LATE SHOW NEWS by Aaron Barnhart February 24, 1997, Issue 144: Happy 3 to me ... . [NOTE: The KC Star archive has been acting up lately, and none of my articles from February are coming up when readers search for them as I've instructed them to in the past. A new search technique is at the end of this week's letter.] LATE SHOW NEWS AT 3 Once again, LATE SHOW NEWS has reached another milestone, and once again we have a television special by which to remember the occasion. This year it is the "Late Show with David Letterman Video Special III," which airs tonight on CBS at 10 p.m. Eastern. Yes, Dave is commemorating my three years of continuous publication by issuing his third prime-time special. Last year at this time, you may recall, the signifying event was HBO's release of "The Late Shift," a so-so movie based on the book by Bill Carter. Two years before that, I had started this little newsletter in the wake of Carter's book and its coverage in the media, a fact I acknowledged last year when I wrote, "I sometimes wonder if LATE SHOW NEWS would have made it this far without the interest generated by that trend-setting book." But lest we forget -- and given the current mood of late-night viewers it is all too easy to forget -- LATE SHOW NEWS would not have happened were it not for David Letterman and his pathbreaking after-hours broadcast. The first edition of this newsletter, you may recall, was entitled LETTERMAN NEWS and was not originally meant to be a weekly. At the time, I and millions of other viewers who had made time for Dave in our otherwise spartan television diets in the 1980s were savoring the revenge he was taking out, night after night, on NBC and Jay Leno. The story of late-night t.v., at least at first blush, was Dave. Those were heady times. Dave was calm and in control. His show crackled and rarely annoyed. Even the game-show-vintage studio audiences seemed a charming distraction. And the Nielsen rating achieved just days before the launch of LATE SHOW NEWS, on one golden night during the 1994 Winter Olympics, is a high water mark in late night that Jay Leno still has not reached. Letterman was Mr. Media, the subject of countless profiles and interviews, including a very funny and engaging Playboy Q&A with Washington Post t.v. critic Tom Shales. Hard to believe that was only three years ago; today the once-affable Dave is nearly off-limits to the press. Verne Gay just wrote a piece for Newsday that appears to be the official wire-service story on Letterman's so-called turnaround; it quoted producers Rob Burnett and Barbara Gaines, but not Dave. And although TV Guide did snag a one-on-one between its editor and Letterman, this was one exclusive that surely wasn't worth the bother. For those of you who missed it, here's the introduction to that piece, with a little creative editing by yours truly to suggest how it might have read in another era: "To listen to the rumblings (most of them from competitors), Joey Bishop, host of ABC's Joey Bishop Show, has become an isolated, brooding, crankier-than-usual personality. Rumors have the host depressed over his ratings and obsessed with the quality of his program. "Bishop pleads guilty to the latter count. But all other evidence -- on-air and in-person -- points to a Joey Bishop who is very much rejuvenated. His recent interviews -- with Yvonne DeCarlo, Bobby Sherman, and Frank Sinatra, to name three -- have had the snap of the most memorable conversations from his days guest-hosting the Tonight Show on NBC. His comedy segments have been laugh-out-loud funny. And sidekick Regis Philbin's walking off the show was among TV's liveliest hours of the past year. The momentum seems to have put the competition on the defensive; NBC executives recently denied a request by Bishop to use clips from his former show in an upcoming ABC special." In fairness to TV Guide, the editors there relegated the interview to non-cover status in most markets. And in fairness to Letterman, he has never tried to cultivate Jay Leno's following with the press. It's apparent he still believes there is no substitute for a good product -- not good p.r., not a happy working environment, and certainly not good relations with the network. But Letterman came out of the oyster with surprising regularity during the first two seasons of "Late Show," when it was a barnburner in the ratings and enjoyed wide critical acclaim. No more. Nor is this month an aberration: last November you may recall Dave generally avoiding the local media in cities where he was taking his