Summary (tl;dr)

David Letterman is currently trending following his recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! to promote the upcoming sixth season of his Netflix interview series, My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, during which he extended a public invitation to Jimmy Kimmel to be a future guest.

Essential Background

After concluding his iconic run as host of The Late Show in 2015, David Letterman transitioned to streaming with his acclaimed Netflix interview series, My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman. More recently, Letterman made headlines in September 2025 for publicly defending Jimmy Kimmel after Jimmy Kimmel Live! was unexpectedly pulled off the air, expressing concerns about "managed media" and potential political interference in television programming. In December 2024, he also dismissed retirement plans, announcing a new television venture on Samsung TV Plus called "Letterman TV FAST".

The Full Story

Late-night legend David Letterman is generating buzz this week following his guest appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on December 9, 2025, which marked his seventh visit to the show. His visit was primarily to promote the highly anticipated sixth season of his Netflix interview series, My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman, which is set to premiere globally on December 16, 2025. This new season will feature conversations with prominent figures such as Michael B. Jordan, MrBeast, and Jason Bateman, building on a special installment with Adam Sandler that was released on December 1. A significant moment during his interview with Kimmel was Letterman's impromptu invitation for Kimmel to appear as a guest on his Netflix series, an offer Kimmel enthusiastically accepted.

Why It Matters

David Letterman's continued engagement in the entertainment industry, particularly through his critically acclaimed Netflix series, keeps him relevant to a wide audience and offers a platform for intimate discussions with influential personalities. His recent outspoken defense of Jimmy Kimmel and his criticisms of "managed media" highlight broader concerns about journalistic integrity and freedom of expression in the current media landscape, resonating with those concerned about the intersection of politics and entertainment. His ongoing projects demonstrate his enduring appeal and commitment to unique, long-form interviews.

Geographic Location

• Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States (filming location for Jimmy Kimmel Live!)
• New York, New York County, New York, United States (location of The Atlantic Festival 2025 where Letterman discussed "managed media" and Kimmel's suspension)
• Virtual/Online (Netflix series My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman and "Letterman TV FAST" on Samsung TV Plus)