Late Show with David Letterman: Season 14
Season 14 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 13.
- 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 14 Progress Shield
Andy Kindler, motocross demo with Travis Pastrana, Baby Gramps
Aug 28, 2006
Travis Pastrana - Andy Kidler - Baby Gramps
Zach Braff, Jeff Brendenburg, The Roots
Aug 29, 2006
Dave toys around with the new product from Apple Computers, the "I-Stinguisher"; a man in pajamas and a bathrobe asks Dave where he would find some coffee; writer Jeff Bredenberg p
Snoop Dogg, Charlie Hill, OK Go
Aug 30, 2006
In honor of the show's 13th anniversary, an intern accidentally walks onstage to ask Dave to sign his own greeting card; live from Tracy, California, Ron Patrick drives around in a
Julianne Moore, radio-show hosts Opie and Anthony
Aug 31, 2006
Tony visits The Hamptons, where he complains about traffic; recently embarassed CNN anchor Kyra Phillips presents the Top Ten; 5,000 tennis balls are dropped onstage; Opie & Anthon
Johnny Knoxville, Rachael Ray
Sep 15, 2006
Johnny Dark measures Dave's inseam, much to his chagrin; while promoting "Ventriloquist Week" for the umpteenth time, Dave argues with his very own dummy; to mark the end of summer
Dr. Phil McGraw, Willie Tyler and Lester, Sekou Bunch
Sep 18, 2006
Day 1 of Ventriloquist Week with Willie Tyler & Lester, plus Dr. Phil and "Survivor" castoff Sekou Bunch!
Patrick Dempsey, Jay Johnson and Darwin, Kasabian
Sep 19, 2006
Ventriloquist Week, Day 2: Jay Johnson jokes about evolution while his primate friend Darwin sings "Send in the Clowns" in his "native" tongue; a safe is thrown out an 8th floor wi
Marg Helgenberger, Ronn Lucas and Scorch, Diana Krall
Sep 20, 2006
Day 3 of Ventriloquist Week with Ronn Lucas & Scorch, plus Marg Helgenberger and Diana Krall!
Ted Turner, Jeff Dunham and Walter, Fergie
Sep 21, 2006
Day 4 of Ventriloquist Week with Jeff Dunham & Walter. Plus, Ted Turner and Fergie!
LeBron James, Todd Oliver and Irving, Ludacris
Sep 22, 2006
Ventriloquist Week, Day 5: Todd Oliver has a conversation with his talking dog, Irving; Dave and Lebron James shoot baskets on 53rd Street; Ludacris performed "Money Maker."
Ray Liotta, Elvis Costello & Tony Bennett, Billy Garcia
Sep 25, 2006
Throughout the night, several Late Show interns learn how to parallel-park; Dave looks into "A Day in the Life of Hugo Chavez"; Ray Liotta discusses meeting his biological family f
Billy Bob Thornton, Lily Capehart, Sean Lennon
Sep 26, 2006
Ten-year-old "lizard charmer" Lily Capehart puts her amphibian pets in doll costumes; Billy Bob Thornton promotes "The School for Scoundrels"; Sean Lennon performed "Wait For Me."
Amanda Peet, Nigella Lawson, Bob Seger
Sep 27, 2006
Tonights guests include Amanda Peet, Nigella Lawson and Bob Seger.
Robin Williams, J.P. Calderon, Sam Moore with Wynonna
Oct 9, 2006
Hartford-based meterologist Scot Haney interrupts Dave with a teaser for his five-day forecast; Tony crudely illustrates how North Korea's recent nuclear test will affect the US; R
Tom Arnold, Brian Regan, the latest "Survivor: Cook Islands" castaway
Oct 23, 2006
Tonights guests Tom Arnold, Brian Regan, Strongman Stan Drucker and "Survivor" castaways CaoBoi and Cristina Coria.
Tina Fey, Mike Golic & Mike Greenberg, The Killers
Oct 24, 2006
Tourist "Todd Volk" plays "Find the Pumpkin" at Hello Deli; ESPN Radio's "Mikes in the Morning" discuss Terrell Owens; The Killers perform "When You Were Young."
