Day; like it does every year, a runaway taxi ruins the staff Labor Day barbecue (and runs over Alan); three National Hollerin' Champions do their
Regis Philbin, Hoobastank
Sep 7, 2004
At Hello Deli: Rupert selects a contestant to play the ""Late Show Heart Bypass Scramble;"" Regis promotes his new standards CD; Alan recaps his summer, with the usual results; Hoo
Martin Short, Alan Jackson
Sep 8, 2004
""CBS Mailbag"" introduces Rupert's new ""girlfriend,"" answers the question, ""Does Dave ever sing?"" and features Alan's message to Hillary Clinton; Martin Short; ""Late Show Bac
Ray Romano, Avril Lavigne
Sep 9, 2004
Biff spends the day at New York-Presbyterian Hospital with Dr. Lou Arrone; an educational segment with Alan and an animated rodent goes awry; Ray Romano talks about the final seaso
Drew Barrymore, Aron Ralston
Sep 10, 2004
Dave and Drew Barrymore discuss their long-dormant drinking problems; amputee Aron Ralston returns to the show to promote his new book.
John Kerry, Green Day
Sep 20, 2004
Dave comments on the CBS News scandal; John Kerry performs the Top Ten and gets grilled by Dave; Green Day performs ""American Idiot.""
Dr. Phil, Gary Sinise
Sep 21, 2004
Stand-ins for Dave and Dr. Phil stand in the gallows; in honor of a recent stunt on Oprah, everyone in the audience gets an automobile air freshener; Alan unintentionally admits th
Kelly Ripa, Annie Duke, Elvis Costello
Sep 22, 2004
Nobel prize winner Professor Robert A. Mundell reads aloud from Paris Hilton's book; Kelly Ripa; poker champion Annie Duke; Elvis Costello & the Imposters perform.
Queen Latifah, Jack Hanna
Sep 27, 2004
As it does every season, Alan's hair changes colors; Dave comments on Conan O'Brien's promotion to hosting The Tonight Show in 2009, then openly asks if he can go back to NBC to h
John Goodman, Tom Waits
Sep 28, 2004
Dave mentions Paul's line of handbags again, while John Goodman promotes ""Father of the Pride"" and ""Center of the Universe.""
Joaquin Phoenix, Austin Stevens, Switchfoot
Sep 29, 2004
Live via satellite, Rupert plays bingo; Dave shows a photo of Harry shaking hands with one of the Stangel brothers; Tony ruins the ending of another movie En Espanol, then goes off
Richard Gere, Jason Randal
Oct 1, 2004
CBS Mailbag: Dave shows an ad for Martha Stewart's farewell show, then has a heart-to-heart with ""Pete Rose"" (Gerard); magician Jason Randal dazzles Dave with some card tricks.
Howard Dean, Franz Ferdinand
Oct 4, 2004
Dave has another rant about Jay Leno's five-year notice to NBC; an autumn in New York quiz; a still graphic acknowledges the passing of staffer Dorothy Chambers; Howard Dean shills
Annette Bening, Bill O'Reilly
Oct 5, 2004
""Mount Late Show"" erupts repeatedly in the backdrop; a schoolmarm plays ""Would You Like to Touch the Meat?""; Mario Andretti presents the Top Ten.
Donald Trump, Brian Binnie, Minnie Driver
Oct 7, 2004
""Know Your Current Events;"" Donald Trump plays (and wins) ""Trump Or Monkey;"" SpaceShipOne pilot Brian Binnie; Minnie Driver sings ""Everything I've Got In My Pocket.""
