My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman (2018– ) User Reviews

Long in-depth interviews without the ad break

[soulwarrior-1 · 9/10 · 17 January 2018]

I always enjoyed interesting guests in the various late shows having a bit more time to tell an interesting story. However, even if they had the full 10 minutes, you felt like you were missing out as they had to be cut off after one or two anecdotes. Additionally, the ad breaks always disrupted the flow of the conversation and even if you decided to catch up the day after on YouTube, you'd have to search for all the various clips in the correct order to have seen it all.

All of that is now gone. "My next guest needs no introduction" allows Letterman to do what he seemingly always wanted to do - just have an in-depth conversation with an interesting guest, but without any interruptions. You can tell he's enjoying this and he seems to be willing to make the most of this new format. In the first episode, we have already seen him put a lot of research into his guest, Barack Obama. Future episodes will show us whether Letterman will continue to put as much effort into his job as interviewer, but I have very high hopes and think this show will continue to be revealing and entertaining.

Overall, I quite enjoyed the first episode and I have very high hopes for the episodes to come.

It's not a late night talk show

[maxhealthproductions · 8/10 · 31 May 2022]

I've seen a lot of reviews stating that the show was not funny, not in the same vein as his talk show, etc.

This is not the late show with David letterman. This is not a show of him interviewing who ever the new hot star is promoting the new hot movie. This is Letterman interviewing people that he personally finds fascinating. This isn't a stand up routine or even a comedy. He's asking the deeper questions and giving them a platform to really speak without being edited by networks. He uses this show to give a look into the people themselves not just their new project. I personally have enjoyed the relaxed nature where he is able to bring out a side of the celebrities, and what they have experienced.

If your looking for the late show this is not it.

Very interesting

[katesorensen-18126 · 9/10 · 2 June 2018]

Heart Warming interviews. Very interesting and surprising.

I think people have the wrong idea...

[klooney-3 · 10/10 · 5 March 2018]

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.

The Longer Interviews You Wanted To See

[iNickR · 14 January 2018]

Sometimes Letterman had guests you wanted to see more of, rather than the 5 or 6 minutes they were allotted on his previous shows with CBS and NBC. Consider it done now with Dave's new Netflix show, "My Next Guest Needs No Introduction".

Gone are (most) wise cracks and self deprecating humor Letterman was famous for on his late-night shows. There's no band, no lengthy witty monologue about current events, and really no set either. Filmed in a college auditorium in New York, the "set" is two leather chairs and a table sitting in the middle of a large stage. Lights, cameras and other technical equipment are sometimes seen in various shots throughout the program but that's the whole feel of the show; it's not an error and it fits nicely with the format.

We see a different Letterman here than the one we're used to. A white-bearded, easygoing fellow who appears to be a lot more chill and in his element. There's no pressure to keep people laughing and tuning in, and it shows on screen (that's not a bad thing). There's no hard-nosed journalism, thankfully. Consider it like this: two friends chatting about life, and you the viewer, are invited to listen in. Very personal questions, and very personal answers that are from the heart.

Letterman talks with the kind of guests you wish you saw more of when they were on his late-night shows. "My Next Guest Needs No Introduction" (and yet he does introduce them) is nearly an hour long, broken up with brief produced segments to keep the flow going. You probably won't catch every episode; rather you'll want to see the ones with people you admire or those whom always have something interesting to say. And that's OK; that's just the kind of show it is. Personally, I tuned in to the first episode with Barack Obama (his first talk show appearance since leaving office), and I'll probably watch the next episode with George Clooney, where Letterman makes a surprise visit to the Clooney home. Unlike many Netflix shows the entire season has not been released all at once.

I like what I've seen so far

[lee_eisenberg · 10/10 · 10 February 2018]

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.

Brilliant

[frankkristianzen · 10/10 · 12 January 2018]

Maybe the best show Letterman have ever done. A rock solid start with Mr Obama. Well done Letterman and keep up the good work in the following episodes.

