Late Show with David Letterman: Season 9
Season 9 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 8.
- 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 9 Progress Shield
Will Ferrell, Tom Dreesen
Aug 20, 2001
Dave announces that instead of "whatever," from now on he will be saying "wherever"; during a segment called "While We Were Out," the male staff members commemorate a minor design
Connie Chung
Aug 27, 2001
Dave points out that Tony Mendez is mentioned in this week's "Talk of the Town" column in The New Yorker. Later, Jude Brennan makes her last appearance as the bitchy "Mrs. Letterm
Sarah Jessica Parker, John Witherspoon
Aug 30, 2001
Mayor Guiliani interrupts Dave's monologue; Sarah Jessica Parker promotes "Sex & the City."
Dan Rather, Regis Philbin
Sep 17, 2001
In the first show following the terrorist destruction of the World Trade Center, Dave welcomes CBS anchorman Dan Rather and Regis Philbin.
Merideth Viera, Stephen Ambrose, Sheryl Crow, Emmylou Harris, and Gillian Welch
Sep 21, 2001
Rudolph Giuliani, Katie Harmon
Sep 24, 2001
Dave welcomes national hero Rudy Guiliani to the show for the first time since the WTC disaster.
John Cusack, Grant Paulsen, Joe Strummer
Oct 3, 2001
During "What's the Deal With Old Guys and Enormous Glasses?" Dave wears a 70's-era pair of specs; John Cusack promotes Serendipity.
Owen Wilson, Lisa Ling, Ryan Adams
Oct 4, 2001
Paul composes a song about people that look like Burt Reynolds; Owen Wilson plugs Zoolander.
Joshua Jackson, Tiki Barber, Emo Phillips
Oct 5, 2001
Alan gives dating tips; Joshua Jackson promotes the upcoming season premiere of "Dawson's Creek;" Emo Philips does a stand-up routine on Dave's show for the first time since 1989.
Bruce Willis, Cody Arens, Alicia Keys
Oct 11, 2001
Out of the blue, Dave compliments the New York State Police, but Paul smells a rat. Dave claims he wasn't pulled over again. Meanwhile, Bruce Willis plays "drums" with his head a
Jennifer Connelly, Colin Soloway
Jan 9, 2002
What's "New for the Office" in 2002? The items Dave introduces include a Jack Daniels water cooler and a color printer that makes flapjacks. Also, throughout the night, various p
Amy Brenneman, Martin Rees, Shakira
Feb 5, 2002
Disgraced Enron CEO "Kenneth Lay" sits in with the band, and is later seen shredding songsheets.
Janet Jackson, Enrique Iglesias
Feb 11, 2002
Stephanie makes her first report from Salt Lake City, in which she shows Dave a photo of her watching the opening ceremonies on TV; Dave can't stop staring at Janet Jackson's revea
Stupid Human Tricks, Cher
Feb 27, 2002
In honor of his recent nomination, Paul and the gang participate in a Grammy-themed edition of "Stump the Band;" during "Stupid Human Tricks," a fourteen-year-old girl performs "Fe
John McCain, The White Stripes
Mar 18, 2002
Dave mentions that Paul has been keeping himself busy, as he performed not only at this year's Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies, but also at the much-ballyhooed Liza
Jon Stewart, Kit Armstrong
Mar 19, 2002
Dave asks Paul to play some Gene Pitney; the "Late Show Psychic Test Drive" finds Rupert driving Deborah Lynn around the city in a 2001 Chevy Malibu; Dave chats with boy genius Kit
Bonnie Hunt, N.E.R.D.
Mar 20, 2002
Dave and Paul discuss the vernal equinox and the old wives tale that you're supposed to be able to stand an egg on its end at the moment of the equinox; Dave mentions that "Will It
Adam Arkin, Amy Sedaris, Midnight Oil
Mar 25, 2002
Alan reports on what everybody was wearing at last night's Oscars (all the men wore tuxedos), while Adam Arkin promotes the critically-disdained sitcom Baby Bob.