road shows. In part, this could simply be a case of media exhaustion. The way Dave probably sees it, he makes himself available for interviews and the press beats his brains in, whereas if he turns down interviews the press beats his brains in anyway, so why bother? But another reason may be that Letterman is privately dissatisfied with the job he is doing and would really rather not be distracted by outsiders until he can turn the show around. When his producer was Robert "Morty" Morton, Letterman had somebody to take on the care and feeding of the media with great skill, leaving him free to concentrate on the program. Morty was replaced with Rob Burnett, a decent guy who just wants to write and produce solid wall-to-wall comedy every night. While Burnett may contribute more to the bottom line than Morton did, the change has left Dave more exposed to the public than ever at a time when what he perhaps needed most was an extra layer of insulation. Tonight's prime-time special is the first comprised entirely of highlights from the 200 shows produced under Burnett. "Prime-Time Video Special III" is a decidedly low-key affair: there's no exclusive, over-the-Top Ten list like last year, and the elements are kept to hilarious remotes, stupid pet and human tricks, and even some not-bad opening remarks by the genial host. It's definitely the only must-see t.v. of the evening, and especially if you've downshifted to occasional "Late Show" watching, it's worth checking out just to see what you've missed from past shows. Unfortunately, all that "Video Special III" does is make the case for more prime-time specials. We can all agree that the Ed Sullivan Theater is a great place to throw yourself a big party and show a highlight reel; but the jury's still out on whether it can be fashioned into anything better suited for an 11:35 p.m. nightly show. But Letterman is trying, and though it can be discouraging watching him on nights when the show is a train wreck -- and not train wreck in the sense Dave meant it ten years ago, when he'd miss a chance to ad lib in the middle of the show and then hate himself for it all evening, but a real honest- to-goodness, boxcar-in-the-basin, the-hell-were-you-thinking train wreck -- we longtime fans have little choice but to keep checking him out and hoping for the best. It has been said that there are no real losers in the Letterman-Leno competition, and certainly so far as the two stars are concerned, that's true. Many of us who are infuriated at Leno for dumbing down the standard of late-night humor have to admit the guy is resilient, not to mention a genuinely friendly person and toiler of mythic proportions. Not a few people in Hollywood admire how one of the good guys, for a change, managed to come out on top (for now at least). Letterman is, in an odd way, more Tinseltown-ready in that he is an s.o.b. focused solely on product. But none of that means squat unless he can find his rhythm again and make his "Late Show" hum the way it once did, almost effortlessly, back in its heyday, when an ambitious fan in Chicago thought to celebrate t.v.'s most curious daypart in a newsletter for the ethereal masses. If Dave can do that again, then millions of viewers will once more be the real winners. From: TOMALHE@aol.com Date: Sun, 23 Feb 1997 17:23:09 -0500 (EST) To: barnhart@echonyc.com Subject: from a.f.l. Subject: The Hollywood Reporter, February 21, 1997 From: kimberleyz@aol.com (Kimberleyz) Date: 22 Feb 1997 22:19:30 GMT The Hollywood Reporter published a special issue devoted to Dave. It has page after page -- most full page, some partial page -- of ads different people and organizations have taken out. You gotta get it if you're a Dave fan. It's got a ton of pictures and articles about him. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com Here's some of the ads: Some stupid human tricks just never get old. Congratulations on 15 great years, Dave. -- Geffen Records Dave, congratulations on 15 years in late night televiison. We try to catch you and your show as often as possible -- New Canaan Police Benevolent Association Dear David, I have a copy of every one of your NBC late night shows. Call me. We can work something out. Your friend, Michael Keaton I love you, David! It's as simple as that. -- Barbara Walters. Dear Dave, I have had the privilege of sharing my life and career with the two greatest stars in the history of late night television. Johnny defined the role and you brought it into the 21st century. Congratulations on 15 years of innovative, quality