Late Show with David Letterman
Season 5
TV-PG
David Letterman's comedic talk-show after moving to a new television network. He retains largely the same format as the previous 'Late Night with David Letterman.'
Where to Watch Season 5
203 Episodes
- Salma Hayek, Joan Cusak, Louie AndersonE7
Salma Hayek, Joan Cusak, Louie AndersonDave 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 from Vermont to perform a musical number with Tony Randall. - Bryant Gumbel, Harland Williams, EverclearE23
Bryant Gumbel, Harland Williams, EverclearJoe 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 promotes his soon-to-debut news program. - Tom Brokaw, Stevie Starr, Green DayE28
Tom Brokaw, Stevie Starr, Green DayAfter 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 Starr shows Dave the magic of forcing yourself to regurgitate. - Danny Aiello, Helena Bonham Carter, Mandy & Dora Lee PatinkinE38
Danny Aiello, Helena Bonham Carter, Mandy & Dora Lee Patinkin1997: We go to Joe G.'s in search of a political candidate, and we find an unsuspecting patron named Lee Holt. Later in the show, Lee becomes the subject of a hastily-produced attack ad. - Marv Albert, Daniel Scribner & Tylin Hall, John FogertyE44
Marv Albert, Daniel Scribner & Tylin Hall, John FogertyThe greatest six minutes in Late Show history: When the Top Ten card is missing, Dave runs out of the theater, is hit by a cab, runs into Al Roker, and goes into Flashdancers and takes the card off one of the strippers. Shortly afterwards, Paul, missing his sheet music for the Top Ten, runs out of the theater, is hit by a tour bus, runs into Regis Philbin, and goes into the NY Stock Exchange, where he finds his sheet music on the floor. Just as Dave begins the Top Ten, Biff is missing his headset, so he runs out of the theater, is hit by a police horse, runs into Gavin MacLeod, and goes into a Burger King to grab a headset off a sales clerk. When he finally returns, there is no time left for the Top Ten. - Kids Tell Jokes, Marisa Tomei, James TaylorE53
Kids Tell Jokes, Marisa Tomei, James TaylorDave 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 New York 1998 and the Rutgers University Marching Band. - Kevin Spacey, Art Donovan, WallflowersE55
Kevin Spacey, Art Donovan, WallflowersIt'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 stuffing. Also, George Clarke starts singing to the new live CD. - Courteney Cox, Peyton Manning, Shania TwainE57
Courteney Cox, Peyton Manning, Shania TwainGrover 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 candidate Peyton Manning go one-on-one in the latest Late Show QB Challenge. - Kevin Costner, Tyra Banks, Nina & NickolaiE62
Kevin Costner, Tyra Banks, Nina & NickolaiDave 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 new president of Iran promotes the ""Live on Letterman"" CD; Tyra Banks shows Dave her $3 million bra. - Terry Bradshaw, Billy Zane, Darlene LoveE68
Terry Bradshaw, Billy Zane, Darlene LoveIt'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 impression of Cher's ""O Holy Night,"" not to mention another Late Show QB Challenge with Jay Thomas. Also, Biff goes to Queens to look for Santa. - Quentin Tarantino, Anne Heche, Kenny Wayne Shepard BandE69
Quentin Tarantino, Anne Heche, Kenny Wayne Shepard BandDuring Mailbag, ""The Biff Henderson Celebrity Telephone Interview"" interrogates a man claiming to be Dick Clark. Later in the show, during Dave's interview with Anne Heche, Ellen Degeneres walks onstage with ""their"" baby (actually Michelle O'Callaghan's). - Samuel L. Jackson, Howie Long, Louie C.K.E72
Samuel L. Jackson, Howie Long, Louie C.K.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 celebrated by photocopying their face at Kinko's. - Penelope Ann Miller, Terry Pledger, Collective SoulE76
Penelope Ann Miller, Terry Pledger, Collective SoulCBS 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 comedy success: ""Lobster + Ass = Funny!"" - Bill Pullman, Jim Breuer, Stevie Nicks and Lindsey BuckinghamE78
Bill Pullman, Jim Breuer, Stevie Nicks and Lindsey BuckinghamMick Fleetwood sits in again, now joined by pianist Allen Toussaint. Also, tonight's ""May We See Your Photos, Please?"" is a surprising disappointment, as there was only one customer, and he was dropping off a roll of film. - Michael Isikoff, Sarah FergusonE82