Barbara Walters, Shannon McNally
Mar 26, 2002
Dave shows a (bogus) clip of the upcoming Baby Bob spin-off "Baby Jacques," which is just like the original show except everybody speaks in a French accent; a proud tradition conti
Peter Krause, Doris Kearns Goodwin
Mar 27, 2002
Eric Burdon of The Animals sits in; during the "Odd Catalogs" segment, Dave displays an ad for a "Government-seized and repossessed hairpiece blowout"; the Hi-Ho girls deliver a bi
Robin Williams, Sevendust
Mar 28, 2002
Biff shows footage of him harassing New Yorkers with a bullhorn; the New York National Guard presents the Top Ten; Sevendust (featuring Paul) performs "Angel's Son."
Andy Dick, Mike Britt
Mar 29, 2002
Mailbag: Tony's apparent sexiness forces George Clarke to drown his sorrows in a bucket of chicken at KFC; Dave shows off a tattoo on his leg that he wishes he didn't have (the ABC
Marv Albert, Charlotte Ross
Apr 1, 2002
Acid jazz legend Herbie Hancock sits in on keyboards; Dave orders Steph/Monty to buy French fries; Marv Albert shows off another one of his blooper reels.
Tim Robbins, Jimmie Walker, Cast of Oklahoma
Apr 2, 2002
During the latest Celebrity X-Ray Challenge, Dave persuades Rupert to lip sync a song from Oklahoma!
Michael J. Fox, Patti Smith
Apr 3, 2002
After Dave notices that Alan bears a slight resemblance to Fred MacMurray, the announcer and a Barbara Stanwyck stand-in recreate a scene from Double Indemnity. Also, Patti Smith
Selma Blair, Dick Enberg
Apr 4, 2002
Biff introduces footage from his latest trip to Yankees Spring Training in Florida, while a fully-packed suitcase is subjected to "Will It Float?"
Bob Newhart, Demetri Martin
Apr 5, 2002
Will Lee stands in for Biff on pin duty, and for his troubles he receives the tradition gift of Samsonite® luggage; during Mailbag, two "girl scouts" (Harold Larkin and Mike McInte
Rosie Perez, George Miller
Apr 8, 2002
In honor of his departure from The Early Show; Dave shows footage of moving men with cardboard boxes superimposed over Bryant Gumbel talking in mid-broadcast; "Survivor: Marquesas"
John Ashcroft
Apr 9, 2002
Dave models a hideous pair of glasses he found in his house; a woman from Portland, Oregon rides around in Al Norwood's 2001 Honda S2000; Dave tries to get Attorney General John As
Sandra Bullock, Billy Norris, Sheryl Crow
Apr 10, 2002
After his reluctance to sing on last night's show, Dave is appalled to find US Attorney General John Ashcroft crooning "When The Eagles Soars" on TRL; Alan impersonates Fred MacMur
Dee Dee Davis, Cameron Diaz, The Strokes
Apr 11, 2002
Dave receives another comedy class project from Miss Markey's Kindergarten class, while The Strokes perform "Take It or Leave It."
Matthew Conaughey, John Witherspoon
Apr 12, 2002
Dave receives an unexpected birthday greeting from Osama Bin Laden; CBS Mailbag is interrupted to that the Hi-Ho girls can bring out Daddy's cake; ten Air Force pilots present the
Ashton Kutcher, Oliver Atukudzi
Apr 22, 2002
Dave mentions that he bumped his head over the weekend, then comments on the recent drought in NYC.
Landon Shuffett, Seth Green, Elvis Costello
Apr 23, 2002
Dave mentions that Saddam Hussein's novel Zabibah and the King was been turned into a musical, and then shows a (bogus) promo for it's upcoming debut in Baghdad; seven-year-old bil
Tiffani Thiessen, Bill Walton, Bonnie Raitt
Apr 24, 2002
Dave mentions Paul's appearance on tonight's episode of Ed, and shortly afterwards Paul wears the fake mustache he had to wear for the role; Alan and the Barbara Stanwyck look-alik
Charlie Sheen, Paul Westerberg
Apr 25, 2002
Another "Incredible Dog Challenge" is postponed by rain; Dave wears his ugly red glasses again; Cee-Lo sings "Closet Freak."
