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Season guide

Late Show with David Letterman: Season 5

203 episodes Premiered Sep 1, 1997 Updated Sep 25, 2026

Late Show with David Letterman Season 5 continues the overarching saga across 203 episodes. David Letterman uses mature humor to appeal to his audience in this weeknight series, which gets its music from a house band. The sixty-minute comedy talk show is broadcast at night on the American station CBS from the Ed Sullivan Theater. This comedic talk show follows David Letterman after moving to a new television network,

Previously on Late Show with David Letterman

Season 5 Lore Primer

Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.

  • ⚡ David Letterman is an American comedian and talk show host who moved his program to a new television network, CBS.
  • ⚡ The series is a sixty-minute comedy talk show broadcast at night from the Ed Sullivan Theater on the American station CBS.
  • ⚡ The show retains largely the same format as the previous Late Night with David Letterman.
  • ⚡ David Letterman uses mature humor to appeal to his audience in the weeknight series, which features music from a house band.
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Season overview

Late Show with David Letterman Season 5 continues the overarching saga across 203 episodes. David Letterman uses mature humor to appeal to his audience in this weeknight series, which gets its music from a house band. The sixty-minute comedy talk show is broadcast at night on the American station CBS from the Ed Sullivan Theater. This comedic talk show follows David Letterman after moving to a new television network, where he retains largely the same format as his previous program, Late Night with David Letterman. Letterman is known for hosting this talk show on the CBS television network, maintaining his role as an American comedian and talk show host using his established comedic style.

Sources & verificationLate Show with David Letterman — The Movie Database (TMDB)Late Show with David Letterman (1993) - PlexLate Show with David Letterman (1993–2015) | SerialZone.czLate Night with David Letterman - WikipediaDavid Letterman – Wikipedie
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Season 5 Episodes

Episode Guide

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Binge Efficiency Engine

Season 5: Filler vs. Essential Canon

Filter episodes by narrative weight. Focus on essential mytharc and skip standalone side quests.

96%
Mytharc (8): Crucial lore & season climaxes
Core (195): Character development & subplots
Side Quest (0): Standalone / filler
S5·E1 Mytharc

Terry Bradshaw, Carmen Electra, Eddie Brill

Sep 1, 1997

Dave shows highlights from the annual Labor Day staff cookout on 53rd Street; Terry Bradshaw and stagehand Corky Ramirez both inexplicably break into song.

S5·E2 Core

Steven Seagal, Brittany Starr, Beck

Sep 2, 1997

Warren is caught watching tennis on TV; Dave harasses teen talk show host John Hall; Beck performs ""Devil's Haircut.""

S5·E3 Core

Joan Lunden, Chris Rock, Fiona Apple

Sep 3, 1997

Viewers at home receive the rare opportunity to see the new audience orientation tape (starring Leonard Tepper). Later, Fiona Apple performs ""Criminal.""

S5·E5 Core

Kevin Kline, Jamie Foxx, Sugar Ray

Sep 5, 1997

On Warren's last night filling in for Paul, he receives a ""Deputy of Comedy"" badge. Later, Sugar Ray performs ""Fly.""

S5·E6 Core

Danny DeVito, Patrick Rafter, Tim McGraw

Sep 8, 1997

Paul returns from filming ""Blues Brothers 2000"" with a shaved head. Meanwhile, Dave, Biff, Regis, Al Roker, and Bob Barker harass people in Central Park.

S5·E7 Core

Salma Hayek, Joan Cusak, Louie Anderson

Sep 9, 1997

Dave calls the pay phone island outside so that an unsuspecting tourist could participate in a comedy skit. When nobody picks up a phone, Dave goes on the street and invites a guy

S5·E11 Core

George Clooney, Bill Cosby

Sep 22, 1997

Dave listens to the philosophies of second-graders in ""Dave Talks to Kids""; George Clooney promotes ""The Peacemaker.""

S5·E12 Core

Nicole Kidman, Gregory Hines, God's Property

Sep 23, 1997

Biff delivers a housewarming gift to a Hooters franchise that just opened, and they send back buffalo wings. Later, an NBC nurse tends to Nicole Kidman's cold.

S5·E13 Core

Jennifer Lopez, Michael Lamonico, Bill Engvall

Sep 24, 1997

Dave discusses aerosol cheese with last minute guest Chef Michael Lomonaco who says, ""It's great when you're driving, actually. You get a little squirt when you're driving.""