television. Your friend, Peter [Lassally] You're the dressing on my salad! I love you. Happy 15th Anniversary [picture of a naked Richard Simmons covered by fresh vegetables] To Dave and everyone at the Late Show -- [full-page picture of a ham with 15 lighted birthday candles on the top] Best wishes on your fifteenth from your friends at Electra. Here's to 15 years of kicking ash. [full-page pic of Dave smoking a cigar] Congratulations, Dave, for 15 yearts of music, smashed fruit and Velcro. and thanks for making all of us at Arista Records laugh -- Arista Dear David, congratulations! all my love to you on your 15th anniversary. -- Love, Drew Congratulations, Dave! Almost 17 years ago you told me you were getting a talk show and said I could come on as often as I wanted. Boy did I! I think more than any other person, unless you consider Marv Albert's appearances with his moronic "bloopers" something more than barnyard animals would find entertaining. I will always be indebted to you for helping me find an "audience," albeit humiliating myself and family publically and making my therapist a very wealthy woman. -- With great admiration, Richard Lewis. Congratulations, Dave, on doing 15 years in Late Night .. Unfortunately, your parole has been denied. thanks for everything -- Ray Romano and all of us at Everybody Loves Raymond Happy Anniversary Dave! Your ham is in the mail. -- Virgin Hey Dave, thanks for a nutty 15 years! -- your sister-in-law, Paul Shaffer Dave, thanks for 15 years of kindness, generosity and laughs -- the Late show Staff and Crew Dave, congratulations for fifteen memorable years of broadcasting. We are honored to be a part of your team. -- Armstrong, Hirsch Jackoway Tyerman and Wertheimer Congratulations, Dave -- thanks for giving us a great excuse to stay up late for the past 15 years. -- Miramax. Letterman -- Dave, the Top Ten Reasons why we came together: Your Brilliance; Your Creativity; Your Genius; Your Charm; Your Wit; Your Insight; Your Style; Your Talent; Your Humor; You. Thank you and Good Night -- HBO The Hollywood Reporter salute to David Letterman on his 15th Anniversary in late-night television: Dave, the Entertainer; CyberDave; 15 years of goofy moments; Pants galore; Trailer king; The bookers, stars and pets. "If you haven't gotten it yet, what the hell is wrong with you!" Dave, thanks for 15 years of getting it! -- The Atlantic Group "You've come a long way, baby!" [full page pic of Young Dave in Comedy Store basketball uniform] -- your Alma Mater.. the Comedy Store! Congratulations, Dave! with respect and admiration -- Tom Selleck Congratulations, Dave! -- from the World Champion New York Yankees For 15 years, the laughter has been real....only the hams are canned. -- Sony Music Entertainment Dave -- It's always a pleasure to follow you -- Tom Snyder and there's lots more!! the end. Tom Heald's THIS NIGHT IN HISTORY Mo 2/24: In 1989, Margaret Ray is found on the grounds of David Letterman's home and claims to be "Dave's wife." It becomes an almost annual event, like Jay Leno hiring another batch of new, unfunny writers. Tu 2/25: In 1929, Tommy Newsom becomes the most boring baby alive. We 2/26: In 1920, Tony Randall debuts. Randall holds the current record for guest appearances on Late Show with David Letterman (as of press time, 37). Th 2/27: In 1984, on "Late Night with David Letterman," Dave selects audience members Brigit and Beacham Owen to host their own public access cable TV show. Fr 2/28: In 1994, "Later With Greg Kinnear" debuts on NBC. Say goodbye to the goofy overstuffed chairs and over-researched interviews of Bob Costas, say hello to a "Talk Soup-ish" video monologue called "Media Bites," "Entertainment Tonight"-level interviews, and the "Later Letter" ("the longest running celebrity chain letter"). 2/29: In 1956, John Roarke is born. Roarke was one of several people you never heard of on ABC's late night sketch comedy "Fridays." Sa 3/1: In 1996, the first book of "Fuzzy Memories" by "Saturday Night Live" writer Jack Handey is published. "Fuzzy Memories" are exactly like "Deep Thoughts" except they're longer and not as deep. Su 3/2: In 1977, Jay Leno makes his first appearance on "Tonight Show with Johnny Carson." [Thanks to Chris Clark, Nicolai Jorgensen, Dave Tanny, Frank Serpas III, Mike Cader, and the woman who comes into the office every week to dust Chevy Chase. Special thanks to Donz5, who's more fun than a boodle of swag....] Questions, Andy Kaufman sightings, and assorted Tales of Ribaldry may be sent to Tom Heald at . THE