The Last Days of Letterman

by Scott Ryan, Bill Scheft (Foreword)

On May 20, 2015, Dave said, "Thank you and goodnight." The Foo Fighters sang "Everlong," and Late Show with David Letterman ended its run. The final six weeks of the series had guests like Julia Roberts, George Clooney, Oprah Winfrey, and the Obamas. All names you have heard many times. But it was the people behind the scenes who pulled off these twenty-eight unforgettable episodes of late-night television. Author Scott Ryan conducted over twenty interviews with the staffers of David Letterman. Most of the participants had never given interviews before. The writers, directors, producers, and stage managers offer a behind-the-scenes look at what it was like to work on these shows. Find out what it takes to write a Top Ten list, book a president for a guest spot, and what it was like working at the Ed Sullivan Theater. Long time Letterman writer Bill Scheft penned the foreword for the book. Included are over 100 color photos from staffers' personal collections, as well as publicity photos from the show. Get the first truly inside look at creating an episode of  Late Show . Interviews Barbara Gaines - Executive Producer; Sheila Rogers - Supervising Producer/ Talent Executive; Randi Grossack - Associate Director; Kathy Mavrikakis, Supervising Producer; Rick Sheckman, Associate Producer; Brian Teta - Supervising Producer/Segment Producer; Sheryl Zelikson - Music Producer; Jay Johnson - Creative Director, Digital Media; Jerry Foley - Director; Michael Barrie - Writer; Lee Ellenberg - Writer; Jim Mulholland - Writer; Joe Grossman - Writer; Jeremy Weiner - Writer; Steve Young - Writer; Vincent Favale - Executive of Late Night Programing; Eddie Valk - Stage Manager; Bill Scheft - Writer; Janice Penino - Vice President, Human Resources; Jill Goodwin - Writer; and Mike Buczkiewicz - Senior Producer/Segment Producer; Rupert Jee - Hello Deli Owner.

Genres: Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Tv

337 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 20, 2018

About the author

Scott Ryan’s newest book is Moonlighting: An Oral History which covers the Cybill Shepherd and Bruce Willis series that aired from 1985-1989. Scott interviewed the cast, crew and producers from the series. This is the first book ever written about Moonlighting. Order it at fayettevillemafiapress.com for a signed copy

The Last Days of Letterman, covers the final 6 weeks of The Late Show. Place an order at fayettevillemafiapress.com

He wrote a comic essay book, Scott Luck Stories (Amazon) in 2014. He directed A Voyage to Twin Peaks in 2016 (available for rent or purchase at Amazon.com). A documentary about the 25th anniversary of the Twin Peaks Festival, which has played at Twin Peaks events across the globe. He is the host of the podcasts: Red Room Podcast, Scott Luck Stories and The thirtysomething Podcast. His writing has been published in The Sondheim Review and the essay book Fan Phenomena: Twin Peaks (Intellect Press). He is told he has been happily married for an amount of years. He is the co founder of Fayetteville Mafia Press.


Order signed copies of thirtysomething at thirty at www.ScottRyanProductions.com

Order The Blue Rose Magazine at www.bluerosemag.com

Follow @scottluckstory and on Facebook for more information or e-mail superted455@gmail.com for promotional materials.

Reviews

[Louis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A real treat for David Letterman fans, this book tells the story of the last six weeks of his "Late Show." If you pick this book up looking for any juicy backstage gossip you will be sorely disappointed. In fact, there is nary a critical word of the former late-night talk show host here. Ryan offers (too brief for me) thumbnail sketches of these episodes interspersed with quotes from the many show staffers he interviewed. Since neither Letterman nor Paul Shaffer are among them the book may seem to offer a shallow, incomplete look at the end of the show. That may be enough for Letterman fans like me but not for someone looking for a little more depth.

Other elements make this book a great read. Having heard many of the names of these staffers on the show (or having seen them in sketches), I appreciated the chance to learn a little about them and their work, how they started with "Late Show" (or "Late Night" at NBC). The most entertaining part of the book comes from their own views on their boss and show. It is clear that many of them chose to stay with Letterman even when the end was obviously near. For each of them, the awareness that this was the greatest job they would ever have, the one they would miss forever, outweighed the need to look for a new one. That realization makes for a unique tale, especially for those of us who still believe the show to be not just great but irreplaceable. The perfect read for everyone who still misses Dave.

[Will Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a long-time Letterman fan, I was excited to see a book that would re-hash some of the memories it feels like people have forgotten since the Late Show’s end in 2015.

No, Letterman isn’t interviewed as the author details the final six weeks of the show (as well as integral facets of the show in general throughout the book). Instead it’s the staffers that are interviewed- producers and writers and stage managers. The author gives a great behind-the-scenes look that allows Letterman fans to see why and how those last shows ended up the way they did. It probably seems a pointless read to anybody that didn’t appreciate David Letterman. To fans, it is a fascinating, fun read.