S5·E14 Core

Alec Baldwin, Jonathan Lipnicki, Deana Carter

Sep 25, 1997

Richard Simmons interupts ""Know Your Current Events""; Drew Carey presents ""Top Ten Signs You Work in a Bad Office""; 7-year-old Jonathan Lipnicki promotes his new sitcom, ""Meeg

S5·E15 Core

Kim Basinger, Ray Ramano, Jackson Browne

Sep 26, 1997

In a return to the popular theme nights of yore, the entire LATE SHOW audience consists of freshmen from NYU. During the show, Candice Bergen presents a special college-themed Top

S5·E16 Core

Fourth Anniversary Special

Sep 29, 1997

Dave shows some of his favorite remotes, segments, and comedy clips from the first four years of ""The Late Show.""

S5·E17 Core

Fran Drescher, Ryan Tripp, Brooks & Dunn

Sep 29, 1997

Bob Borden finally gets to meet Jaleel ""Urkel"" White, while Paul composes a musical number about pastries that resemble celebrities.

S5·E19 Core

Cameron Diaz, Adam Arkin, Veniamin

Oct 1, 1997

Cameron Diaz promotes ""A Life Less Ordinary,"" while the famed contortionist Veniamin does a demonstration.

S5·E23 Core

Bryant Gumbel, Harland Williams, Everclear

Oct 7, 1997

Joe G. stars in the new crime drama ""Joey Ventura,"" and clips from the show are scattered throughout the night; Dave gives Paul crap for bumping into a cameraman; Bryant Gumbel p

S5·E25 Core

James Belushi, Christina Ricci, Oasis

Oct 9, 1997

Throughout the night, Leonard plugs his new show, ""Leonard Tepper's Hidden Video."" Later, Jim Belushi promotes ""Total Security.""

S5·E27 Core

David Duchovny, Emily Mae Young, Todd Barry

Oct 13, 1997

1997: Stagehand and accomplished thespian Kenny Sheehan is seen in clips from ""The Today Show,"" ""Guiding Light,"" ""Cosby,"" ""The People's Court,"" and ""Spin City.""

S5·E28 Core

Tom Brokaw, Stevie Starr, Green Day

Oct 14, 1997

After Dave shows clips of past bunny antics, the Late Show presents ""How Many Guys in Bunny Suits Can Get in the Times Square Disney Store?"" The answer: Three. Later, Stevie Sta

S5·E29 Core

Nathan Lane, Chalize Theron, Carly Simon

Oct 15, 1997

Paul introduces this year's National League champions, the Atlanta Braves, until Dave tells him that the Florida Marlins actually won. Later, Carly Simon and Jimmy Webb perform a

S5·E30 Core

Mike Wallace, Kelly Montieth, LL Cool J

Oct 16, 1997

Dave presents ""The Story Behind the Story: The Rolling Stones,"" which looks at the dramatic and emotionally draining production of a ""Behind the Music""-type show.

S5·E32 Core

Mariah Carey, Anthony Clark

Oct 27, 1997

Dave shows (bogus) footage of businessmen jumping out of windows on Wall Street; we take a look at ""What Dave Did with the Extra Hour from Standard Time""; Mariah Carey sings ""Bu

S5·E33 Core

Maria Martiromo, Penn & Teller, Amy Grant

Oct 28, 1997

Following yesterday's sell-off on Wall Street, Dave shows footage of deceased stockbrokers ascending back through windows after today's market recovery. Later, Penn and Teller per

S5·E36 Core

Stupid Human Tricks, Naomi Campbell, Bobby Brown

Oct 31, 1997

In honor of the new movie ""Boogie Nights,"" Dave shows bogus clips of Paul and Nadine Hennelly in 70's-era porno films. Meanwhile, Tony impresses Dave with his clown costume.

S5·E37 Core

John Travolta, Cybill Shepard, Kuznetsov Troupe

Nov 3, 1997

Dave shows a picture of production associate Tara Callahan, who ran in the New York Marathon; John Travolta plugs Face-Off; Martin Short appears for exactly thirty seconds.

S5·E39 Core

Sarah Ferguson, Kelly McGillis, Leann Rimes

Nov 5, 1997

Dave, Paul, Alan, Calvert, and Anton (as ""Buddy"") star in ""Late Show: The Movie."" Also, Rudy Guiliani (poorly) disguises himself as a audience member in the latest edition of

S5·E40 Core

Harry Connick Jr., Pamela Lee

Nov 6, 1997

Dave shows a fake ad for a PBS documentary about the band KISS. Later, a lady in the audience who Dave accidentally threw a blue card near is now wearing a cervical collar.

S5·E45 Core

Bill Murray, Alison Eastwood, Matchbox 20

Nov 13, 1997

Live from the Edwards Air Force Base, Bruce Willis and Billy Bob Thornton race to earn the title of ""World's Fastest Movie Star."" Also, Bill Murray plugs ""The Man Who Knew Too

S5·E46 Core

Don Rickles, Heather Graham, Lou Reed

Nov 14, 1997

During Mailbag, Gerard performs a Broadway-style number about the possibility of him getting fired. Also, Heather Graham plugs ""Boogie Nights.""