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jay Thomas, John Legend
Oct 25, 2006
Tonights guests include Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jay Thomas and John Legend.
Bill O'Reilly, Jeff Altman, Tilly and the Wall
Oct 27, 2006
Dave shows off new photos of Harry; Dave Dorsett leaves his station to goof around with a sock puppet; Dave and Bill O'Reilly have another heated discussion about current events; T
Borat, Tiki Barber, Beck
Oct 30, 2006
Borat, Beck and Tiki Barber, plus a Top Ten from Jerry Springer!
Rachel Weisz, David Rakoff, Morningwood
Oct 31, 2006
Tonights guests include Rachel Weisz, David Rakoff and Morningwood.
Gary Sinise, Joanne Carson, Jim Norton
Nov 1, 2006
Dave plugs the upcoming Ball State-Michigan football game and promises to give a nickel to everyone that attends the game; Dave reads a letter from a fan pertaining to staff hostil
Rosie O'Donnell, Lady Sovereign
Nov 2, 2006
Tonights guests include Rosie O'Donnell and Lady Sovereign.
Martin Short, Kinky Friedman
Nov 3, 2006
Martin Short performs a song-and-dance number about the internet's role in his sexless marriage; country singer/novelist/gubernatorial candidate Kinky Friedman lays down his agenda
Will Ferrell, Jack Hanna
Nov 6, 2006
Britney Spears drops by looking for Will Ferrell; at the end of his interview, Will ad-libs through a selection from "Phantom of the Opera"; Jack Hanna introduces Dave to Fluffy th
Dustin Hoffman, Jamie Oliver, The Metropolitan Opera
Nov 8, 2006
Outgoing Defense Secretary "Donald Rumsfeld" (Gerard) fields questions from the audience; Jamie Oliver makes sausage carbonara; the Metropolitan Opera performs a selection from the
Kiefer Sutherland, Jenna Fischer, Rocco DeLuca
Nov 9, 2006
Live via satellite, Biff walks through a six-acre corn maze in Livermore, California. By the end of the show, Dave asks him if he's scared, prompting Biff to snap back, "It takes a
Daniel Craig, documentary film subject Teri Horton, Elvis Costello, Rosanne Cash
Nov 10, 2006
Robin Williams, Rich Little, George Jones
Nov 13, 2006
Day 1 of Impressionist Week with Rich Little! Also, Robin Williams and George Jones!
Jack Black & Kyle Gass, Fred Travalena, Tenacious D
Nov 14, 2006
Impressionist Week, Day 2: Frank Travalena closes his set by mimicing every president from Kennedy to Dubya. Also, Tenacious D (Jack Black and Kyle Gass) promote their new movie an
Jerry Seinfeld, Dan Patrick
Nov 20, 2006
Tonights guests include Jerry Seinfeld and Dan Patrick. Plus, a public apology from Jerry's former co-star Michael Richards.
Hugh Jackman, Chris Elliott, Jimmie Johnson
Nov 21, 2006
Tonight's "Rejected FDA Products" include Hebrew National Bacon, Frozen Mayonnaise Bars (which Dave tastes), and OJ Simpson's "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter, But If I Did Believe
Matthew Broderick, Lupe Fiasco & Jill Scott
Nov 22, 2006
Tonights guests include Matthew Broderick and Lupe Fiasco and Jill Scott. Plus, Stupid Pet Tricks!
Eugene Levy, John Mayer
Nov 23, 2006
Dave shows footage of the staff Thanksgiving dinner, which includes a drunk Biff telling off Dave and a turkey carver severing his hand; Dave correctly guesses that his mother made
Richard Simmons, Kate Walsh, Ciara
Nov 29, 2006
A giant goat knocks over the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree; Andy Kindler visits the US Marshals Training Academy in Georgia; in his first Late Show appearance in six years, Ric
Jennifer Connelly, Tom Dreesen, Shiny Toy Guns
Nov 30, 2006
Tonights guests include Jennifer Connelly, Tom Dreesen and Shiny Toy Guns.
