Legendary late-night host David Letterman recently spoke candidly about life after television during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. Reflecting on his decades-long career in late-night television, Letterman, 78, expressed relief at stepping away from the daily pressures of hosting.

“Boy, you would think, but no. I’m so glad to be out from under this mess,” Letterman told host Jimmy Kimmel, referring to the fast-paced and often chaotic nature of late-night TV.

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Letterman Praises Current Late-Night Hosts

While Letterman admitted he doesn’t miss hosting nightly, he praised current late-night stars such as Stephen Colbert and Seth Meyers for their work in defending democracy through satire and commentary.

“People like you and people like Stephen [Colbert] and people like Seth [Meyers] do such a masterful job of defending this democracy,” he said, earning applause from the audience.

Letterman added humor to his commentary, joking that his current role is limited to occasional appearances and offering blunt opinions, such as his quip about the self-driving car company Waymo.

“About all I’m capable of is showing up every now and then and saying f— Waymo and that’s it,” Letterman said.

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Jimmy Kimmel’s Tribute and John Stewart Mention

Kimmel engaged Letterman in a playful discussion about other influential voices in late-night, including John Stewart of The Daily Show. Letterman acknowledged Stewart’s impact while keeping the conversation light-hearted.

“Thank God for you, thank God for others, SNL and everybody else. It’s just, I think it’s the way things need to be in a democracy that’s seemingly this crippled,” Letterman said.

The exchange highlighted Letterman’s continued engagement with the world of television and politics, even in retirement.

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Letterman’s Legendary Late-Night Career

David Letterman retired from late-night television in May 2015, ending a career that spanned 33 years. He began hosting Late Night with David Letterman in 1982 and later took the helm of The Late Show, revolutionizing late-night TV with his offbeat humor, unconventional interviews, and innovative comedic style.

His influence remains a touchstone for current and future late-night hosts, including Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Colbert, Seth Meyers, and John Stewart.

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Context: Jimmy Kimmel’s Recent ABC Contract Extension

Letterman’s comments come shortly after Kimmel’s contract with ABC was renewed, despite former President Donald Trump’s continued criticism of the show. Trump has previously called Kimmel “no talent” and a “bum” on social media. In response, Kimmel humorously challenged Trump to a talent competition on his December 8 episode, demonstrating the ongoing intersection of late-night television and political commentary.

“Do you think he even knows I never hosted the Kennedy Center Honors? Maybe he’s confusing me with Queen Latifah… Let’s have a talent competition,” Kimmel said.

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Conclusion

Even a decade after leaving the small screen, David Letterman continues to weigh in on television, politics, and cultural commentary with humor, insight, and candor. His December 10 appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! reaffirms his legacy as one of late-night television’s most influential and enduring figures.