Lengthy discussions with interesting people in the public eye

[livshaw · 10/10 · 9 April 2018]

I love the idea of a talk show revolving around natural conversation. The dialogue is interesting so I don't need the fireworks and insane showmanship to remain engaged which seems to be a big part of a lot of other shows. It has more of a talk radio feel and that leads to more in depth conversations which is missed now in the age of technology and short attention spans. Great variety of guests so far! :)

You May Like.

[REXNE · 6/10 · 1 November 2020]

I watched the obama episode, I expected it to be more fun, but it wasn't. It had a documentary-style content about the person's life, he was good at it.

A FAR MORE RELAXED BUT ENGAGING FORMAT

[advlandvideo · 8/10 · 3 November 2018]

It should come as no surprise that this is Dave Letterman's element. A more or less free-form talk show. Unlike his more structured network shows, his personality comes through in more serious dialog and not just his signature humor. With a single guest, Dave has adopted a more conversational interview style. And the result is a more relaxed and engaging interview. Each interview is accompanied by related but much more personal clips than one expects from a typical talk show.

Pleasantly suprised.

[joanied6-122-723078 · 9/10 · 21 April 2020]

These interviews really show the human side of these celebrities. Only someone with David Letterman's reputation and the respect people feel for him, could bring out the warmth. I was a huge fan of James Lipton and was pleasantly surprised to enjoy these interviews.

It's all about David

[florisklaver76 · 4/10 · 11 November 2020]

David is so self indulgent in this show it's embarrassing. I have just watched four interviews and all he does is tell stories about himself and his son. He doesn't let the interviewee finish sentences. Doesn't ask any follow up or in depth questions and relies heavily on the fame of the guest to make a somewhat interesting show. It seems David has become a mediocre interviewer and should just leave the honor to himself and retire so we can remember him for the great man he is (was).

Letterman the interviewer

[jazfro · 15 January 2018]

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.

Fantastic and educational

[Med-Jasta · 10/10 · 14 March 2020]

I was looking for the next David Letterman show but what I got was so much more. Most of the guest are very informative and have taught me a lot, causing my to buy their books or whatever to learn more about them. The show is surprisingly emotional and might make you cry. People share their lives and the obstacles they've overcome with a positive message of how to help others. I didn't expect this and was pleasantly surprised.

Letterman is such a good interviewer, he lets the guest talk and doesn't interrupt them to share his own story or thoughts like Conan.

I really liked the people I didn't know anything about because I learned so much. The only bad one is Kayne. I like or liked him, I'm still not sure. But during the interview he is... well Kayne. He doesn't talk to David but instead the audience. And he doesn't really engage with a conversation. He has really lost his grip on reality and is lost in his celebrity world. He thinks his art can change the world and has lost sight of reality.

The Obama episode was great. Kinda bad to watch now in 2020 because it reminds me of how presidents should be. And how good we used to have it. I took this great man for granted at the time. I knew he was special but I didn't appreciate him how I should have. They're all really good and fascinating people. Tiffany Haddish was amazing and I had no idea who she was.

Thanks Dave for another great show.

How Fantastic is Dave Really?

[IamSchecky · 10/10 · 1 June 2018]

Depending on your age, you may not know Dave's history as a comedian. Since he's been gone from late night TV, we get a sharper look at his genius and compelling talent through this series of Netflix shows. Every episode brings someone bigger than life and nearly an hour of their life story and/or accomplishments with Dave's one of a kind crafty wit drawing out the scenery in a way that makes one realize how spectacularly talented Letterman truly is, and how much he's missed. I found every guest at least a 10 for intriguing, with one exception, and Dave always a 10. This is a rare taste of post Late Night talent you really shouldn't miss. It's unlike what you might expect and more heartfelt than I can describe. I've watched the Obama episode 3 times and others twice. The Jay-Z episode didn't seem to connect like the others but I'd rate the other episodes high enough that the average would still be a 10. Do yourself a favor and don't miss this gem. See how you'd rate it. No doubt you'll enjoy though. This is the end of Season 1 with 7 episodes and I really hope there's another season planned!

rich and rewarding

[ivko · 10/10 · 1 June 2019]

David Letterman was and is a generational talent. As the era of the single late night host came to an end with Carson's retirement and Dave's subsequent departure from his network, he ushered in a change to the industry he was a leading voice of. Now, in the twilight of his career, Dave reveals what a singular talent he is by bringing something to entertainment that is simultaneously new and fresh and reminiscent of the past.

