Nearly 14 million viewers said goodbye to David Letterman on Wednesday in what some TV critics are calling a “near-perfect” send off.
The extra-long finale drew 13.76 million and was the largest audience for the host since February of 1994.
“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.