Ray Romano hosts CBS tribute, “David Letterman: A Life On Television”

Ray Romano, who owes his life on television to David Letterman, will host the CBS tribute to the reigning king of late-night TV on May 4, some 16 days before Letterman signs off one final time as host of the Late Show.

David Letterman: A Life On Television will air as a 90-minute primetime special from 9:30-11 p.m. Eastern/Pacific on CBS.

Romano, whose 1995 stand-up appearance on Letterman won him the development deal with Letterman’s Worldwide Pants Inc. that created Everybody Loves Raymond, will host, narrate and moderate the retrospective on his former boss, who himself began as a TV weatherman on a local Indiana station.

The description from CBS, which is producing the tribute:

The special will mine the video vault, with highlights including some of the best of Letterman’s interviews with presidents, world leaders, sports figures and the biggest names in entertainment and music. Also, it will feature highlights of Letterman’s trademark show segments, including the Top Ten List, Stupid Pet and Human Tricks, as well as signature stunts that played out against the backdrop of his beloved New York City. The special will also look at some of the most important and poignant moments he has given audiences, including Letterman’s LATE SHOW broadcast from Sept. 17, 2001, the show’s first broadcast after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

When he retires on May 20, Letterman will have hosted 6,028 late night talk show broadcasts over 33 years, spanning his time on “Late Night” and the LATE SHOW, more than any other late night talk show host. He and his shows have been honored with numerous accolades, including 16 Emmy Awards and a staggering 112 Emmy nominations, a 1992 Peabody Award and a prestigious 2012 Kennedy Center Honor. Through his more than three decades on television, Letterman has been credited with changing the talk show genre, providing viewers nightly with an unpredictable hour of inspired interviews and innovative comedy. He has given audiences one-of-a-kind talk show moments with superstars and unknowns, budding comics and headliners, emerging musicians and established legends, top politicians and fascinating human interest guests, while sharing his own personal stories with viewers, becoming one of the most influential broadcasters in television.

Sean L. McCarthy

Editor and publisher since 2007, when he was named New York's Funniest Reporter. Former newspaper reporter at the New York Daily News, Boston Herald and smaller dailies and community papers across America. Loves comedy so much he founded this site.

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