Danny DeVito, 16-year-old duct tape expert William Beacom, Silversun Pickups
Dec 1, 2006
Teen duct tape expert William Beacom shows off his sticky creations; Silversun Pickups performed "Lazy Eye."
Howard Stern, Gwen Stefani
Dec 12, 2006
Tonight at Hello Deli, Dave and Rupert dare a (alleged) SUNY student from Queens to eat a Taco Bell chalupa; Howard Stern walks onstage in a Father Christmas outfit, giving out fre
Kid Scientists, Regis Philbin, Robert Randolph
Dec 13, 2006
Tonights guests include Regis Philbin and Robert Randolph, plus Lee Marek's Kid Scientists!
Will Smith, Evanescence
Dec 14, 2006
An irate staffer gives Dave a holiday-themed "f*** you"; "Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton" (Gerard) fields questions from the audience; Will Smith promotes The Pursuit of Happyness
Clint Eastwood, Matthew Fox
Dec 15, 2006
Tonight's guests include Clint Eastwood and Matthew Fox are the scheduled guests.
Frank Caliendo as John Madden, Ben Stiller, Rodrigo & Gabriela
Dec 18, 2006
Tonight's guests include Ben Stiller, John Madden and Rodrigo y Gabriela.
Beyonce, Marv Albert, The Dears
Dec 19, 2006
Tonight's guests include Beyonce Knowles, Marv Albert and The Dears.
Renée Zellweger, holiday toy demonstration, Taking Back Sunday
Dec 20, 2006
A Yule Log is set up in front of Dave's desk, and later Dave and Renee Zellweger pose Christmas-photo style next to the green screen; Dave acknowledges Dave Dorsett's 41 years at C
Tom Brokaw, Cold War Kids
Dec 21, 2006
Tom Brokaw and Cold War Kids are the scheduled guests.
Cate Blanchett, Jay Thomas, Darlene Love
Dec 22, 2006
Cate Blanchett and Darlene Love are tonight's guests. Plus, Jay Thomas and the 9th Annual Christmas Tree Football Toss!
Penelope Cruz, Gary Mule Deer, Ben E. King
Jan 9, 2007
A woman from Chicago plays "Name That Smell" at Hello Deli; after vilifying Commonwealth Edison, Alan gets beaten up by one of their employees; Ben E. King performs "Stand By Me."
Peter O'Toole, Marc Maron
Jan 10, 2007
Tonight's guests are Peter O'Toole and Marc Maron, plus a Top Ten from baseball legends Cal Ripken Jr. and Tony Gwynn!
Julianne Moore, Madonna, The Hold Steady
Jan 11, 2007
Videotape operator Tom Catusi apologizes for making a cheap shot at Mark McGwire; Madonna discusses her controversial adoption of a Malawian baby; Dave puts on a raincoat and promo
Kristin Chenoweth, John Witherspoon, Josh Ritter
Jan 12, 2007
A Late Show Fun Fact: the actual Godzilla was only seven feet tall and was killed by Japanese soldiers within minutes; John Witherspoon describes a recent incident involving smokin
Amy Sedaris, Jason Randal, America with Ryan Adams & Ben Kweller
Jan 15, 2007
Dave acknowledges the 7th anniversary of his quintuple-bypass with a clip from "Sanford & Son"; magician Jason Randal wows Dave with a few more of his trademark card tricks; '70s s
Paul Newman, Sebastian Bourdais, Diana Ross
Jan 16, 2007
Paul Newman, Sebastian Bourdais, and Diana Ross are the scheduled guests.
