Letterman, O’Brien Return to Late Night TV
Two of New York City’s late-night hosts, David Letterman and Conan O’Brien returned to television last night. The networks had been running previously aired episodes of The Late Show with David Letterman and Late Night with Conan O’Brien since the Writers Guild strike forced them off the air in early November.
In a zero-hour decision, the WGA and David Letterman’s production company, Worldwide Pants, struck a special deal that allowed his writers to resume working. Sporting a beard that he had grown since the strike began, Letterman’s monologue was about the WGA strike and even his top-ten list was read by striking writers from The Colbert Report, The Daily Show, Law & Order, and Late Night with Conan O’Brien. Letterman had guest Robin Williams and musical guest Maroon 5.
Conan O’Brien, also with a grown beard, immediately disclosed that he was back without the writers but that he fully supports the writers cause. As Wednesday’s episode was being taped, the striking writers were quietly picketing outside the studios. O’Brien’s main guest was Bob Saget of game show 1 vs. 100, formerly of Full House. O’Brien’s monologue was just as funny as his previous monologues, showing that he still has what it takes for comedy.
Both hosts echoed the sentiment that they hope strike is resolved soon. Stay tuned because Tuesday, January 8th, Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert are scheduled to return to the air.
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