David Letterman’s farewell was a “near perfect” sendoff, and early indications Thursday were that the finale had the biggest “Late Show” audience in a decade.
CBS shared data early Thursday morning that showed about a quarter of all TV sets on between 11:30 p.m. and 1 a.m. were watching Letterman say good night.
The last show in Letterman’s storied career was the host’s biggest audience since Oprah Winfrey famously appeared on the “Late Show” in December 2005.
The “Late Show” finale also outrated every broadcast in primetime, according to CBS.
More complete ratings will be released later in the day.
“Letterman was doing more than filling his role as TV’s Biggest Curmudgeon,” wrote NPR TV critic Eric Deggans. “He was doing something that ensured his last episode would move quicker and feel funnier than even the finale of his longtime mentor, ‘Tonight Show’ host Johnny Carson.”
Fans, critics, and casual viewers agreed that the finale was all the best parts of what made Letterman special.
Variety TV columnist Brian Lowry wrote that the finale “mixed clips and memories but was distinguished, ultimately, by what Letterman does — or did — best: Sit at a desk and communicate.”
The New York Times said it was “much better than the usual mawkish television send-off.” Time magazine called it “nostalgic but not maudlin, gracious but not mournful, valedictory but not a eulogy.”
Those who grew up watching Letterman took to social media to enjoy — for the last time — the man that made them laugh for over 30 years.
“I can’t believe it’s over,” tweeted New York Times culture reporter Dave Itzkoff.