Brooke Shields, Barry Sonnenfeld
Oct 8, 2004
During ""CBS Mailbag,"" Dave promotes the new Late Show newsletter, which includes an Alan Kalter centerfold; Brooke Shields visits; director-raconteur Barry Sonnenfeld returns to
Melina Kanakaredes, Paul Teutul Sr. and Paul Teutul Jr., Ben Harper and the Blind Boys of Alabama
Oct 11, 2004
Laura Linney, Richard Lewis, The Wallflowers and Jordan Zevon
Oct 12, 2004
Live via satellite, Martha Stewart gets caught in a prison catfight; an NYU student plays ""Guess the Bulge"" at Hello Deli; Jordan Zevon (son of Warren) and The Wallflowers perfor
Jennifer Lopez, Sue Johanson
Oct 13, 2004
Dave has a new favorite phrase (""We must protect this house!"") while J.Lo promotes the remake of the Japanese romantic comedy Shall We Dance?
Tony Danza, Emma Roberts, Brian Regan
Oct 15, 2004
""CBS Mailbag"" with CBS holding auditions for Dave's replacement, George Clarke learning to play drums and Gerard Mulligan returning as ""George W. Bush;"" Tony Danza on his new t
Sarah Michelle Gellar, Tony Kanaan, Sparta
Oct 20, 2004
Sarah Michelle Gellar plugs The Grudge; 2004 Indy Racing League Champion Tony Kanaan visits; Sparta performs.
Dustin Hoffman, Joss Stone
Oct 21, 2004
""Stump The Band;"" live via satellite, Martha Stewart gets caught in yet another catfight; Curt Schilling presents the Top Ten; Dustin Hoffman makes spit bubbles; Joss Stone perfo
Amy Sedaris, Tommy Lee
Oct 22, 2004
Dave's annual (and quite early) look at ""Halloween Costumes;"" George Clarke with a premature reminder about the end of Daylight Savings Time (Dave makes him down chocolate syrup)
Johnny Damon, Anne Heche, The Donnas
Nov 1, 2004
Dave plugs his and Paul's (bogus) ""Decision 2004 Election Showdown Countdown Vote 2004 Democracy Corner"" for tomorrow night's election coverage; Rupert reports from St. Louis and
Tom Brokaw, Mischa Barton
Nov 3, 2004
Dave, Alan, Paul and George Clarke all comment on Bush's reelection; Tom Brokaw wishes Harry a happy first birthday; Dave flirts with Mischa Barton of ""The O.C."" to hide the fact
Rosie Perez, Steven Wright
Nov 4, 2004
""Know Your Current Events;"" an 882 pound pumpkin is exploded on 53rd St.; Rosie Perez is tricked (once) by Dave into mentioning her Isuzu Trooper; Steven Wright.
Al Franken, Kristin Bell
Nov 5, 2004
""CBS Mailbag;"" Al Franken explains the Electoral College to Dave; Kristen Bell visits; Project Bandaloop's performance is postponed because of heavy rain in Manhattan.
Tom Hanks, Nelly
Nov 8, 2004
The annual run-through by NYC Marathon winners; Ball State University sophomore Ryan Carney adds to his Late Show tattoo collection; Tom Hanks on Scottish Mexican food, vomiting an
Paul Reubens, Evangeline Lilly, Project Bandaloop
Nov 12, 2004
During Mailbag, Rupert admits to learning how flirt with women from Bill O'Reilly; Canadian-born TV actress Evangeline Lilly hugs Paul; after a one-week holdover, Project Bandaloop
Nicolas Cage, Jason Alexander, Morrissey
Nov 16, 2004
Dave experiments with new camera angles by sitting on the edge of his desk; live in the green room, we meet a man who has collected pennies for over thirty years and amassed a fort
Howard Stern, Alanis Morissette
Nov 18, 2004
Dave shows a faux ad for a 1,420-calorie cheeseburger at Hardee's (""Warning: Do Not Eat""); Howard Stern likens himself to Oprah; Alanis Morissette performs ""Knees of My Bees.""
