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Late Show with David Letterman

(Rated TV-PG, Comedy, Starring David Letterman, Paul Shaffer, Alan Kalter, Where to watch: CBS, Online)
  • 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 iffy 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

Parents need to know that this late-night talk show features quirky running gags and suggestive humor. Host David Letterman’s monologues sometimes include sexual innuendo, as well as references to drinking and drug use. Letterman can be very biting in his humor style, but his softer side sometimes peeks out. Guests sometimes engage in inappropriate behavior, but it's usually played for laughs. Words like “hell," "ass," and “crap” are used frequently. Note: Most teens who watch late-night shows like this check them out on a "time-shift" basis via DVR or online clips, rather than at the original 11:30 p.m.-or-later air time -- which is better for their sleep habits!

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about what makes a late-night show successful. Is it the host? Guest performances? Sketches and gags?
  • How do late-night shows influence other areas of the media?
  • What makes someone a TV icon? Which TV stars would you consider important/iconic? Are there any TV gags, taglines, or sketches that are popular today that you think will be remembered decades later?
  • If you were to host your own talk show, what it would be like? What would be your signature feature?

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