The Legacy of David Letterman's Top Ten List: A Comedy Staple That Endures
Late Night host David Letterman introduced the iconic Top Ten List on September 18, 1985, with a humorous list of words that almost rhyme with "peas." The concept was a hit among the writers, including head writer Steve O'Donnell, who found it to be a creative and repeatable segment that could be done again and again. The Top Ten List became a staple on both NBC and CBS' Late Show, featuring thousands of lists over the years.
The idea for the Top Ten List came from a desire to create their own version of the popular lists that were circulating at the time. Writers like Robert Morton and Randy Cohen found inspiration in lists like the Top 10 bachelors over 60, which included some unexpected choices. Celebrities often participated in reading off lists, adding to the humor and entertainment value of the segment.
Creating the Top Ten Lists was a collaborative effort among the writers, who would quickly generate a large number of ideas before selecting the best ones to present to Letterman. Some lists, like the "Top Ten Favorite Numbers From 1 to 10," were born out of last-minute inspiration and sheer panic. Letterman's farewell episode in 2015 featured a star-studded "Top Ten Things I've Always Wanted to Say to Dave," with memorable contributions from guests like Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
The legacy of the Top Ten List lives on in late-night comedy and beyond, with Letterman continuing his interview style on Netflix's My Next Guest Needs No Introduction. The concept of creating top ten lists has become a popular activity at reunions, offices, and parties, showcasing the enduring appeal of this simple yet effective comedic format. Despite its simplicity, the Top Ten List remains a testament to the creativity and humor of Team Letterman, whose offbeat sensibilities helped shape the landscape of late-night television.