Kevin Spacey, Ben Roethlisberger, Streb
Nov 23, 2004
A telenovela catfight turns into a Pistons-Pacers basketball game; Rupert and a woman from Alabama drop fake turkeys off the top of the theater; Pittsburgh Steelers wonderkind Ben
Whoopi Goldberg, Jason Bateman, Marilyn Manson
Nov 24, 2004
In honor of Thanksgiving, Dave detonates a cannon filled with stuffing; Whoopi Goldberg promotes her one-woman Broadway show; Marilyn Manson performs the Depeche Mode classic ""Per
Natalie Portman, John Mayer
Nov 25, 2004
Via satellite from Indianapolis: The annual Thanksgiving pie-guess with Dave's mom (and dinner guest Marv Albert); Natalie Portman talks about an earlier Thanksgiving day LS appear
Barack Obama, Jessica Biel
Nov 26, 2004
During Mailbag, CBS suit Vinnie Favale announces a stricter policy on vulgarity on the network that may work to Dave's disadvantage; Senator-elect Barack Obama radiates charm and c
Matt Damon, Lance Armstrong
Nov 29, 2004
Tonight's ""Spanish Soap Opera Highlight of the Night"" seems to include a round of ""Got Your Nose,"" while Twiggy the Waterskiing Squirrel does a demonstration out on 53rd Street
Sharon Reed, Tyra Banks, Lyle Lovett
Dec 2, 2004
""Stump the Band"" continues to mystify Paul and company; Dave chats with Sharon Reed, the Ohio-based TV reporter who stripped naked for a Spencer Tunick project; Lyle Lovett perfo
Jim Carrey, Ashanti
Dec 13, 2004
As they do every year, Rupert, Joe G, Mujibur, and Sirajul place their edible ""angel"" on top of the Late Show Christmas tree; Jim Carrey discusses ab-crunches; Alan flips out whi
Adam Sandler, Sharon Ice
Dec 15, 2004
Adam Sandler promotes Spanglish and performs his rendition of Warren Zevon's ""Werewolves of London;"" Shannon Eis with a look at new toys for the holidays.
Kate Beckinsale, Ciara and Missy Elliot
Dec 16, 2004
""America's Next Top Model"" winner Eva presents the Top Ten; Kate Beckinsale pushes The Aviator; Ciara performs with Missy Elliott.
Kristin Johnson, Tom Dreesen
Dec 22, 2004
Dave's monologue is interupted by a surprise appearance from Billy Crystal (promoting the one-man Broadway show ""700 Sundays""); Dave introduces ""The Nog-Cam;"" 10 carolers prese
Hilary Swank, Andy Dick, Green Day
Jan 3, 2005
Dave wishes everyone a happy new year, then accentuates his goals for 2005 (he plans to use the word ""snarky"" more often); ""Biff Henderson: Pollster"" roams the streets once mor
Kevin Bacon, Caroline Rhea, Wilco
Jan 7, 2005
A shocking message from Dubya; Dave contines his use of all the following: carbs, steroids and the word ""snarky;"" ""Celebrity Resolutions"" goes straight into the dumper; Alan's
Rudolph Giuliani, Daniel Banks
Jan 12, 2005
Rudy Giuliani talks baseball; 11-year-old percussion prodigy Daniel Banks hits the skins; Dave's stand-in finally gets his moment in the spotlight.
Amy Sedaris, Andy Kindler
Jan 14, 2005
Amy Sedaris laments the death of her imaginary boyfriend; Andy Kindler performs stand-up.
Jack Hanna, Teri Polo
Jan 17, 2005
Dave calls up Patriots fan -- and ""D Fence"" guy -- Gary Wren, who drops an ""F bomb;"" Rupert learns karate at Tiger Schulmann's; the always on edge Jack Hanna with animals; Alan
Harvey Fierstein, Regina King, Steven Van Zandt, ... And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead
Jan 19, 2005
Robert Downey Jr., Nicole Richie
Jan 20, 2005
""Stump The Band;"" Dave shows off his ""baby Borg"" trophy; Robert Downey, Jr. instructs Dave on the finer points of bil jee and performs a song from his new CD; Nicole Richie plu
Jerry Lewis, Sophia Bush
Jan 21, 2005
""Late Show Week in Review"": On a special episode of the controversial Fox show ""Who's Your Daddy?"" the contestant's biological father pummels an amorous Alan; Dave discusses th
Peter Lassally, Doc Severinson
Jan 31, 2005
Dave's first new show following the death of Johnny Carson is an hour-long tribute, featuring clips of Johnny's appearances on both ""Late Show"" and ""Late Night,"" and the ""Toni
Kevin James, Aishwarya Rai, Three Doors Down
Feb 8, 2005
Dave shows ""actual"" footage of the Hubble Telescope; Bollywood superstar Aishwarya Rai promotes Bride and Prejudice; 3 Doors Down performs ""Let Me Go.""