S5·E48 Core

Tom Arnold, Kordell Stewart, Elvis Costello

Nov 18, 1997

It's another ""Quarterback Challenge"" as Pittsburgh Steelers field general Kordell Stewart and Dave aim footballs at a water tower across the street from the Ed Sullivan Theater.

S5·E49 Core

Sigourney Weaver, David Brenner, Trischa Yearwood

Nov 19, 1997

Dave (supposedly) calls the Butterball Turkey Handling Hotline, while two mailmen (Leonard and Gerard) present a U.S. Post Office-sanctioned message about on-the-job safety.

S5·E50 Core

Danny DeVito, Sarah Michelle Gellar

Nov 20, 1997

Tony Mendez interrupts Dave, pointing out that he's missing a cue card. It turns out it was with Tony Randall all along.

S5·E53 Core

Kids Tell Jokes, Marisa Tomei, James Taylor

Nov 25, 1997

Dave brings in cab driver Carlos Andrede, who becomes the master of ceremonies in the hastily-produced ""Carlos Andrede Thanksgiving Day Parade,"" featuring performances from Miss

S5·E55 Core

Kevin Spacey, Art Donovan, Wallflowers

Nov 27, 1997

It's time for another call to Dave's mom to play ""Guess the Pies""; tonight, she's baked coconut butterscotch pecan pie and cherry pie as well as a sculpted head of Dave made of s

S5·E57 Core

Courteney Cox, Peyton Manning, Shania Twain

Dec 8, 1997

Grover Washington, Jr. sits in; Dave shows a Sing and Snore Ernie that he bought yesterday, and it's head tragically comes off with blood gushing out; Dave and Heisman Trophy candi

S5·E60 Mytharc

Nathan Lane, Hazelle Goodman, Mitch Fatel

Dec 11, 1997

The outside cam reveals Buddy (Bill Clinton's dog) trying to get inside Hooters. Also, Nathan Lane sings a brief song about Hanukkah.

S5·E62 Core

Kevin Costner, Tyra Banks, Nina & Nickolai

Dec 15, 1997

Dave and Tony go to Giants Stadium so Tony can be a kicker, with a little help from Giants coach Jim Fassel, plus kickers Brad Daluiso and Danny Kanell; a man claiming to be the ne

S5·E63 Core

Pam Grier, Tom Everett Scott, James Brown

Dec 16, 1997

A plastic Statue of Liberty, a giant meatball, and a pile of bagels are placed on top of the Late Show Christmas Tree. Later in the show, a preacher in the audience puts sauce on

S5·E65 Core

Leslie Nelson, Michelle Yeoh, Hanson

Dec 18, 1997

Dave shows a (bogus) clip of him as a 50's-era child actor, while Biff receives Foster's Lager ® from an Australian audience member.

S5·E66 Core

Pierce Brosnan, Lou Holtz

Dec 19, 1997

""James Bond"" (Tom Manino) comes up from the audience at Dave's insistance. Later in the show, Pierce Bronson and his doppleganger go one-on-one. Also, Paul wears his christmas

S5·E68 Core

Terry Bradshaw, Billy Zane, Darlene Love

Dec 23, 1997

It's ""Holiday Tradition Night"" on the Late Show: Another Darlene Love/Bette Sussman performance of ""Christmas (Baby Please Come Home),"" along with another Paul Shaffer impressi

S5·E70 Core

Bridget Fonda, Matt Damon, Allan Harvey

Dec 29, 1997

David Sanborn sits in; Ms. Markey's kindergarten kids in Bowie, MD each write an essay titled ""If I Could Have One Wish""; Bridget Fonda promotes ""Jackie Brown.""

S5·E72 Core

Samuel L. Jackson, Howie Long, Louie C.K.

Jan 5, 1998

Like he does every year, Dave regales us with another one of his far-fetched New Year's stories. After Leon Pendarvis brings him down to earth, Dave confesses that he and Biff cel

S5·E73 Mytharc

Tom Brokaw, Tobey Maquire, Fiona Apple

Jan 6, 1998

Leon's still here; a customer from Joe G's stars in the quickie movie ""Titanic: Death Boat ‘98""; the outside-cam reveals radioactive steam coming out of the Chrysler Building.

S5·E74 Core

Norm MacDonald, Peta Wilson, Streb

Jan 7, 1998

Recently deposed ""Weekend Update"" anchorman Norm MacDonald vents his anger to Dave; daredevil dance group Streb performs.