[Roderick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Admittedly I may be biased because I’m a long-time Letterman fan, since his days as a guest host for Carson, before Late Night and the morning show. I pre-ordered this book when I first heard about it on the Alt.fan.letterman Facebook group so I got an autographed copy. I like the focused first hand account of the final shows from the various staffers. Dave left on his own terms and this book shows how beautifully it was done by his staff and the effort it took. It’s a must read for any true Letterman fan.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a David Letterman fan, you have to get this book. Read it and enjoy. Recommend having your phone, tablet or computer nearby so you can replay clips on You Tube as the author suggests. Great interviews. Great memories. Great addition to my collection of Dave stuff.

[Gary Anderson]

David Letterman superfan Scott Ryan’s oral history of the end of “The Late Show” is a fascinating look behind the curtain of my all-time favorite television show. Extensive interviews with the show’s staff tell the story of how the show wound down from the time of Dave’s retirement announcement through the end of the final show (and a little bit beyond). Although Dave himself is not among the interviewees, his quirky personality is revealed through the stories told by his devoted producers, writers, stage managers, and others, including Rupert Ji, the owner of.Hello Deli, the sandwich shop around the corner from the Ed Sullivan Theater made famous as one of the show’s frequent remote locations. Because so many A-list celebrities wanted one final appearance on “The Late Show,” the supporting cast here includes Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, Bill Clinton, Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Bob Dylan, Tina Fey, and many more. As someone who rarely missed David Letterman’s shows dating back to his morning program, I greatly enjoyed the memories presented in this book.

[Joyce Picker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited to read this book. As a huge fan of Letterman since “Late Night” on NBC, I would always seek out any information I can about the host and the inner workings of his shows. That’s why this book turned out to be a great read. It explores not just details of what was aired during the final six weeks, but how it all came about. Getting the first hand accounts from the crew and staff behind the show brought up my own feelings of nostalgia for the television that I watched for 33 years. Even though it specified a certain era that happened not that long ago, it seems like a lifetime has passed. Scott Ryan has managed to embrace his own fandom into a heartfelt exploration of how much the show meant to those behind the scenes and to its longtime fans.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purposely saved this book for the start of the year, I like to look back. This book dunked me in nostalgia I didn't know I missed. I'm re-feeling what it was like to try and watch something because it was a part of your day, and the show was, in a way, there for you. Thank you Scott Ryan for this glimpse, but also the added depth that made me stop reading and you tube those amazing performances. I know it's sad you can just you tube anything, but I'm so grateful I could.

[Wesley Hyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A loving reminiscence to a classic TV series, reading The Last Days of Letterman is almost as fun as watching Dave's final six weeks of shows, which it covers in good but not excessive detail, thankfully. Featuring interviews with and quotes from a lot of Late Show staffers, this is a treasure trove of insights about the making of the show and what decisions occurred in the last few months leading up to Dave's retirement and why they happened. Author Scott Ryan is even generous enough to include the perspective of CBS's head of late night programming, giving an executive view of the show that often gets overlooked. Also included are solid chapters on crafting the daily monologues for Dave, making the top 10 lists, describing the relationship Dave had with Johnny Carson, and much more. All in just over 300 pages with lots of great pictures, which makes it an easy read. This is one of the best entertainment reference books I've read in the past few years, but don't let that description turn you off if it does. Even if you didn't like Letterman as a performer and/or person, give this a read and your perspective about him and the show he led likely will change.

[Paul Carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, capturing the final six weeks of The Late Show with David Letterman, is written by a Letterman fan for Letterman fans. If you like Dave and his show, you’ll relish this book. People who like behind-the-scenes stories about TV production and comedy will also appreciate much of the book, which will send you down YouTube rabbit holes to watch clips of the closing episodes. For me, this nailed the intersection of three things I love: Letterman, television production, and the end of things.

[Charlene Clevenger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know I'm late to the party, but I just finished reading The Last Days of Letterman. Thank you, Scott Ryan and everyone involved. I immersed myself in the experience by watching YouTube clips of almost every interview and performance mentioned. What an entertaining time I've had! I knew I would learn a lot about the show from this book, but I didn't expect to learn so much about loyalty and leadership.

[Jim Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fabulous book, especially for fans, but really for anyone who wants to know how one of the largest pop culture and mass media influencers of the last quarter century had such an impact. For fans, it brings back the good old days of great wit, terrific monologues, and eventful yet funny interviews. Fans of Dave’s absolutely have to get it!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a fan of David Letterman I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I started watching Dave on his morning show and have followed him throughout his career. Dave would not like this book because he doesn’t understand how we feel about him. This is a must read for all Letterman fans. Reliving each episode brought the show back every time I was reading.