The Rock, Dwayne Kennedy
Apr 26, 2002
Dave and Paul talk about wrestling in preparation of his interview with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. During CBS Mailbag, "Mayor Bloomberg" (Gerard) offers Dave some pot, and Alan Ka
Charlie Sheen, Paul Westerberg
Apr 29, 2002
Dave shows various clips of Ted Danson looked scared/shocked from his recent miniseries Living With the Dead; Dave points out that the Late Show was chosen as the seventh greatest
Incredible Dog Challenge, Debra Messing, Wilco
Apr 30, 2002
The Incredible Dog Challenge is finally held out on 53rd Street, and throughout the night three dogs compete through a series of hurdles and tubes.
Kirsten Dunst, Steve Nash, Angie Stone & The O'Jays
May 1, 2002
An "Incredible Cat Challenge" is thwarted when George Clarke's cat won't go through the obstacle course; Kirsten Dunst promotes Spider-Man; after Angie Stone and the O'Jays perform
Tobey Maquire, Trey Anastasio
May 2, 2002
"Biff Henderson's America" visits the hamlet of Denver, Indiana; Dave comments on rumors that Bill Clinton may host a daytime talk show; Tobey Maguire does a really bad Rodney Dang
Jennifer Garner, Jim Gaffigan
May 3, 2002
Mailbag: a letter about having your name mentioned on TV is somehow morphed into a request to see Alan getting the crap beat out of him. Later on in the segment, a letter about to
Mary Tyler Moore, Norah Jones
May 6, 2002
The outside cam catches Spider-Man jacking a car; Dave and Mary Tyler Moore play catch; Norah Jones performs "Don't Know Why."
Richard Gere, Reggie Miller
May 7, 2002
Dave moans and groans over his latest dental work; Dave shows (obviously phony) footage of Peter Jennings doing World News Tonight in a Spider-Man costume; Richard Gere makes first
Will Ferrell, Tom Waits
May 8, 2002
Dave and Paul take apart wedding announcements in the New York Times; a staffer in a Spider-Man outfit successfully hails a taxi; Will Ferrell tells Dave what it's like to run the
Hugh Grant, Tony Hawk
May 9, 2002
Skateboarding great Tony Hawk demonstrates his wares out on 53rd Street.
Gillian Andersen, Jonathan Katz
May 10, 2002
With Biff on vacation, Steph/Monty handles the pushpins live via telephone; during Mailbag, Paul demonstrates a hidden talent for cartwheels, and then mysteriously disappears; a Mo
Liza Minnelli
May 13, 2002
Dave chats with the latest Survivor loser Robert "The General" DeCanio, while Liza Minnelli performs "Some People" from the musical Gypsy.
Kid Scientists, Allison Janney, Al Green
May 14, 2002
Nine guys in Spider-Man outfits, not to mention Dracula, Superman, and a cowboy cram themselves into a Subway restaurant; Tony Orlando dresses down Dave even though he interrupted
Alec Baldwin, Ted Nugent
May 15, 2002
Tony Mendez goes home with an audience member (see recap), while Dave and rocker/sportsman Ted Nugent cook rabbit.
