TV's Longest-Running Late Night Host David Letterman To Retire After 33 Years

This afternoon David Letterman told his Times Square studio audience that he will retire in 2015 after 33 years as a late night television host.

Letterman, who survived an emergency five-way bypass surgery in 2000, is the longest-serving late-night host in TV history and last year he surpassed his friend and mentor Carson when he hit 31-years on the air. He got his start in showbiz as a weatherman before hosting a short-lived morning show. His version of NBC’s “Late Night” debuted in 1982 and he left the network for CBS 10 years later following a nasty behind the scenes struggle with Leno to host the "Tonight Show” when Carson retired. He owns the production company, Worldwide Pants, which produces “The Late Late Show,” currently hosted by Craig Ferguson, a potential successor. In Thursday’s announcement, Letterman gave the audience a bit of rare emotion. “I just want to reiterate my thanks for the support from the network, all of the people who have worked here, all of the people in the theater, ... everybody at home, thank you very much.”

Letterman's first guest in 1982 was Bill Murray. Many expect that Murray will be the final guest next year.

There are more than 10 reasons #DavidLetterman will be missed. pic.twitter.com/UoLVRZduF7
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 3, 2014