S5·E76 Core

Penelope Ann Miller, Terry Pledger, Collective Soul

Jan 9, 1998

CBS Mailbag: Chris Schmitt of Ottawa, Kansas asks why Biff has a scowl on his face. Biff comes onstage as a lobster is hooked on his backside. Later, Dave explains the formula for

S5·E79 Core

Peter O'Toole, Martin Scorcese

Jan 14, 1998

""Dave Sucks"" is spray-painted onto the World Trade Center, while ""The Masked Magician"" (Pat Farmer) performs a dangerous trick on Kenny Sheehan.

S5·E82 Core

Michael Isikoff, Sarah Ferguson

Jan 26, 1998

Dave finds three girls in the audience that have never slept with President Clinton; Bob Borden covers the Super Bowl, so Dave implies that Sparky Mortimer can actually get some st

S5·E83 Core

Robert Duvall, Kennedy, Emmylou Harris

Jan 27, 1998

Dave brings out his top intern Duane, who might be a Chippendale dancer on the side. Also, Dave complains about Late Show knockoffs and shows as an example ""The Simon Harvey Show

S5·E86 Core

Ethan Hawke, Merrill Markoe

Jan 30, 1998

Paul performs a song promoting Tom Selleck's appearance next week, while Dave and Merrill Markoe pretend to flirt.

S5·E87 Core

Tom Arnold, Steve Forbes, Jake Johannsen

Feb 2, 1998

Throughout the week, guitarist Mike Campbell fills in for Felicia, who has the flu; Dave mentions that yesterday was the sixteenth anniversary of the debut of Late Night; Tom Arnol

S5·E88 Core

John Goodman, Mitch Hedberg, Jeff Gordon

Feb 3, 1998

Anton introduced as Prince Randusi of Senegal; Mike Campbell is still here; ten interns present the Top Ten; John Goodman shows a clip of him jumping into a fountain pool.

S5·E89 Core

Dan Akroyd, Naomi Campbell, Duncan Sheik

Feb 4, 1998

Dan Aykroyd promotes Blues Brothers 2000, which, might I add, co-stars Paul Shaffer. Also, Duncan Sheik performs ""Everyone, Everywhere.""

S5·E91 Core

Drew Barrymore, Shania Twain

Feb 6, 1998

It's the opening of the Winter Olympics, so Dave announces miniature Ski-Jumping Dogs in the backdrop. Also, live via satellite, Dave chats with his mom in Nagano, Japan.

S5·E92 Core

Richard Simmons, John Elway

Feb 9, 1998

Throughout the night, ski-jumping dogs perform in the backdrop; Felicia returns; Dorothy Letterman makes her first report from Nagano.

S5·E93 Core

Bill Cosby, Blues Brothers

Feb 10, 1998

Remote: Dave goes door-to-door in New Jersey again, this time to ask about the Winter Olympics. Also, to promote their new film, the reunited Blues Brothers Band (including Paul,

S5·E95 Core

Adam Sandler, Jack Hanna

Feb 12, 1998

While playing ""Know Your Current Events,"" a soon-to-be unemployed stewardess for United Airlines tells Dave, ""Passengers are our worst enemy."" Also, ten US Olympic hockey play

S5·E96 Core

Bruce Willis, LeAnn Rimes & Bryan White

Feb 13, 1998

Live via satellite, it's Dave's mom at the Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan, where she introduces a skiing monkey. She also presents the Top Ten.

S5·E97 Core

Heather Locklear, Tom Selleck

Feb 16, 1998

Live via satellite in Nagano, Japan: Dorothy's feeling under the weather, Biff and his wife Carolyn chat with Winter Olympic athletes. Also, Tony shows us a cue card supposedly bu

S5·E98 Core

Mike Myers, Paula Cole

Feb 17, 1998

Mike Myers chats with (live via satellite) his mother, while Dorothy interrogates Picabo Street.

S5·E99 Core

Nathan Lane, Bingo Granny

Feb 18, 1998

Regis, Paul, Mujibur and Sirajul help Dave learn how to skate a la Kristi Yamiguchi, while Dave and Jerry Foley observe and interview ""Future Olympic Hopefuls.""

S5·E100 Core

Bob Dole, Marilyn Manson

Feb 19, 1998

Almost halfway into the show, Dave suddenly leaves and gets into a cab that drives to Mexico, then San Francisco. Dave then boats across the Pacific, stops in Japan and sweeps the

S5·E101 Core

Stupid Pet Tricks, Jonny Moseley

Feb 20, 1998

In ""Day in New York City with Olympic Judges,"" the one female judge gives Dave's performance in bed a 2.8; during Stupid Pet Tricks, Biff demonstrates a trick he learned in Nagan

S5·E102 Core

Jeff Bridges, Nikki Stone, John Fogerty

Feb 23, 1998

Paul Newman drops by to annoy Dave; outtakes from last week's ""Olympic Hopefuls"" piece are shown; Dave persuades a less-than-homesick Dorothy to go back to Indianapolis.