Stupid Human Tricks, Natalie Portman, X-ecutioners, Xzhibit, Biohazard
May 16, 2002
Dave shows footage from rehearsal of Kenny McGowan tripping over the "Will It Float" tank; Biff visits the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Indy 500 time trials; a participant i
Kathie Lee Gifford, Brian Regan
May 17, 2002
Mailbag: Martha Stewart fills in for Biff on the pushpin board, Harold Larkin goes hitchhiking, and Tony is humiliated on Blind Date. Also, Brian Regan comments on his inability t
Vecepia Towerey, Hilary Swank, The Firecrackers
May 20, 2002
Steph/Monty is mentioned in the latest issue of Entertainment Weekly; Dave calls New York Highway Superintendent Drew Outhouse to resolve an awkward social situation; The Kalter Tw
Diane Sawyer, Jesse Martin
May 21, 2002
Dave shows real footage of a woman being questioned on the news wearing a Late Show t-shirt; Diane Sawyer brags about her recent weight loss; Dave chats with Australian teen Jesse
Jennifer Lopez, April Kleinschmidt, Patty Loveless
May 22, 2002
Trumpter Terence Blanchard sits in; in honor of David Blaine's recent stunt in which he stands on a eighty-foot platform for several days, George Clarke attempts to stand on a fold
Jon Favreau, David Rakoff, Anton Figg
May 23, 2002
Alan asks passerby for their reaction to the new Star Wars prequel and ends up making a scene. Also, Anton Fig and Ivan Neville perform "Inside Out" from the CBS Orchestra drummer
Charles Grodin, Wendy Liebman
May 24, 2002
Dave announces that Paul will be called Pablo this summer, which will go into effect immediately; Dave promises tonight's show will be "smooth and suave"; during Mailbag, an audien
Jimmy Kimmel, Tom Dreesen, Goo Goo Dolls
Jun 3, 2002
While showing photos from her trip to the Indianapolis 500, Dave calls Steph/Monty "Dutch"; the snake lady performs again on "Is This Anything?"; Tom Dreesen tells various tales of
Celine Dion, Helio Castroneves
Jun 4, 2002
Dave accuses Rupert of product placement on "May We See Your Photos, Please"; Alan addresses the Queen of England in a rather inappropriate way; Celine Dion performs "I'm Alive" an
Chris Rock, Jack Johnson
Jun 5, 2002
Dave and Paul try to figure out a strange gesture that Celine Dion made during her TV concert earlier that week. Later, Chris Rock talks about Don King and Bucky Dent.
Nicolas Cage, Abi Thomas, Jimmy Eat World
Jun 6, 2002
An audience member explains to Dave how to pronounce the name of her hometown: "You're saying Morristown. It's not Morristown. It's Morristown." Also, Dave chats with Abi Thomas,
Zach Braff, Kathleen Madigan
Jun 7, 2002
Mailbag: "Is This Anything?" fave Kiva "Grinder Girl" Kahl stands next to Biff while he puts the pushpins in the map; twelth floor receptionist Art Garfunkel provides his own on-ho
Christian Slater, David Bowie
Jun 10, 2002
Dave comments on the Nets' playoff run; Alan performs another scene from Double Indemnity, this time with a Edward G. Robinson stand-in; David Bowie performs "Slow Burn."
Sarah Michelle Gellar, John McEnroe
Jun 11, 2002
Sarah Michelle Geller promotes Scooby-Doo while John McEnroe tells Dave a funny story about getting thrown out of the Australian Open back in his playing days.
Freddie Prinze, Jr., Alicia Keys
Jun 12, 2002
Dave and Paul talk about their cholesterol levels; Freddie Prinze, Jr. promotes Scooby-Doo; Alicia Keys sings "How Come You Don't Call Me?"
Matt Damon, Marc Maron
Jun 14, 2002
Biff does his pushpin schtick live from the Grand Canyon, and Dave persuades him to yell "Hey, Mommy!" just to see if there's an echo. Also, Paul does a somewhat convincing James
Stupid Human Tricks, Tom Cruise, The Flatlanders
Jun 17, 2002
Dave takes inventory of all his favorite clips (the "wild dingo," the baby owl eating the mouse, Dubya looking confused, etc.); Tom Cruise shows off his braces; during a segment ca
Ellen DeGeneres, Al Franken
Jun 18, 2002
George Clarke stands on the roof of the Studio 54 building to hit golf balls, hoping to go over the Ed Sullivan Theater and break glass on the WPI building on its far side. After
Piedmont Birdcallers, Lauren Ambrose, Moby
Jun 19, 2002
The bird callers of Piedmont High School demonstrate their wares once more; Moby sings "We Are Made of Stars."
