On what date did David Letterman host his final episode of CBS’s Late Show?

David Letterman hosted his final episode of CBS’s Late Show on May 20, 2015.

The broadcast ended Letterman’s 22-year run as host of Late Show, which began when the program premiered in August 1993. His NBC program, Late Night, had already established his distinctive style of ironic humor, unusual guests, and offbeat comedy segments.

The finale featured several returning guests and a retrospective tone. Letterman retired from regular late-night hosting after the episode, and Stephen Colbert succeeded him later that year. Colbert’s first Late Show episode aired on September 8, 2015.

A common mix-up is confusing Letterman’s final Late Show date with his final appearance as a late-night host overall. May 20, 2015, refers specifically to the last CBS Late Show episode; his earlier NBC program ended in 1993 when he moved to CBS.