Paris Hilton, Bill Burr
Feb 11, 2005
During ""Week in Review,"" Alan previews the Grammys by singing Tone Luc's ""Wild Thing;"" ten divorce attorneys present the Top Ten; Dave eats a sample of Paris Hilton's new lipst
Stupid Pet Tricks, Bonnie Hunt
Feb 21, 2005
Competitive eater ""Crazy Legs"" Conti attempts to break the world's oyster-eating record in the lobby of The Ed; ""Stupid Pet Tricks"" features three dogs (none too crazy about th
Barbara Walters, Rachel Bilson, Kings of Leon
Feb 22, 2005
Dave demands to be grilled on the annual Barbara Walters Oscar special, but only if he does the interview with Oprah by his side; ""Harold Larkin's Sidewalk Idol"" searches for the
Michael J. Fox, Amanda Bynes
Feb 23, 2005
Giant rats attack Christo's Gates; Dave comes up with a number of synonyms for inhaling marijuana; Alan editorializes on President Bush, only to float toward promoting a bootleg se
Ricky Gervais, Rachel Ray
Feb 25, 2005
""Late Show Week in Review"": Dubya (mis)pronounces ""nuclear"" five different ways, while a Flashdancers employee dances around one of Christo's Gates. Also, Lego expert Nathan S
The Rock, Solomon Burke
Feb 28, 2005
Snowmobiling great Jay Quinlan performs stunts on 53rd Street; actor-cum-wrester Dwayne ""The Rock"" Johnston promotes Be Cool; Solomon Burke blows the roof off The Ed with a pair
Kirstie Alley, Kathleen Edwards
Mar 1, 2005
""Would You Like To Take A Ride On A Dog Sled?"" on 53rd Street; Kirstie Alley wants to become promiscuous and discusses her new show ""Fat Actress""; Alan has a stern word for Chr
Vin Diesel, Amos Lee
Mar 2, 2005
2004 Indianapolis 500 champion Buddy Rice with ""Top Ten Reasons I Love Racing;"" Vin Diesel talks about his dog, and his new film The Pacifier; Amos Lee sings.
Bruce Willis, Greg Giraldo
Mar 4, 2005
Outgoing CBS anchorman Dan Rather looks back at his fifty years in broadcasting and the scandal that prematurely ended his career.
Amanda Peet, Dean Kamazes
Mar 16, 2005
Dave is able to work the phrase ""needlessly circuitous"" into the interview with Amanda Peet, plus he admires her profile; Alan gives suggestive advice to Condoleeza Rice; Susan H
Sandra Bullock, Gwen Stefani
Mar 21, 2005
Dave thanks the FBI and the Montana police for their efforts following a botched kidnapping involving his son last week; Pat Farmer celebrates ""March Madness"" by trying to duplic
Jessica Alba, Brian Greene, Queens of the Stone Age
Mar 22, 2005
Jessica Alba plugs Sin City and performs a lasso demonstration with Dave; staffer Susan Hum is reluctant to explain string theory; Queens of the Stone Age perform ""Little Sister."