LINEUPS (with Sue Trowbridge) LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN, CBS Mo 2/24 ** Prime Time Video Special, 10 p.m. ET/PT ** Mo 2/24 Bill Cosby, Tina Turner Tu 2/25 Mia Farrow, Anne Heche, Elvis Costello and Burt Bacharach We 2/26 Howard Stern, SI swimsuit model Valerie Mazza, Porno for Pyros Th 2/27 Pauly Shore, Merrill Markoe, Celine Dion Fr 2/28 Bill Pullman, Richard Lewis, Lyle Lovett and Randy Newman Mo 3/3 Debi Mazar, Duncan Sheik Tu 3/4 Robin Quivers, Adam Arkin, James We 3/5 Mary McCormack, Phish THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO, NBC Mo 2/24 6-yr-old actor Jonathan Lipnicki, Gabriel Byrne, Kellie Martin Tu 2/25 Brooke Shields, Emeril Lagasse We 2/26 Christie Brinkley, Robert Urich Th 2/27 Martha Stewart, Jerry O'Connell Fr 2/28 William Macy Mo 3/3 James Woods Tu 3/4 Arsenio Hall LATE LATE SHOW WITH TOM SNYDER, CBS Mo 2/24 Fred and Kim Goldman, Frank McCourt Tu 2/25 Carl Hiaasen We 2/26 George Carlin, live from the U.S. Comedy Festival in Aspen, CO Th 2/27 Richard Reeves Fr 2/28 Actor Dave Thomas, author Mary Karr LATE NIGHT WITH CONAN O'BRIEN, NBC Mo 2/24 Kenneth Branagh, Marc Maron, Ventrilochoir Mummenschanz (R 12/18/96) Tu 2/25 Smashing Pumpkins We 2/26 Jack Gallagher, Ice-T Th 2/27 Donna D'Errico, Sheryl Crow Fr 2/28 Bob Costas, Merrill Markoe, Bonnie Raitt Mo 3/3 Penny Marshall, Richard Lewis, James Ellroy (R 12/13/96) LATE NIGHT WITH CONAN O'BRIEN RERUNS, CNBC Mo 2/24 James Woods, Jay Mohr, John Pizzarelli (R 12/10/96) Tu 2/25 Jonathan Silverman, LeVar Burton, Donald Knaack (R 1/28/97) We 2/26 Suzanne Somers, Rich Hall, Luscious Jackson (R 1/29/97) Th 2/27 Desmond Howard, Jim Lehrer, Rich Francese (R 1/30/97) Fr 2/28 Rodney Dangerfield, Karen Mulder, The Presidents of the United States of America (R 1/31/97) LATER, NBC Mo 2/24 David Alan Grier with Jackie Collins Tu 2/25 TBA We 2/26 TBA Th 2/27 David Alan Grier with Christopher Guest CHARLIE ROSE, PBS Mo 2/24 TBA Tu 2/25 Merrill Markoe, Jewel; Grammy Awards Preview We 2/26 David Foster Wallace Th 2/27 Norton Anthology of African-American Literature with Henry Louis Gates, Jamaica Kincaid, Nellie McKay; commercial director Joe Pytka Fr 2/28 Wynton Marsalis and Cassandra Wilson; Jamie Gorlick, author Robert Coles THE DAILY SHOW, Comedy Central Mo 2/24 Paul Rudd ("Romeo and Juliet") Tu 2/25 TBD We 2/26 Tommy Davidson Th 2/27 Merrill Markoe DENNIS MILLER LIVE, HBO Fr 2/28 Martin Short (from the Comedy Arts Fest in Aspen) SPACE GHOST COAST TO COAST, Cartoon Network Fr 2/28 Judy Tenuta, Timothy Leary, Ashley Judd (R) Susan Powter, Kevin Meaney, Bee Gees (R) POLITICALLY INCORRECT WITH BILL MAHER, ABC Mo 2/24 Little Richard, John Naisbitt Tu 2/25 Alan Alda, Cindy Crawford, Arianna Huffington, Kevin Rooney We 2/26 TBA Th 2/27 Steve Guttenberg, Florence Henderson, Mason Weaver Fr 2/28 Al Franken, Betsy Hart, Tony Hillerman, Graham Nash HOWARD STERN, E! (lineups not available -- again -- we're blaming the movie) Also on late nights: NIGHTLINE, ABC CHARLES GRODIN, CNBC CARSON'S COMEDY CLASSICS, Family Channel MAD TV, Fox SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, NBC SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, Comedy Central THE CHRIS ROCK SHOW, HBO ====================================================== AARON BARNHART IN THE KANSAS CITY STAR This week: ... A very funny fellow (Bill Cosby profile) In the archive: ... "Angst and Angels" (essay on "Millennium" and "Touched by an Angel") ... "Keep talking, 'Old Man'" (Arliss Howard profile) ... "Pilot of the airwaves" (Tom Snyder profile) ... "CBS claims it's happy courting older viewers, buuuut ..." (feature) ... "Tuning in to digital TV" (hyperlinked page-one feature) How to find my articles in the Star archive: (1) Go to . (2) Click in the left-hand bar, "Showtime." (3) Once in Showtime, look for two lookalike pulldown menus. Pull down the one marked "More stories..." and choose "TV" from that menu, then click the nearby "Get" button. (4) You'll see a wad of TV stories including ones with my byline. (5) You can view a story by clicking on the button that looks like a tiny newspaper. Currently the Star Library is not friendly to plain jane Web browsers like Lynx. ====================================================== Entire contents Copyright 1997 by Aaron Barnhart. All rights reserved. Distributed by e-mail and BBS to over 10,000 readers weekly. Late Show News is made possible with the generous assistance of ECHO, New York City's premiere online service. Send news for and comments about this newsletter to aaron@tvbarn.com