S5·E107 Core

Patrick Stewart, Frank Urbancic, Joan Cusak

Mar 2, 1998

As usual, Dave cheats in his annual competition with the World Grocery Bagging Champion. This years' sucker: Frank Urbancic. Also, Dave shows a (bogus) clip of President Clinton sk

S5·E108 Core

Kid Scientists, Gabriel Byrne, Richie Sambora

Mar 3, 1998

In the latest ""Kid Scientists"" segment, Lee Marek and his prodigies demonstrate the concept of heat. Also, Richie Sambora performs ""All That Really Matters.""

S5·E110 Mytharc

Siskel & Ebert, Karl Malone, Mark Chesnutt

Mar 5, 1998

Gerard hosts ""The Making of the Top Ten,"" a short documentary that reveals more about the writers' animosity towards Dave than the comedy bit that's being profiled. Also, Mark C

S5·E111 Core

Norm MacDonald, Richie Stachowski

Mar 6, 1998

Mailbag: Dave and his bodyguard (Bill DeLace) have a falling out. Also, Dave chats with 12-year-old inventor/entrepreneur Richie Stachowski, creator of Water Talkies.

S5·E113 Core

John Travolta, Jack Johnson, The Chieftains

Mar 17, 1998

It looks at first like the studio is being filled with green beer, but it turns out that one of the camera lenses have been tinted; ""Leonardo DiCaprio"" (Gerard) gloats over his n

S5·E116 Core

Charles Grodin, Edward Burns, Marcy Playground

Mar 25, 1998

Dave shows a (bogus) ad for British Airways that is bursting with disclaimers; Laurie Diamond milks a cow backstage; another edition of ""Please Stop Calling Me Chief"" provides en

S5·E117 Core

Dolly Parton, Bob Hoskins

Mar 26, 1998

Biff hangs with the New York Yankees during Spring Training, while everybody in the audience gets free tickets to fly on British Airways.

S5·E118 Core

Al Franken, Lauren Holly, Ani DiFranco

Mar 27, 1998

Paul is introduced as ""Ramone Conde""; Dave introduces Mishi, the world record holder for smallest man alive, and later Mishi holds a kitty to demonstrate his miniscule size on ca

S5·E119 Core

Evander Holyfield, Joseph Loveland, Michael Moore

Mar 30, 1998

Paul is introduced as Al Roker; throughout the night, Pat Farmer throws basketballs from the roof and into a bathtub on 53rd Street; Dave complains that the balls are ""fruity"";

S5·E120 Core

Don Rickles, Mimi Rogers, Steve Miller

Mar 31, 1998

Biff reports on Yankees Spring Training, where he follows/stalks Paul O'Neill. Also, Steve Miller performs ""Fly Like An Eagle.""

S5·E121 Core

Alec Baldwin, Heather Graham, Barenaked Ladies

Apr 1, 1998

Paul is introduced as Cubby O'Brien; Heather Graham meets The Guy on Fire; Alec Baldwin helps Heather in a weird April Fool's gag in which they sign off and wish everybody a good n

S5·E122 Core

Tom Brokaw, Ice Cube, Natalie Imbruglia

Apr 2, 1998

Bruce Willis is live via satellite in Idaho from the set of his upcoming film ""Breakfast of Champions."" All night long he's inside a television monitor that bungee jumps off the

S5·E123 Core

Tom Hanks, Matt Medenweldt, Scott Weiland

Apr 3, 1998

Tom Hanks interrupts the monologue because he and Dave are dressed alike; throughout the night, spelling bee champ Edmund Gillette stands next to Rob's desk and spells words; durin

S5·E126 Core

James Belushi, Lacey Chabert, Robbie Robertson

Apr 8, 1998

Throughout the night, Bob Borden tries to set off car alarms directly outside the theater; Dave announces that The Guy on Fire is willing to perform for $2700 a pop, though the guy

S5·E127 Core

Val Kilmer, Jimmie Walker, cast of Cabaret

Apr 9, 1998

After mentioning a minor disagreement from earlier today, Dave announces his ""blood feud"" with director Jerry Foley; Mujibur and Sirajul appear on Jerry Springer, and no one's su

S5·E128 Core

Billy Crystal, Hatty Jones, Tori Amos

Apr 10, 1998

During CBS Mailbag, a viewer asks if Dave has any plans to air his show from the space shuttle. Somehow as a response, astronaut Buzz Aldrin is seen hitting golfballs on the theat

S5·E129 Core

Gwyneth Paltrow, Harmony Korine, Wyclef Jean

Apr 20, 1998

Dave announces the birth of Jerry Foley's son; after showing footage from last year of Rob Burnett unwittingly scaring his young daughter in a Easter Bunny suit, he tries on a diff