Harrison Ford, ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead
Jun 20, 2002
The U.S. National Team presents "Top Ten Ways to Get Americans Excited About Soccer;" Dave brags about buying his first car at Harrison Ford; The Trail of Dead performs "Relative W
Connie Chung, Gary Mule Deer
Jun 21, 2002
Biff and Bruce Willis push pins in Hawaii during CBS Mailbag, while Dave lands on the cover of "Martha Stewart Living."
Will Smith, Landon Donovan, Yo Yo Ma & The Silk Road Project
Jun 24, 2002
Will Smith promotes "Men In Black 2," while the US Men's World Cup Soccer Team holds an exhibition on the roof of the theater.
National Hollering Champions, Adam Sandler, Trik Turner
Jun 25, 2002
Dave makes several enlightening remarks about the National Hollerin' Champions from North Carolina, who later perform their winning hollers; Adam Sandler plugs Mr. Deeds.
Tom Brokaw, Bow Wow
Jun 26, 2002
Dave reads from random wedding announcements in the New York Times in a segment called "Will It Last?"
Michelle Williams, Barry Sonnenfeld
Jun 27, 2002
The audience is victorious once more when they play "Stump the Band." Later, Dave shows a very obnoxious commerical for the upcoming G-8 Summit.
Christina Ricci, Daniel Tosh, Ben Kweller
Jun 28, 2002
The "Late Show CBS Mailbag Biff Henderson Map Across America Summer Tour" lands at the Statue of Liberty. Later, Ben Kweller performs "Wasted and Ready."
Tom Hanks, Dolly Parton
Jul 8, 2002
Biff goes out in van, annoying people with a bullhorn. Later, Steph/Monty asks "Road to Perdition" star Tom Hanks, "During the filming, did the crew see or touch any monkeys?"
Stupid Pet Tricks, Jude Law, rubyhorse
Jul 9, 2002
Zeke, the "Rabid Dingo" that bit Dave in June 2000, makes a return appearance on "Stupid Pet Tricks." Later, rubyhorse sings "Sparkle."
Robin Williams, Pat Green
Jul 10, 2002
Dave talks about a snake in his house; Alan Kalter seduces a CPR dummy during a segment called "What's New for Summer;" Pat and Kenny read a transcript of Oprah's interview with Je
Paul Newman, Counting Crows
Jul 11, 2002
Dave plays "Know Your Current Events" with the audience. Later, Paul Newman talks about auto racing while promoting "Road to Perdition."
Nathan Lane, Hugh Fink
Jul 12, 2002
Biff's Summer Tour stops at Niagara Falls. Meanwhile, during CBS Mailbag, George Clarke talks about his plans for the Fourth of July; Alan Kalter struts his "mastery" of the Frenc
Serena Williams, Tom Arnold, Dave Matthews Band
Jul 15, 2002
Dave admits to being in a disproportionatly good mood during a segment called "Late Show Newsmakers;" the Dave Matthews Band becomes the second band ever to perform on the roof of
Catherine Keener, Mario Batali, Solomon Burke
Jul 16, 2002
Steph/Monty and Dave play another round of "Psychic Sandwich." Later, Dave wrecks havoc during a cooking segment with New York restaurant owner Mario Batali.
Sarah Jessica Parker, Etta James
Jul 17, 2002
Sarah Jessica Parker talks about her unborn child; Alan appears to be on the brink of sanity; Dave stumps the audience with a "Beach Quiz."
Geena Davis, Robert Plant
Jul 18, 2002
Just for the hell of it, the annual "Late Show Holiday Quarterback Challenge" is held in the middle of July; Dave quizzes the audience with "Know Your Current Events;" Robert Plant
Ted Koppel, Wendy Liebman
Jul 19, 2002
Biff's latest stop on his tour is Washington, DC; Dave chats with "Martha Stewart" (Gerard) and her lawyer made of pine cones during CBS Mailbag; Ted Koppel shows off his impeccabl
Haley Joel Osment, Bill Scheft, Dashboard Confessional
Jul 22, 2002
George Clarke flies a kite from a taxi; Haley Joel Osment promotes his movie, "The Country Bears;" Dashboard Confessional performs "Saints and Sailors."