Tina Fey, Terri and Bindi Irwin
Jan 17, 2007
Tina Fey discusses the Golden Globes and explains why she hates Los Angeles; escape artist "Donnie Glenn" balks at being sealed in a milk can filled with water; Terri & Bindi Irwin
Harry Shearer, Vera Farmiga, Mat Kearney
Jan 18, 2007
Dave promotes the new, improved Late Show web site; "El Nino" (Gerard) drops by to take a bow; Vera Farmiga promotes "Breaking and Entering"; Mat Kearney performs "Nothing Left to
Dan Rather, Tricia Helfer, Andy Kindler
Jan 19, 2007
Dave comments on this winter's damaged citrus crop by opening a carton of "Tropicana Just Rind"; Tricia Helfer of "Battlestar Galactica" fame promotes her upcoming Playboy pictoria
Ricky Gervais, Forest Whitaker, The Shins
Jan 23, 2007
Ricky Gervais, Forest Whittaker, and The Shins are the scheduled guests.
John Travolta, Eric Nerhus, a performance from the Broadway musical "Spring Awakening"
Feb 21, 2007
Charles Grodin, Dan Naturman
Mar 2, 2007
Dave reminisces about his teen years and shares an antedote about a ruined fur coat; Charles Grodin promotes his one-minute commentaries on CBS Radio and shows off some of his hors
Chris Rock, Sandra Oh, Amy Winehouse
Mar 12, 2007
Dave admits that he's never participated nor believes in Daylight Savings Time; Chris Rock promotes "I Think I Love My Wife"; Amy Winehouse performed "You Know I'm No Good."
Adam Sandler, Don Cheadle, Danica Patrick, Todd Barry, Lucinda Williams
Mar 20, 2007
Fill-in host Adam Sandler (with assistance from his dog, Matzoball II) welcomes Don Cheadle, Danica Patrick, and Todd Barry as his guests. Lucinda Williams performs "Are You Alrigh
Jack Black, Lara Logan, beer launching refrigerator creator John Cornwell
Mar 21, 2007
Tonight's "Great Moments in Presidental Speeches" clip is doctored to include Sue Hum using a lint brush on JFK's right arm; Duke University post-grad John Cornwell demonstrates hi
Will Ferrell, Kings of Leon, Rachel Smith
Mar 26, 2007
Will Ferrell, Kings of Leon, Rachel Smith
Kelly Ripa, Simon Pegg
Apr 16, 2007
Kelly Ripa, Simon Pegg, and Jim Short are the scheduled guests.
Brian Williams, Steven Wright, a Top Ten list presented by Sanjaya Malakar
Apr 23, 2007
Top Ten list presented by Sanjaya Malakar
Steve Martin, Dave Cota and A.J. the parakeet, Derek Jeter
Apr 26, 2007
Steve Martin dominates the show, as he interrupts Dave twice, gets a lapdance from a male stripper, plugs his new book, and performs "The Crow" with banjoists Tony Trischka and Bel
Kirsten Dunst, Rob Magnotti, Dinosaur Jr.
Apr 30, 2007
Day 1 of "Impressionist Week 2" with Rob Magnotti. Kirsten Dunst and Dinosaur Jr. are the scheduled guests.
Ray Romano, Reggie Reg, Dennis Haysbert
May 4, 2007
Day 5 of "Impressionist Week 2" with Reggie Reg. Ray Romano and Dennis Haysbert are the scheduled guests.
Dr. Phil McGraw, Jack Hanna
May 10, 2007
Dr. Phil McGraw and Jack Hanna are the scheduled guests.
Don Rickles, Michael Imperioli, Wilco, a Top Ten List presented by Masi Oka
May 15, 2007
Don Rickles, Michael Imperioli, and Wilco are the scheduled guests. Plus, a special Top Ten from Masi Oka!
Ricky Gervais, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Mavis Staples, a Top Ten List presented by Bob Barker
May 16, 2007
Ricky Gervais, Mary Lynn Rajskub, and Mavis Staples are the scheduled guests. Plus, a Top Ten by Bob Barker!
Kid Scientists, Luke Wilson, Rufus Wainwright, a Top Ten List presented by Homer Simpson
May 17, 2007
Top Ten List presented by Homer Simpson
Matt Damon, Jeff Altman, Angelique Kidjo
Aug 1, 2007
Matt Damon, Jeff Altman, and Angelique Kidjo are the scheduled guests.