Late Show with David Letterman backdrop
Talk•Comedy

The Best Episodes of Late Show with David Letterman Season 12

Every episode of Late Show with David Letterman Season 12 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Late Show with David Letterman Season 12!

Late Show with David Letterman is an American late-night talk show hosted by David Letterman on CBS. The show debuted on August 30, 1993, and is produced by Letterman's production company, Worldwide Pants Incorporated and

Airs on
CBS
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons22

All12345678910111213141516171819202122

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    Late Show with David Letterman Season 12 Episode 1 - Jon Cryer, Chris Kentis, Renee Olstead
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #1 - Jon Cryer, Chris Kentis, Renee Olstead

    S12:E1

    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.""

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  2. Late Show with David Letterman Season 12 Episode 2 - Dennis Leary, Sam Easterson
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #2 - Dennis Leary, Sam Easterson

    S12:E2

    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.""

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. Late Show with David Letterman Season 12 Episode 3 - Paul Hamm, Josh Hartnett, Nick Cave
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #3 - Paul Hamm, Josh Hartnett, Nick Cave

    S12:E3

    ""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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. Late Show with David Letterman Season 12 Episode 4 - Natalie Coughlin, Carla Gugino, Gavin DeGraw
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #4 - Natalie Coughlin, Carla Gugino, Gavin DeGraw

    S12:E4

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  5. Late Show with David Letterman Season 12 Episode 5 - Maureen Dowd, Tom Ryan
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #5 - Maureen Dowd, Tom Ryan

    S12:E5

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  6. Late Show with David Letterman Season 12 Episode 6 - Carly Patterson, Jeff Foxworthy, LL Cool J
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #6 - Carly Patterson, Jeff Foxworthy, LL Cool J

    S12:E6

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 BEST Episodes of Late Show with David Letterman

    READ
  7. Late Show with David Letterman Season 12 Episode 7 - Farrah Fawcett, The Clarks
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #7 - Farrah Fawcett, The Clarks

    S12:E7

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  8. Late Show with David Letterman Season 12 Episode 8 - John McCain, Tom Russell
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #8 - John McCain, Tom Russell

    S12:E8

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  9. Late Show with David Letterman Season 12 Episode 9 - Tim Russert, Snow Patrol
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #9 - Tim Russert, Snow Patrol

    S12:E9

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  10. Late Show with David Letterman Season 12 Episode 10 - Jane Pauley, Greg Giraldo
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #10 - Jane Pauley, Greg Giraldo

    S12:E10

    Jane Pauley promotes her new book, talk show, and bipolar disorder.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  11. Late Show with David Letterman Season 12 Episode 11 - National Hollerin' Champions, Neve Campbell, Keane
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #11 - National Hollerin' Champions, Neve Campbell, Keane

    S12:E11

    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.""

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  12. Late Show with David Letterman Season 12 Episode 12 - Regis Philbin, Hoobastank
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #12 - Regis Philbin, Hoobastank

    S12:E12

    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.""

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  13. Late Show with David Letterman Season 12 Episode 13 - Martin Short, Alan Jackson
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #13 - Martin Short, Alan Jackson

    S12:E13

    ""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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  14. Late Show with David Letterman Season 12 Episode 14 - Ray Romano, Avril Lavigne
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #14 - Ray Romano, Avril Lavigne

    S12:E14

    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.""

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  15. Late Show with David Letterman Season 12 Episode 15 - Drew Barrymore, Aron Ralston
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #15 - Drew Barrymore, Aron Ralston

    S12:E15

    Dave and Drew Barrymore discuss their long-dormant drinking problems; amputee Aron Ralston returns to the show to promote his new book.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  16. Late Show with David Letterman Season 12 Episode 16 - John Kerry, Green Day
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #16 - John Kerry, Green Day

    S12:E16

    Dave comments on the CBS News scandal; John Kerry performs the Top Ten and gets grilled by Dave; Green Day performs ""American Idiot.""

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  17. Late Show with David Letterman Season 12 Episode 17 - Dr. Phil, Gary Sinise
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #17 - Dr. Phil, Gary Sinise

    S12:E17

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  18. Late Show with David Letterman Season 12 Episode 18 - Kelly Ripa, Annie Duke, Elvis Costello
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #18 - Kelly Ripa, Annie Duke, Elvis Costello

    S12:E18

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  19. Late Show with David Letterman Season 12 Episode 19 - Stupid Human Tricks, Rob Lowe, Mos Def
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #19 - Stupid Human Tricks, Rob Lowe, Mos Def

    S12:E19

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  20. Late Show with David Letterman Season 12 Episode 20 - Julianne Moore, Tom Dreesen
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #20 - Julianne Moore, Tom Dreesen

    S12:E20

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  21. Late Show with David Letterman Season 12 Episode 21 - Queen Latifah, Jack Hanna
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #21 - Queen Latifah, Jack Hanna

    S12:E21

    As it does every season, Alan's hair changes colors; Dave comments on Conan O'Brien's promotion to hosting The Tonight Show in 2009, then openly asks if he can go back to NBC to host Late Night; a Kodomo Dragon (courtesy of Jack Hanna) startles Dave.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  22. Late Show with David Letterman Season 12 Episode 22 - John Goodman, Tom Waits
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #22 - John Goodman, Tom Waits

    S12:E22

    Dave mentions Paul's line of handbags again, while John Goodman promotes ""Father of the Pride"" and ""Center of the Universe.""

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  23. Late Show with David Letterman Season 12 Episode 23 - Joaquin Phoenix, Austin Stevens, Switchfoot
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #23 - Joaquin Phoenix, Austin Stevens, Switchfoot

    S12:E23

    Live via satellite, Rupert plays bingo; Dave shows a photo of Harry shaking hands with one of the Stangel brothers; Tony ruins the ending of another movie En Espanol, then goes off on one of his trademark rants.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  24. Late Show with David Letterman Season 12 Episode 24 - John Travolta, Tim Frisby, Pearl Jam
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #24 - John Travolta, Tim Frisby, Pearl Jam

    S12:E24

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  25. Late Show with David Letterman Season 12 Episode 25 - Richard Gere, Jason Randal
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #25 - Richard Gere, Jason Randal

    S12:E25

    CBS Mailbag: Dave shows an ad for Martha Stewart's farewell show, then has a heart-to-heart with ""Pete Rose"" (Gerard); magician Jason Randal dazzles Dave with some card tricks.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

Season 12 Ratings Summary

"Jon Cryer, Chris Kentis, Renee Olstead" is the best rated episode of "Late Show with David Letterman" season 12. It scored /10 based on 0 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 8/23/2004. This episode is rated 0.0 points higher than the second-best, "Dennis Leary, Sam Easterson".