As of July 2026, Late Show with David Letterman Season 12 aired in 2004 with 193 episodes. Full episode guide and where to watch below.
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Late Show with David Letterman Season 12

2004 193 Episodes Talk · Comedy ⭐ 6/10

Right now you can watch Late Show with David Letterman Season 12 on streaming — and it is funnier than its reputation suggests. A single, tightly-focused season means there is plenty to get through without ever feeling padded. Its 6/10 TMDB score, built from 169 ratings, reflects a title that consistently delivers. David Letterman sets the tone, and the rest of the cast matches it scene for scene. Available now — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, Late Show with David Letterman Season 12 earns its spot. Late Show with David Letterman Season 12 gets the fundamentals right first, then finds room to get weird with it. Season 12 of Late Show with David Letterman includes 193 episodes. It aired from August 2004 to August 2005. This season stars David Letterman, Paul Shaffer and Alan Kalter. David Letterman and Paul Shaffer lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was aired in 2004. What keeps Late Show with David Letterman Season 12 from feeling disposable is a cast that clearly understands the material better than the format usually demands. It delivers reliably on what it promises, which is more than most of its competition manages.

Late Show with David Letterman Season 12 is the kind of thing you put on in the background and end up fully watching. It has built its own audience without needing a direct comparison. Short enough to finish in a weekend, substantial enough to feel satisfying. David Letterman's comic timing carries it through its weaker moments. The kind of comedy you recommend to someone who claims they do not watch much.

📡 Where to Watch Late Show with David Letterman Season 12

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🎬 Late Show with David Letterman Season 12 — Episode Guide

E1
Jon Cryer, Chris Kentis, Renee Olstead
2004-08-23
Dave points out that CBS is airng stock footage of a guy wresting an ostrich to compete with NBC's Olympic coverage; director Chris Kentis promotes Open Water; ""Still Standing"" star Renee Olstead performs a scorching rendition of ""Is You Is or Is You Ain't My Baby.""
E2
Dennis Leary, Sam Easterson
2004-08-24
Dave has difficulty explaining to Paul what exactly animal photographer Sam Easterson does; Dave shows another out-of-focus clip from the Olympics; Denis Leary promotes the FX hit drama ""Rescue Me.""
E3
Paul Hamm, Josh Hartnett, Nick Cave
2004-08-25
""CBS Mailbag"" features Dave getting friendly with U.S. Olympic volleyball stars Kerri Walsh & Misty May (bogus), Alan Kalter's ""You're Busted"" at Ranch 1, and New Jersey going ""Gay Crazy;"" gold medalist Paul Hamm visits.
E4
Natalie Coughlin, Carla Gugino, Gavin DeGraw
2004-08-26
E5
Maureen Dowd, Tom Ryan
2004-08-27
A man from Pennsylvania turns himself into a human jack o'lantern on ""Audience Show & Tell;"" ten U.S. Olympians present the Top Ten; political writer Maureen Dowd makes several alarming comments on the presidential election.
E6
Carly Patterson, Jeff Foxworthy, LL Cool J
2004-08-30
Osama bin Laden announces that he wants to replace Craig Kilborn as host of the Late Late Show; Dave celebrates 11 years at CBS with a timeline; Biff reports from the Republican National Convention, with a goal to hug as many ""Republican Babes"" as possible.
E7
Farrah Fawcett, The Clarks
2004-08-31
E8
John McCain, Tom Russell
2004-09-01
E9
Tim Russert, Snow Patrol
2004-09-02
E10
Jane Pauley, Greg Giraldo
2004-09-03
Jane Pauley promotes her new book, talk show, and bipolar disorder.
E11
National Hollerin' Champions, Neve Campbell, Keane
2004-09-06
Dave brags about working on Labor Day; like it does every year, a runaway taxi ruins the staff Labor Day barbecue (and runs over Alan); three National Hollerin' Champions do their thing; Neve Campbell; Keane performs ""Somewhere Only We Know.""
E12
Regis Philbin, Hoobastank
2004-09-07
At Hello Deli: Rupert selects a contestant to play the ""Late Show Heart Bypass Scramble;"" Regis promotes his new standards CD; Alan recaps his summer, with the usual results; Hoobastank performs ""Same Direction.""
E13
Martin Short, Alan Jackson
2004-09-08
""CBS Mailbag"" introduces Rupert's new ""girlfriend,"" answers the question, ""Does Dave ever sing?"" and features Alan's message to Hillary Clinton; Martin Short; ""Late Show Back to School Tips;"" Alan Jackson sings.
E14
Ray Romano, Avril Lavigne
2004-09-09
Biff spends the day at New York-Presbyterian Hospital with Dr. Lou Arrone; an educational segment with Alan and an animated rodent goes awry; Ray Romano talks about the final season of ""Everybody Loves Raymond;"" Avril Lavigne performs ""My Happy Ending.""
E15
Drew Barrymore, Aron Ralston
2004-09-10
Dave and Drew Barrymore discuss their long-dormant drinking problems; amputee Aron Ralston returns to the show to promote his new book.
E16
John Kerry, Green Day
2004-09-20
Dave comments on the CBS News scandal; John Kerry performs the Top Ten and gets grilled by Dave; Green Day performs ""American Idiot.""
E17
Dr. Phil, Gary Sinise
2004-09-21
Stand-ins for Dave and Dr. Phil stand in the gallows; in honor of a recent stunt on Oprah, everyone in the audience gets an automobile air freshener; Alan unintentionally admits that he's sexual dysfunctional.
E18
Kelly Ripa, Annie Duke, Elvis Costello
2004-09-22
Nobel prize winner Professor Robert A. Mundell reads aloud from Paris Hilton's book; Kelly Ripa; poker champion Annie Duke; Elvis Costello & the Imposters perform.
E19
Stupid Human Tricks, Rob Lowe, Mos Def
2004-09-23
E20
Julianne Moore, Tom Dreesen
2004-09-24

🎭 Cast of Late Show with David Letterman Season 12

David Letterman
David Letterman
Self - Host
Paul Shaffer
Paul Shaffer
Self -Musical Director
AK
Alan Kalter
Self - Announcer (voice)

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