• Is it age appropriate?

  About our ratings

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  Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 13.

• Is it any good?

  3.0

• Common Sense says

  Late-night host mixes traditional talk with biting humor.

Why We Rated This for Ages 13–15

The good stuff

• Role models:

  While Letterman presents himself as a curmudgeon and can be very snarky, he also has a softer side. Some of his guests promote nonprofit organizations and efforts that support breast cancer, Parkinson's disease, and other causes. Letterman himself hosted the medical team that provided his care during his heart surgery.

What to watch out for

• Messages:

  The series is a platform for Letterman's unique style of comedy, which is full of sarcastic comments and silly gags. Some moments may be a little sharp or a bit silly, but they're not intended to be mean.
• Violence:

  Some of the gags lead to people getting wet, destruction of property, etc., but none are intended to cause injury.
• Sex:

  Some of the show's humor gets a bit racy, with some sexual innuendo. In one infamous episode, Drew Barrymore flashed Letterman -- but no nudity was shown.
• Language:

  Words like “goddamn," “hell," "ass," "piss," and “crap” are frequently used.
• Consumerism:

  Like any talk show, the series is a promotional vehicle for actors, musicians, and the like. Politicians and presidents also appear to promote their campaigns and/or agendas.
• Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

  Occasional references to drinking and drug use, but very little is shown these days (Letterman used to be shown smoking cigars).

What Parents Need to Know

About Late Show with David Letterman

Families Can Talk About