Kristen Johnson, Kinky
Jul 23, 2002
Rupert goes golfing; Calvert DeForest turns 81; Kristen Johnston promotes her appearance in Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" in Central Park.
Dana Carvey, Ben Kilham
Jul 24, 2002
Dave chats with a "bear rehabilitator;" Dana Carvey promotes his movie "Master of Disguise;" the "Charts and Graphs" segment reveals that the contents of Ding Dongs are 50% Dings a
Amy Sedaris, Chazz Palminteri, Weezer
Jul 25, 2002
During "Know Your Current Events," Dave seems to fixate on attractive women. Later, Weezer plays "Keep Fishin'."
Bill Cosby, Tift Merritt
Jul 26, 2002
During "CBS Mailbag," Paul exaggarates some of the many great tourist destinations of his hometown in Ontario. Later, Bill Cosby talks about his Congressional Medal of Honor.
Julia Stiles, Mike Daisey, Wyclef Jean
Jul 29, 2002
It's the dog days of summer, which might explain why Biff is sitting on a block of ice. Later, Julia Stiles talks about her hair.
Joan Rivers, Zooey Deschanel
Jul 30, 2002
Dave and Rupert play "The Late Show Celebrity X-Ray Challenge." Tonight's celebrity is James Caan.
Blaine Mayhugh, Joaquin Phoenix, Little Richard
Jul 31, 2002
Dave reads articles from obscure newspapers in a segment called "Small Town News." Later, Little Richard sings "Good Golly, Miss Molly."
Mike Myers, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band
Aug 1, 2002
Mike Myers promotes "Austin Powers in Goldmember" and Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band performs "The Rising."
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, Mitch Hedberg
Aug 2, 2002
Biff's Summer Tour continues as Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band perform "Lonesome Day."
Matthew Perry, The Vines
Aug 19, 2002
Dave welcomes "Friends" star Matthew Perry, who is promoting a new movie. Meanwhile, a performance by the Aussie rock group The Vines blows the audience (and Dave) away.
Robin Williams, James Taylor
Aug 20, 2002
Sitting in with the band tonight is an unknown winner from the previous night's Teen Choice Awards. Later, Robin Williams plugs "One Hour Photo."
Al Pacino, Roger Clemens
Aug 21, 2002
Dave shows a timeline of President Bush's vacation, while Al Pacino promotes the movie "Simone."
Elizabeth Hurley, Tom Ryan
Aug 23, 2002
Biff pushes pins into a map right in front of the famous Hollywood sign in L.A.; Alan and his twin brother Rick appear on "American Idol"; upon hearing of a proposed talk show host
Stupid Human Tricks, Jimmy Fallon, Dirty Vegas
Aug 26, 2002
"SNL" star Jimmy Fallon promotes the MTV Video Music Awards, which he's hosting.
Chris Elliot, Eliza Dushku, Dixie Chicks
Aug 27, 2002
Dave announces that tomorrow night Paul will be inducted into the National Black Sports and Entertainment Hall of Fame. Later, Chris Elliott and Dave reminiscense.
John Travolta, Nelly
Aug 28, 2002
Dave forces Steph/Monty to ask John Travolta, "How can I get in touch with the other Sweathogs?"
Caroline Rhea, Jake Gyllenhall
Aug 29, 2002
Joe Perry of Aerosmith sits in with the band; Osama congratulates Dave for nine years at CBS; Jake Gyllenhall promotes "Moonlight Mile."
Martin Short, Lewis Black
Aug 30, 2002
Biff Henderson ends his tour of the US during the "CBS Mailbag" segment (final stop: Mt. Rushmore) as Dave chats with "Dr. Steven Hatfill" (Gerard). Later, Dave welcomes "Jiminy G