An appreciative Conan O'Brien spent a good chunk of his show Wednesday night giving thanks to David Letterman, calling him "the North Star for me and every comic of my generation" and saying "we will not see a man of his talents and comedic integrity again in our lifetime." O'Brien shared that after he took over Late Night in 1993, ratings were terrible and the critics hated it, but that all turned around when Letterman sent over a message saying he'd like to be a guest. "He was the biggest thing on TV," O'Brien said. "It was like The Beatles asking Maury Povich if they could stop by and sing a couple of tunes." Conan credits the visit with turning the show — and his career — around. "If you've ever liked any silly or stupid thing I've done on television," he said, "it probably never would have happened if it weren't for Dave." Watch the video below. —Catherine Garcia
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
-
Today's political cartoons - September 15, 2024Cartoons Sunday's cartoons - growing GOP concerns, a NYC dumpster fire, and more
-
5 vice-laden cartoons about Dick CheneyCartoons Artists take on joyful feelings, dark endorsements, and more
-
Discover Ravenna's glittering treasuresThe Week Recommends The 'magical' town is home to magnificent churches and excellent restaurants
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproarSpeed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain PrizeSpeed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 winsspeed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
-
'Rust' armorer convicted of manslaughterspeed read The film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by actor Alec Baldwin during rehearsal
-
The Beatles are getting 4 intersecting biopicsSpeed Read Director Sam Mendes is making four separate movies, each told from the perspective of one band member
-
Taylor Swift to Miley Cyrus: female artists dominate 2024 GrammysSpeed Read SZA, Phoebe Bridgers and Lainey Wilson were also among the winners at LA gala