S5·E130 Core

Claire Danes, George Miller, Matthew Ryan

Apr 21, 1998

The Guy Not on Fire announces that he is now available for commercials and endorsements, and later in the show he is seen in an ad for Sizzler. Also, Danny DeVito comes out onstag

S5·E131 Core

Jason Alexander, Isabella Rossellini, Steve Earle

Apr 22, 1998

The Guy Not on Fire appears in his first paid ad (for Elite Computers); a chat with Jason Alexander is interrupted by another inane special report by Alan Richardson; Steve Earle a

S5·E132 Core

Ricki Lake, Vaughn Cordle, Rita Wilson

Apr 23, 1998

""Know Your Current Events"" is interrupted so that The Man Not on Fire can pitch the Biore® self-heating mask. Later in the show, Dave admits that he's on a guilt trip for bumpin

S5·E133 Core

Jennifer Aniston, Jerry Springer, Al Green

Apr 24, 1998

Amongst the festivities of ""Chicago Night"": Jerry Springer's bouncers stand on opposite sides of the stage; The Man Not on Fire appears in an ad for Gold Coast Drugs; the Top Te

S5·E134 Core

Marisa Tomei, Ryan Leaf, Alana Davis

Apr 27, 1998

Dave persuades an audience member named Gary to shave off his beard; The man who was on fire, then wasn't and is now on fire again promotes Kraus Chiropractic in Iowa; Gary orders

S5·E135 Core

Jack Hanna, Ray Allen, Dave Matthews Band

Apr 28, 1998

Willie ""Blue Moon"" Watts sits in on pedal guitar; Dave announces that there have been some technical difficulties they may prevent Johnny Depp from appearing on the 1000th show l

S5·E136 Core

Patrick Swayze, Hugh Hefner

Apr 29, 1998

The latest roll call suggests that The Guy on Fire has officially sold out when he runs across the stage (in flames, of course) holding a sign for Highland Metals, Inc.

S5·E138 Core

Stupid Human Tricks, Norm MacDonald, Pearl Jam

May 1, 1998

Tonight's ""Stupid Human Tricks"": Richard Anthony of Ontario reaches back over his shoulder and gives himself a wedgie; John Rites of Nebraska fits three McDonald's burgers into h

S5·E139 Core

Elle MacPherson, Jon Favreau, Usher

May 4, 1998

Maynard Ferguson sits in again; Paul runs the Kentucky Derby; Dave shows a microphone plaque he got from the staff.

S5·E141 Core

Sally Field, Philip Bigler, Lyle Lovett

May 6, 1998

Biff tries out tobacco juice spin art; Dave shows a clip from last night's show in which he mixed up ""Viagra"" with ""Niagara""; Biff teaches Sally Field how to spit tobacco juice

S5·E143 Core

Marilu Henner, Jim Lovell

May 8, 1998

Biff goes to Texas to learn to be a cowboy, and to make tonight's audience (residents of Houston) feel more at home, Lyle Lovett shows up to sing an old Hank Williams song, with Bi

S5·E144 Core

Fran Drescher, Bob Berman, Faith Hill

May 11, 1998

Dave visits a group of sailors on the audience, and one of them does a push-up onstage; Dave shows the audience today's (bogus) edition of The Family Circus; Faith Hill performs ""

S5·E145 Core

Christopher Reeve, Hanson

May 12, 1998

Dave shows another bogus ""Family Circus"" cartoon; Paul is discovered cheering on Hanson with a small army of teenyboppers outside.

S5·E146 Core

Warren Beatty, Wayne Knight, Bonnie Raitt

May 13, 1998

Dave notices the standby audience really has nothing to do, so makes them do a jigsaw puzzle. When they finish it at the end of the show, we see that it's an image of Al Chez.

S5·E147 Core

Jim Breuer, Tara Lipinski, Foo Fighters

May 14, 1998

Dave gripes about the eight-minute late start for the show tonight due to golf coverage. Rapidly becoming despondent, he picks up a bottle of tequila and tosses back a few at the

S5·E149 Core

Matthew Broderick, David Wells, Natalie Merchant

May 18, 1998

The outside cam peers through the window of Dave's office to show the world a very hideous billboard promoting the sitcom Friends. Matthew Perry drops by to vandalize the advertis

S5·E151 Core

Drew Carey, Scarlett Johannson, Soul Asylum

May 20, 1998

Biff reports from a Bulls-Pacers playoff game; teen actress Scarlett Johansson promotes The Horse Whisperer; Rob Burnett is dressed to the nines tonight, so Dave asks him to host t

S5·E152 Core

Ted Danson, Mae Whitman, The Flatlanders

May 21, 1998

A hairstylist that appeared in tonight's ""Know Your Current Events"" cuts Dave's hair for twenty bucks. He later gives her a $1000 tip.