[Jo Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

If u r a fan of Dave and lament his retiring like I do this is the book for u. It’s comprised of interviews with many of the staff and summaries of his last 6 wkd of shows . I ended up watching all the musical acts from these shows on you tube all over again and they were fab. I was lucky enough to be at his shows in ny

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I you love David Letterman you should dig this book, though be forewarned that he doesn't contribute to it (it would be shocking if that was the case). It's a love letter to the show and if you're looking for anything negative, look elsewhere. It gets repetitive at times, but if you want a look into a place and time, you could do a ton worse.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good look at the last six weeks of The Late Show. The one problem I have with these oral history books is the editing. You'll read five or six different people say the same thing five or six different ways. Otherwise, it was an exciting look at how much work went into roughly 30 hours of television.

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read!

I was always a fan of Letterman and remember his first show at CBS...I was a freshman in college and never stopped watching him. This book was a fascinating look at the people that made the show for decades and a glimpse at who Letterman really was. It was a quick and enjoyable read.

[A Cesspool · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jason Zinoman’s Letterman trumps Last Days…
Second-best Letterman/Late Night monograph (third, or fourth, if Bill Carter’s essential Late Night Wars books are considered).

[Stephanie Ferentinos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read for any Letterman fan. Lots of great stories and insights into the show' s final run. I enjoyed the format (episode summaries with guests listed) and ended up heading out to You Tube to watch many of the musical performances from those last weeks. A real joy to read.

[Len or Len · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essential for the Letterman fanatic, this gives you a great behind the scenes look at the last six weeks of The Late Show. I got a little choked up reading about the final show. Full of great stories.

[Don Massenzio · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice inside look

Great book in terms of learning how the show was run during the last six weeks and prior. What would have made it standout is I put from Dave and Paul along with some of the frequent guests.

[Carolyn Rummel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!!!! If you are a Letterman fan (I fell in love with his morning show), you have to read this book. It is filled with inside information and fascinating stories. It will make you an even bigger fan but also give you an appreciation for what his staff accomplished.

[Mike Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love Letterman and miss him...

I miss the Late Show. I miss David Letterman. If you are like me and followed Letterman from 1980 forward, this is an excellent read for you. I enjoyed it.

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't let the specificity of the title put you off.
This fine book is a caring and concise tango with Letterman and the show, and it's really quite a fun read besides.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read for Letterman fans! Scott Ryan did a lot of interviews for this oral history of the final weeks of Letterman's amazing run.

[Sean Asbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have given it five stars because it is really good, but leave your politics out of it. We are reading this book to learn about Letterman, not what you think about President Trump.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too 10

[Jack M · Rating 5 out of 5]

A life I lead, but in miniature

Being there. It was so enjoyable. Being there, back stage. Thanks to Scott Ryan. I'm also a huge Bill Scheft fan.

[Sue Strazy · Rating 4 out of 5]

From someone totally outside the entertainment business - it was an interesting read! Amazing to see all that goes on behind the scenes. Always felt Letterman was an off-beat kind of genius. The book certainly re-affirms that!!

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ryan (Thirtysomething at Thirty) focuses on the final six weeks of the Late Show with David Letterman in this oral history. Combining interviews with more than 20 Late Show crew members (though, sadly, not Letterman or sidekick/band leader Paul Shaffer) with a close viewing of the show (courtesy of his DVR), Ryan recaps and analyzes the last 28 episodes wrapping up Letterman's 33-year late night career. Truly a star -studded affair, these shows featured A-list celebrities, the Obamas, and longtime friends of the show as well as top-notch musical guests. Ryan illustrates that the guests weren't there just to promote themselves but also to pay tribute to the host. Likewise, musical guests played Letterman-requested classics instead of new singles (Tracy Chapman covered "Stand by Me"; Hootie and the Blowfish performed "Hold My Hand"). Each recap is bolstered by reminiscences from writers, producers, and directors detailing the behind-the-scenes action (and antics) involved with sending off one of television's biggest stars. However, there are too many voices at play, resulting in an oral history in which the participants talk over one another.

VERDICT Sure to please Letterman superfans, but the narrow focus may put off casual readers.

Library Journal; 9/1/2018, Vol. 143 Issue 14, p60-60, 1/6p.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book because of the podcast interview I saw with the author (Scott Ryan.) I breezed through this accounting of the last 6 weeks of the Late Show. What made this so good are the comments from the staff, all of whom had been with the show for years and some of whom were familiar from appearances on the show. I saw every one of the episodes broadcast over the last 6 weeks and they were memorable. The comments from staff enriched my memories. Great book about a great show.