Michael Isikoff, Sarah FergusonDave 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 studying done this year; for one night only, the Top Ten Office moves to Worchester, Pennsylvania; Dave chats with the Newsweek reporter that broke the Monica Lewinsky scandal. - Robert Duvall, Kennedy, Emmylou HarrisE83
Robert Duvall, Kennedy, Emmylou HarrisDave 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"" from Australia. The host: Tony Randall. - Tom Arnold, Steve Forbes, Jake JohannsenE87
Tom Arnold, Steve Forbes, Jake JohannsenThroughout 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 Arnold promotes his struggling, self-titled WB sitcom. - Bill Cosby, Blues BrothersE93
Bill Cosby, Blues BrothersRemote: 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, Dan Aykroyd, John Goodman, and a twelve-year-old boy) perform ""Sweet Home Chicago."" - Adam Sandler, Jack HannaE95
Adam Sandler, Jack HannaWhile 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 players present the Top Ten, while Dorothy interviews Kristi Yamaguchi, Jim Nantz, and K. C. Boutiette. - Heather Locklear, Tom SelleckE97
Heather Locklear, Tom SelleckLive 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 burned in an office fire that weekend, while Dale Earnhardt, Sr. presents the Top Ten. - Bob Dole, Marilyn MansonE100
Bob Dole, Marilyn MansonAlmost 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 ice during an Olympic Curling competition in Nagano. Also in Nagano, Dorothy stumbles upon Bob Dole, while Biff searches for celebrity look-alikes. - Stupid Pet Tricks, Jonny MoseleyE101
Stupid Pet Tricks, Jonny MoseleyIn ""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 Nagano; throughout the night, Jonny Moseley ski-jumps outside the theater on 53rd Street. - Kelsey Grammer, Sarah Tueting & Cammi Granato, Sarah McLachlanE103
Kelsey Grammer, Sarah Tueting & Cammi Granato, Sarah McLachlanDave points out that Rob Burnett made a cameo on last night's episode of Cosby; the editors of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue reveal that most of the photo shoot was done at the White House; Dave chats with Cammi Granato and Sarah Tueting of the gold medal-winning US women's hockey team. - Patrick Stewart, Frank Urbancic, Joan CusakE107
Patrick Stewart, Frank Urbancic, Joan CusakAs 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 skiing, then shows a preview of the upcoming CBS special ""Pat Farmer: Master Escape Artist"" (co-starring Kenny Sheehan). - Emma Thompson, Alex Zanardi, Willie Nelson & Emmylou HarrisE112
Emma Thompson, Alex Zanardi, Willie Nelson & Emmylou HarrisDave wears glasses for the duration of the show (a sign of things to come); Sean Pelton fills in for Anton, whom Dave dubs ""Anton Zippy Stickwork;"" Wilford Brimley sits in ""Paul Shaffer's Chair of Mystery;"" Formula One racing star Alex Zanardi cooks. - John Travolta, Jack Johnson, The ChieftainsE113
John Travolta, Jack Johnson, The ChieftainsIt 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 newfound stardom; Dave chats with child actor Jack Johnson. - Charles Grodin, Edward Burns, Marcy PlaygroundE116
Charles Grodin, Edward Burns, Marcy PlaygroundDave 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 entertainment only to Dave; Charles Grodin acts remarkably hostile during his interview. - Al Franken, Lauren Holly, Ani DiFrancoE118
Al Franken, Lauren Holly, Ani DiFrancoPaul 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 camera; Helen Hunt (live via satellite) presents the Top Ten. - Evander Holyfield, Joseph Loveland, Michael MooreE119
Evander Holyfield, Joseph Loveland, Michael MoorePaul 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""; Dave chats with a man who found $70,000 in a garbage can, then returned it to its rightful owner. - Alec Baldwin, Heather Graham, Barenaked LadiesE121
Alec Baldwin, Heather Graham, Barenaked LadiesPaul 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 night a la Saturday Night Live. - Tom Brokaw, Ice Cube, Natalie ImbrugliaE122
Tom Brokaw, Ice Cube, Natalie ImbrugliaBruce 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 roof, then gets dropped onto glass, a bathtub of pudding, and finally gets smashed from six stories onto the street. Also, Tom Brokaw gets annoyed by Dave and in mid-interview walks right back to 30 Rockefeller Center. - Tom Hanks, Matt Medenweldt, Scott WeilandE123