S5·E153 Core

Harry Connick, Jr., Hank Azaria

May 22, 1998

A parody of VH-1's ""Behind the Music"" features Paul Shaffer's rise and fall and rise again, with testimonials from Kris Kristofferson, Eddie Vedder, Sting, Erik Estrada (who repl

S5·E154 Core

John Goodman, Esther Canadas, Sarah McLachlan

Jun 1, 1998

Dave updates his map of the various locales in which he has received speeding tickets; Dave mentions that the son of Dave Dorsett was selected in today's MLB draft; Biff promotes h

S5·E155 Core

Norm MacDonald, Jacques Villeneuve, Randy Travis

Jun 2, 1998

All night long, animals lick the camera lens. Included are a pot-bellied pig, lemur, a skunk, a miniature horse, and a guy dressed as a cat (Film Coordinator Rick ""Shecky"" Scheck

S5·E156 Mytharc

Sarah Jessica Parker, Bill Bradley, Chase Butrell

Jun 3, 1998

Sarah Jessica Parker promotes her new HBO comedy Sex and the City, while ""Paul Shaffer's Chair of Mystery"" reveals the uglier side of Julia Roberts (played by Kenny Rogers).

S5·E157 Core

Evander Holyfield, Laura Linney, Fastball

Jun 4, 1998

After being bumped the last two nights, Late Show intern Jeremy Weiner finally gets his moment in the sun in ""Dave Hangs with Interns,"" a segment that lasts around five seconds.

S5·E159 Core

Whoopi Goldberg, Janeane Garofalo

Jun 8, 1998

Tonight's remote: Delivery guys deliver stuff to Dave's ""apartment"" in Flushing Meadows; items include a tree, a clown, beer, a sofa, a TV, and a singing telegram.

S5·E160 Core

Bill Cosby, Andy Dick

Jun 9, 1998

Dave tries to call Merv Griffin, but ends up chatting with his clueless receptionist; Dave shows a subpoena caddy he claims Martha Stewart made for President Clinton; Bill Cosby pe

S5·E162 Core

Harrison Ford, Dane Cook

Jun 11, 1998

A Starbucks is opened inside the band section, while actor-comedian Dane Cook makes his television stand-up debut.

S5·E163 Core

Charles Grodin, Paul Rodriguez

Jun 12, 1998

Dave obsesses over some new words in the Merriam Webster Dictionary, and then reads definitions from an advance copy to the audience.

S5·E164 Core

Naomi Campbell, Luke Buchheit, Sinead O'Connor

Jun 15, 1998

Live from the Beverly Hills Hilton, Casey Kasem arm wrestles bellhops; Dave and Tony look for the best steak restaurant in NYC; Dave chats with a boy from Jersey who had seven prom

S5·E165 Mytharc

David Duchovny, Stevie Nicks

Jun 16, 1998

The outside cam reveals the long line of people waiting with anticipation to see the next ""Charts and Graphs"" segment on June 30. Also, Dave is started to find that tonight's To

S5·E166 Core

Ellen Barkin, Jeff Altman, Sonic Youth

Jun 17, 1998

An audience member walks out in disgust when Dave reminds everyone that the next ""Charts & Graphs"" segment in not for another two weeks. Also, Tony forgets a cue card and Dave g

S5·E169 Core

Piedmont Bird Callers, George Clooney, Steve Yzerman

Jun 22, 1998

The Piedmont Bird Callers, once a favored act on Johnny Carson's show, make their third-ever appearance on Letterman. Also, Dave chats with Steve Yzerman, captain of the back-to-b

S5·E170 Core

John McEnroe, The Pretenders

Jun 23, 1998

Al Norwood stirs Dave's coffee with the boom mike; Biff attempts to play the sax; Dave shows a clip of his supposed cameo in the ""X-Files"" movie.

S5·E173 Core

Mary Tyler Moore, Ron Eldard

Jun 26, 1998

Mailbag: Paul goes to desperate measures in order to get a raise, while Mujibur and Sirajul go on a wild goose chase for one of Dave's blue cards.

S5·E174 Core

Lisa Kudrow, Mike Piazza, Billy Bragg & Wilco

Jun 29, 1998

Throughout the night, Pat and Kenny throw stuff off the roof, including two 5-gallon water jugs, a pinball machine, twenty gallons of paint, and a TV/VCR set playing a Jerry Spring

S5·E177 Core

Ben Stiller, Hatty Jones, Spice Girls

Jul 2, 1998

In honor of Independence Day, Biff does a report from Colonial Williamsburg; Ben Stiller promotes There's Something About Mary; The Spice Girls make their first television appearan

S5·E178 Core

The Beltway Bunch, Stupid Pet Tricks, Bob Dole

Jul 3, 1998

During Mailbag, various staffers show the audience their baby pictures; Dave introduces a musical comedy troupe called ""The Beltway Bunch"" (a rip-off of The Capital Steps), and T

S5·E179 Core

Don Rickles, Matt Drudge, Cherry Poppin' Daddies

Jul 13, 1998

Dave points out an audience member that resembles Rupert; Dave gives a little league baseball team a pep talk; Cherry Poppin' Daddies perform ""Here Comes the Snake.""