P. Diddy, Erika Christensen
Mar 23, 2005
""On Sale Now"" (a variation on ""New Products"") includes room-temperature sushi and flammable curtains; Pat and Kenny read a transcript of an interview between Oprah and Kirstie
Denzel Washington, Faith Evans
Mar 31, 2005
An audience member walks on her hands, wrap her legs around Dave, and pulls herself up; Dave shows a clip from the NBC soap ""Passions""; Denzel Washington discusses sailing and dr
Lisa Marie Presley, Ahmed Ibrahim, Jake Johannsen
Apr 1, 2005
Roof problems at the theater results in rainwater onstage; Dave worries over Dengue fever; ""Will It Float?"" hits a snag when a bucket of gumdrops topples over; matchmaking cabbie
Show #2345
Apr 6, 2005
Dave explains how he cut his finger with a cheese grater, then confesses to having a great admiration for lesbians; in her first appearance on the show in 19 years, Jane Fonda disc
Show #2346
Apr 11, 2005
Dave and Paul are quizzed about tax exemptions; a bearded Robin Williams discusses everything from Dave's jury duty to welding; Martha Wainwright (sister of Rufus) performs ""When
David Duchovny, Ray Lamontagne
Apr 13, 2005
One day after his 58th birthday, waffles are hucked at the audience. Quote Dave: ""Why do I need joke writers when I have waffles?"" Also, the Late Show recreates testimony from
Kristin Chenowith, Johnny Lechner, Ludacris
Apr 15, 2005
A lucky motorist wins $100 worth of free gasoline, which is spent up in less than five seconds; Alan has another hissy fit, this time in a Michael Jackson costume; singer-actress K
Hank Azaria, Jeff MacGregor
Apr 26, 2005
Tonight's clip from the NBC serial ""Passions"" features a monkey comforting a middle-aged woman; Dave meets the employees of Angelo's Pizza; Spamalot star Hank Azaria admits to Da
Teri Hatcher, Harry Hill
Apr 29, 2005
Cold opening: Dave runs into a nude (yet blurred) Teri Hatcher who's locked out of her dressing room; ""Late Show Week In Review"" with Vinnie Favale as Elvis, a SWAT team kitty an
Martin Short, Elisha Cuthbert
May 2, 2005
Throughout the night, wax figures of celebrities that refuse to appear on the show are rolled onstage. One stagehand accidentally cops a feel on the Oprah statue, while Regis stor
Luke Wilson, Kasabian
May 5, 2005
Live via satellite, Dorothy Letterman performs the Top Ten; in honor of Cinco De Mayo, a city bus crashes into a giant pinata; Kasabian performs ""Club Foot.""
Stupid Human Tricks, Christina Applegate, Brian Regan
May 6, 2005
Like he does every Kentucky Derby weekend, Dave calls up Dave Johnson to hear him say ""...and down the stretch they come!""; Christina Applegate promotes the musical ""Sweet Chari
Ben Stiller, Sherry Fairchild
May 17, 2005
Ben Stiller and Shelly Fairchild stop by. Also, Top Ten with Britney Spears and Kevin Federline.
Cedric the Entertainer, Dan Wheldon, The Black Eyed Peas
Jun 6, 2005
Cedric The Entertainer; Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon; musical guests The Black Eyed Peas.
Katie Holmes, The Shout Out Louds
Jun 9, 2005
Katie Holmes; musical group Shout Out Louds.
Show #2384
Jun 20, 2005
Christopher Walken; U.S. Open golf champion Michael Campbell; musical guest Billy Corgan.
Show #2386
Jun 22, 2005
Michael Keaton (""Herbie Fully Loaded""); author David Sedaris.
Show #2388
Jun 24, 2005
Tim Robbins promotes ""War of the Worlds;"" the Purina Junior Agility Dog Challgenge is briefly subjected to controversy; comedian Nick Griffin does stand-up.
Julian McMahon/Raul Midon/Piedmont Bird Callers
Jun 28, 2005
Piedmont Bird Callers; Julian McMahon (""Fantastic Four""); musician Raul Midon.
Episode #12.174
Jul 1, 2005
Michael Chiklis; comedian Gary Mule Deer; new summer toys with Shannon Eis.
Kelly Preston/Jeff Altman/Aimee Mann
Jul 27, 2005
Kelly Preston, Jeff Altman and Aimee Mann