Tom Hanks, Matt Medenweldt, Scott WeilandTom 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; during Mailbag, Alan Kalter reacts badly to a letter asking if he's a freak by visiting the letter-writer (Jay Johnson) and punching in his face; Tom gets a new suit. - James Belushi, Lacey Chabert, Robbie RobertsonE126
James Belushi, Lacey Chabert, Robbie RobertsonThroughout 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 will come out sans flames for only $700; Jim Belushi attempts singing a old Perry Como song. - Val Kilmer, Jimmie Walker, cast of CabaretE127
Val Kilmer, Jimmie Walker, cast of CabaretAfter 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 surprise, beat the crap out of each other; Dave starts ostracizing all the people who support Jerry in the ongoing squabble; Alan Cumming and the cast of the Broadway revival of Caberet perform the opening number. - Gwyneth Paltrow, Harmony Korine, Wyclef JeanE129
Gwyneth Paltrow, Harmony Korine, Wyclef JeanDave 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 different outfit with more or less the same results; Harmony Korine almost says something coherent while being interviewed about his new book, which he wouldn't particularly recommend, so Dave tells him to go back to his hotel and take a shower. - Claire Danes, George Miller, Matthew RyanE130
Claire Danes, George Miller, Matthew RyanThe 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 onstage twice to protest Dave's jokes about him being a car hood ornament. - Jason Alexander, Isabella Rossellini, Steve EarleE131
Jason Alexander, Isabella Rossellini, Steve EarleThe 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 and the Dukes perform ""I Still Carry You Around."" - Ricki Lake, Vaughn Cordle, Rita WilsonE132
Ricki Lake, Vaughn Cordle, Rita Wilson""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 bumping an audience member for the shameless plug. - Jennifer Aniston, Jerry Springer, Al GreenE133
Jennifer Aniston, Jerry Springer, Al GreenAmongst 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 Ten home office is temporarily moved to nearby Schaumberg, Illinois; local blues singer (and frequent guest) Taj Mahal presents the Top Ten; Bob Borden goes on a frantic pursuit through the Windy City attempting to get an interview with Oprah. - Marisa Tomei, Ryan Leaf, Alana DavisE134
Marisa Tomei, Ryan Leaf, Alana DavisDave 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 a sandwich at Hello Deli; Dave and recent NFL draft pick Ryan Leaf throw footballs at a manhole. - Jack Hanna, Ray Allen, Dave Matthews BandE135
Jack Hanna, Ray Allen, Dave Matthews BandWillie ""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 later in the week; The Man on Fire sings the praises of Feline Pine kitty litter. - Stupid Human Tricks, Norm MacDonald, Pearl JamE138
Stupid Human Tricks, Norm MacDonald, Pearl JamTonight'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 his mouth; and Mike Garcia and Craig Love of Milwaukee do an impression of a helicopter as one spins on the other's head; Gene Siskel makes his first public appearance since undergoing brain surgery that April; Dave announces Johnny Depp cancelled due to the technical difficulties from earlier in the week, and Paul goes on a tirade about it. - Jim Breuer, Tara Lipinski, Foo FightersE147
Jim Breuer, Tara Lipinski, Foo FightersDave 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 desk. Also, Dave mentions that the CBS program Diagnosis Murder had the unfortunate distinction of airing a brand new episode up against the Seinfeld finale, and shows a clip that proves that they were phoning it in. - Richard Simmons, Beau Jaques and the Zydeco HighrollersE148
Richard Simmons, Beau Jaques and the Zydeco HighrollersContinuing a sweeps period trend of having the audience represent a different city, Dave greets 700+ residents of New Orleans, Louisiana. Keeping up with the theme, Mayor Mark Morial presents Paul with a key to the city, Na'lens native John Goodman presents the Top Ten, and Biff visits Bourbon Street. - Sandra Bullock, Jeff Foxworthy, Cast of One Small StepE150
