The finale of CBS’s Late Show with David Letterman delivered 13.76 million viewers Wednesday night, the show’s fourth largest audience ever, after its 1993 premiere and two post-Olympic shows in 1994. A 3.1 rating among A18-49 was Late Show’s best since Letterman’s kumbaya with Oprah Winfrey in 2005. The broadcast clobbered every primetime show as well as its late night competition. Even delayed by Dave’s extended exit, The Late Late Show with James Corden drew 4.01 viewers, the most ever for the franchise with any host.
TiVo released a list of the top ten moments during David Letterman’s final Late Show broadcasts that resonated most with its viewers:
10. Dave and Tom Hanks reminisce about the early days of their careers.
9. Howard Stern tries to kiss Dave.
8. President Bill Clinton talks about his new granddaughter.
7. Bill Murray stumbles out of a goodbye cake.
6. Julia Dreyfus shares one of the top ten things she’s always wanted to say to Dave:
“Thanks for letting me take part in another hugely disappointing series finale.”
5. George Clooney handcuffs Dave and tells him, “You’re not going anywhere.”
4. Dave shows clips of his mother’s appearances.
3. Dave shows highlights of things they’ve done outside over the years.
2. Tina Fey takes off her dress and gives it to Dave.
1. Dave shows clips of he and guest Julia Roberts kissing.
