My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman

One of the most recognizable faces on TV for three decades, David Letterman has been continuing his career on Netflix with "My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman". Unlike his previous shows, this one is not a slapstick comedy opening with commentary about the day's events, transitioning into short interviews with the guests. We have here hour-long interviews. Most importantly, while the interviews take place in one location, the guests show Letterman things and people of significance to them. Barack Obama took him to the Edmund Pettus Bridge, while George Clooney took him to meet an Iraqi refugee. I'll be eager to see what Malala Yousafzai has to show him.

Don't get me wrong. Letterman still has a joke or two up his sleeve. It's just that here we get to see his human side as opposed to Dave the goof-off. With a thick beard, he seems worlds away from the man recognizable from late night TV. I hope to see the remainder of the show. It looks to be fun.

People have forgotten that David Letterman, behind the facade of the funny guy, always was a serious interviewer -perhaps not as punchy as Jon Stewart, but still pretty good. Always well prepared, knowing his facts, and having pointed questions. This new show is all about about having an in-depth conversation with the guest. Letterman did a pretty good job in the first episode. He was helped by the chart-topping quality of his first guest: Barack Obama. But if you listen carefully, the conversation was not random or free-flowing. It was carefully scripted, with civil rights and the Selma march -and the role of Congressman John Lewis- a central topic of discussion. Like a shadow commentary on current affairs -and the 45th President- without naming names or current events, only references to historical events that matter. This central piece was showcased within the context of pleasant and relaxed small talk and personal anecdotes, Letterman and Obama displayed a warm rapport, and the conversation was pleasant and interesting. This made the first episode very good viewing. I am concerned that guests in future episodes may not have equally compelling stories to tell. Hence the rating, as the interest of the show is dependent on the performance and personality of the guest, not Letterman. I anticipate I may watch some future episodes, but maybe not all.

It seems too many are coming to this show expecting The Late Show part 2.

That is dumb. Yes, it's David Letterman. We all get that. But in no way has this show been promoted or promised anything of the sort. This is a serious, sit down interview with very important, very influential people on a variety of very important topics. Yeah, there are some funny things mixed throughout, but that's incidental.

This is not about you laughing or thinking it's the Netflix answer to late night. It isn't. This is astounding, honest interviews with people about inspirational and heartbreaking things. And it's utterly fantastic.

Quit thinking that Letterman is out for laughs here, he isn't. Watch it with no expectations, and I think you'll be in for a treat.

Heart Warming interviews. Very interesting and surprising.

Cheerful ! Heart touching ! Very pleasant ! Very uplifting and inspiring .