Sandra Bullock, Jeff Foxworthy, Cast of One Small StepThe outside cam returns to the Friends ad that Matthew Perry wrecked last night, and Dave explains why he shouldn't be sued; Rob Burnett draws another doodle of Dave's lawyers; the Top Ten list is interrupted by the office manager in Wahoo, Nebraska (voice of Charles Grodin). - Drew Carey, Scarlett Johannson, Soul AsylumE151
Drew Carey, Scarlett Johannson, Soul AsylumBiff 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 the last twenty minutes of the show. - Harry Connick, Jr., Hank AzariaE153
Harry Connick, Jr., Hank AzariaA 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 replaced Paul as bandleader), Lou Reed, and WCBS-TV's local news anchor Dana Tyler (see recap). - John Goodman, Esther Canadas, Sarah McLachlanE154
John Goodman, Esther Canadas, Sarah McLachlanDave 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 his new culinary program ""Cookin' Naked with Biff""; Art Garfunkel shoots free throws, and then goes one-on-one with a lookalike staffer named Gary. - Norm MacDonald, Jacques Villeneuve, Randy TravisE155
Norm MacDonald, Jacques Villeneuve, Randy TravisAll 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"" Scheckman). Also, Dave announces his new catchphrase: ""Holy crap!"" - George Carlin, Bob Saget, Emmylou Harris, Indigo Girls, Luscious Jackson, RebekahE158
George Carlin, Bob Saget, Emmylou Harris, Indigo Girls, Luscious Jackson, RebekahLive via satellite at the Beverly Hills Hotel in sunny Southern California, Walter Matthau gets a haircut. Also, Luscious Jackson, Emmylou Harris, and the Indigo Girls perfrom together to promote Lilith Fair '98. - Piedmont Bird Callers, George Clooney, Steve YzermanE169
Piedmont Bird Callers, George Clooney, Steve YzermanThe 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-back Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings. - Martha Anne Godwin, Kristen Johnston, Lucinda WilliamsE175
Martha Anne Godwin, Kristen Johnston, Lucinda WilliamsAfter several weeks of hype, hoopla, and anticipation, Dave finally does a ""Charts and Graphs"" segment; Dave claims that there's a webcam of him on the CBS site; child hollerin' champion Martha Anne Goodwin attempts to shatter Dave's eardrums. - Tom Brokaw, Steve Zahn, The Hummingbirds with Stevie Wonder & Paul SimonE176
Tom Brokaw, Steve Zahn, The Hummingbirds with Stevie Wonder & Paul SimonThinking that it's robbing him of half of his audience, Dave shows phony clips of the X-Games competition being aired on cable; The Dixie Hummingbirds (featuring Stevie Wonder and Paul Simon) perform ""Loves Me like a Rock."" - Ben Stiller, Hatty Jones, Spice GirlsE177
Ben Stiller, Hatty Jones, Spice GirlsIn 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 appearance since the departure of Geri ""Ginger"" Halliwell. - The Beltway Bunch, Stupid Pet Tricks, Bob DoleE178
The Beltway Bunch, Stupid Pet Tricks, Bob DoleDuring 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 Tony runs them offstage; just before introducing tonight's ""Stupid Pet Tricks,"" Dave thanks Merrill Markoe (who underwent surgery earlier in the day) for giving him the idea to do this segment. - Gabriel Byrne, John Witherspoon, Tricky & P.J. HarveyE183
Gabriel Byrne, John Witherspoon, Tricky & P.J. HarveyThe ""Top Ten Cool Ways the Government Could Spend $63 Billion"" is followed by an investigation by WCBS reporter David Diaz, who scrutinizes the lack of effort put into the long-running comedy piece. Interviews with Gerard, Biff, Richard Jewell and FBI Agent Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) leave the mystery unsolved. - Tony Danza, Peter Farrelly, Brian WilsonE186
Tony Danza, Peter Farrelly, Brian WilsonBiff 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 hoses down passerby; The Farrelly Brothers promote the sleeper hit of 1998, There's Something About Mary, while they strut their ""knowledge"" of sumo wrestling. - Pauly Shore, Pam Grier, Natalie ImbrugliaE188
Pauly Shore, Pam Grier, Natalie ImbrugliaA 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 with Pauly Shore; Natalie Imbruglia performs ""Smoke."" - Kids with animals, Gary Sinise, Goo Goo DollsE190
Kids with animals, Gary Sinise, Goo Goo DollsA 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; The Goo Goo Dolls perform ""Iris."" - Jamie Lee Curtis, George FreestoneE193
Jamie Lee Curtis, George FreestoneDave 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 chats with George Firestone, America's oldest living Boy Scout.
