Known as the host of two award-winning late night talk shows, David Letterman and his ironic comedic style were powerful influences on the changing shape of comedy in the 1980s and 1990s. From the very start of his 11-year run on “Late Night with David Letterman” (NBC, 1982-1993), Letterman promptly disassembled the conventional talk show format, slyly poking fun at the medium, the guests and the audience, but always making himself the first target of his attacks. His sarcasm, penchant for self-deprecation, and the otherwise irreverent tone of his show may have been a factor in NBC’s decision