S5·E180 Core

Matt Dillon, Daniel Boulud, Arj Barker

Jul 14, 1998

Soul singer Chuck Jackson sits in; Dave shows the audience what a laugh track looks like; the audience is forced to sit through another edition of ""Please Stop Calling Me Chief.""

S5·E181 Core

Antonio Banderas, Chris Elliot

Jul 15, 1998

Some guy in a kimono sits in with the band; in honor of Antonio Banderas' new movie, Rob doodles on a legal pad to show what Dave would look like if he was Zorro; Chris Elliott and

S5·E182 Core

Anthony Hopkins, Cowboy Junkies

Jul 16, 1998

Know Your Current Events: the husband of one of tonight's contestants volunteers to be put to sleep by hypnotist Dr. Neil Cavey. Feeling anxious due to all the attention, he never

S5·E184 Core

James Caan, Buck O'Neil, Lenny Kravitz

Jul 20, 1998

Live out on the street, we see the traffic ""congestion"" created by New York hosting the Goodwill Games; Dave changes his tie midway through the show; James Caan shaves his mustac

S5·E185 Core

Janet Jackson, Scott Farrell, Nanci Griffith

Jul 21, 1998

In the latest roll call, Dave signs ""Zorro"" (Anton), an audience member with an enormous cold sore, and ""Lynette the Late Show Opera Singer"" off the checklist.

S5·E186 Core

Tony Danza, Peter Farrelly, Brian Wilson

Jul 22, 1998

Biff stands on the sidewalk in 95 degree heat as he tries to determine once again whether a Popsicle® or a Fudgesicle® will melt faster; around the corner from the theater, Dave ho

S5·E187 Core

Marilu Henner, Gloria Estefan

Jul 23, 1998

Biff visits Branson, Missouri, while Marilu Henner unsuccessfully tries to persuade Dave into doing some calisthenics.

S5·E188 Core

Pauly Shore, Pam Grier, Natalie Imbruglia

Jul 24, 1998

A new feature debuts, as Dave announces #3 on the Top Ten List at the start of the show; Mujibur and Sirajul lose their virginity on an internet webcam, and later they hop in bed w

S5·E189 Core

Jenny McCarthy, Adam Arkin, Tori Amos

Jul 27, 1998

Dave has a lengthy discourse on an article he read in Martha Stewart Living; ""Late Show Meteorologist"" Skip Hopson reports from 53rd Street; Tori Amos performs ""Spark.""

S5·E190 Core

Kids with animals, Gary Sinise, Goo Goo Dolls

Jul 28, 1998

A softball game between Late Show staffers and the cast of Miss Saigon is rigged by Dave; Anton goes into ""Buddy Rich, Jr."" mode and performs drums solos throughout the night; Th

S5·E191 Core

Yasmine Bleeth, David Brenner, Barenaked Ladies

Jul 29, 1998

Dave shows a personal ad from the Washington Post that looks like it was written by President Clinton; Alan fantasizes about waffles; Paul serenades Yasmine Bleeth.

S5·E193 Core

Jamie Lee Curtis, George Freestone

Jul 31, 1998

Dave points out an audience member who looks like Kenny Rogers; during ""Late Show en espanol,"" Tony walks out in a suit and bad wig and does a Letterman-type monologue; Dave chat

S5·E196 Core

Penn & Teller, French Stewart, Wynton Marsalis

Aug 5, 1998

During the annual ""New for Summer"" segment, Mujibur and Sirajul are declared ""Late Show Prom King and Queen."" Later, Penn and Teller perform their new magic act.

S5·E197 Core

Jerry Seinfeld, Hunter Scott

Aug 6, 1998

Dave feels highly suspect of the audience's intelligence during ""Know Your Current Events""; John Popper sits in with the band; Dave chats with Hunter Scott, a 13-year-old WW II h

S5·E201 Core

Ray Liotta, Sela Ward, Liz Phair

Aug 12, 1998

""Riverdance"" performs live via telephone from Cincinnati. Later, Liz Phair promotes her new album, ""WhiteChocolateSpaceEgg.""

S5·E202 Mytharc

Angela Basset, Pete Townshend

Aug 13, 1998

Paul and somebody named ""Mary Beth"" host a spoof of ""Regis & Kathie Lee"" with Inky Mendez playing Gelman. Regis suddenly pops out of the audience, heckles them, and gets throw

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