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By Time Out New York staff, edited by Nick Leftley
As if it wasn’t bad enough that there’s no more Mad Men to look forward to, tonight sees the last ever episode of The Late Show with David Letterman. “End of an era” doesn’t really do justice to a finale 22 years in the making, but let’s wish Dave a happy retirement as we run down all the ways he belonged in this city.
10. He knew we’d love top ten lists
New Yorkers need their information quick, succinct, and to the point, and Letterman gave the whole nation a taste of how we like to receive our data. (Wait, did someone mention funny lists?)
9. He doesn’t take any shit
The famously prickly host rarely conducted the kind of sycophantic interviews that many celebrity guests might have been expecting, but it was that no-bullshit attitude that so endeared him to New Yorkers.
8. He’s a trendsetter
You have to blaze your own trail in NYC, and no one made a mark on their profession like Dave. When people like Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers and Stephen Colbert consider you one of their greatest influences, you have nothing left to prove.
7. He was always way ahead of the comedy curve
You only have to watch the classic skit with Andy Kaufman and Jerry Lawler to see how much he loved comedy that was both ahead of its time and completely unafraid to mess with people.
6. His repeated featuring of Rupert Jee and his Hello Deli
New Yorkers can't live without our local delis and bodegas, and getting to know the owners and workers is just a normal part of our lives here.
5. He’s from Indiana. Wait, what?
Yes, we meant to write that. He’s not a New Yorker despite being from Indiana—he’s a New Yorker because he's from Indiana! New Yorkers are born everywhere and then make themselves New Yorkers, and make New York them.
4. He brought great bands to the nation’s attention
Music—and more importantly, knowing about cool bands before everyone else—is a huge deal for New Yorkers. Letterman always helped break great acts, even as recently as last year’s career-making performance by Future Islands.
3. He isn’t afraid of weirdos
Dealing with weird people is a part of day to day life in New York. Letterman handled this truly bizarre appearance by Crispin Glover (which to this day, neither will confirm nor deny was planned in advance) with the smiling resilience of every subway commuter ever.
2. Small Town News encapsulated New York’s favorite pastime
If there’s one thing we can all agree is funny, it’s laughing at places that aren’t New York.
1. His 9/11 monologue still raises goose bumps
Delivered just over a week after the attacks with a voice constantly on the verge of cracking, Letterman summed up the courage and pride of a city that, far from being torn apart by the atrocity, instead pulled together as never before.