There have been, of course, numerous long-form deep dive interview shows throughout the years. And it's not uncommon for entertainers and newscasters who find themselves retired from their primary careers but with a lifetime of contacts and experience and the energy to use it, to start a slower-paced but more informative interview show. What's different here is that Dave conducts his interviews as almost a documentary that has been chopped down to something more condensed, something that is a representation of his mind and experiences from meeting people.

It isn't just about the subject of the interview or the interview itself. The show brings together cuts of Dave meeting people in their homes, in their parents homes, at their workplaces, etc., and splices it together with Dave exploring the environment around his guests, Dave warming his audience with teasers about the guest, and the interview itself. It's all mixed together with an internal logic that comes from his mind; a reflection of his personality, his sharp comedic wit, and how he sees his guest in a larger context.

Interview questions might seem bizarre and nonsensical, such as asking what his guest had for breakfast, only to lead to a deeper discussion about the medications that person takes and the conditions surrounding it. Or he might ask a young woman about school and going to classes and school games that sounds like a conversation you might have with your grandfather, only to have that merge with a discussion of a traumatic event on a school bus earlier in her life. And you begin to see this logic emerging about how Dave himself sees this person: as a young woman full of potential and intellect and passion who survived this horrific ordeal that he would almost rather not think about, but does because he's amazed at her perseverance and her resemblance to other young woman her age.

Interview questions can jump topics abruptly or include a short monologue about himself or seamlessly drift in and out of previous footage so that you have to pay attention to the broader logical thread, because you are inside his mind now. The logic is his logic and you are only along for the ride. It is an old master's prerogative: he isn't selling you anything, he is letting you tag along and he hopes you will enjoy the experience but he will not coddle you.

And the guests all seem to get this, even the truly powerful and successful ones. They let him steer the ship because they sense that being there is as much their privilege as having them is his. Dave sporting an insane Methuselah beard, wearing comfortable clothes, and asking inane and sometimes even lightly mocking questions is still Dave. Poor health and a different technological and entertainment landscape robbed the previous generation of Carson's graceful bow, but we are fortunate enough to get Letterman.

So yah, it's a rich and rewarding show and well worth watching. It won't spoon feed the interview the way late night television interviews have to, but you'll get an experience with one of televisions most complex, fascinating, and flawed personalities and a once in a generation talent.

If you gave it a 7 or lower your a trump supporter

[javier_garcon-47-656552 · 10/10 · 14 June 2019]

It is obvious the haters that rate this are Republicans, Gang members of a Gang that is a dying party! The Republican ship is sinking so are the Democrats! Financial Oligarchy is the reason of thier destruction and David Letterman just proves it with his interviews indirectly! People speaking honestly proves what America really wants not what the Politcal Parties want you to want. This show is so amazing I found myself laughing so hard, David Letterman should run as a Independant President of the United States! That or Elyn Degenrous. I am invested emotionally on this show and I hope they have 10 more seasons of this show because there are so many influential people that needs to be interviewed openly. It proves we dont need music or branding of a product or a bunch of fake laughs to get people to watch! Netflix is not about that they are about documentaries and having there own unique programs and selling thier monthly subscriptions! I love Netflix! If PBS ever collapsed due to finance I hope Netflix will buy it out and keep it going forever. Thank you David Letterman for coming out of retirement and have my mind working again! My brain is on fire! I cant believe how you influenced me so much now I need to put those thoughts into action.

Very easy going and chill format, enjoyed it a lot

[amar756 · 10/10 · 1 November 2019]

This is not a late night show like he used to do, the format is more relaxed and open. David has still got it, and its not just about comedy its beyond that.

Loved the episodes with Obama, Clooney and Shah Rukh Khan.

FU to THE " critics"

[nmoodley-46601 · 9/10 · 19 October 2020]

This is not the late show...part 2 The show is like a formal podcast with an audience where Dave has an honest human to human conversation with moments of humor in it ( you know like normal conversation have) Giving you greater insight to the individual he's interviewing. ITS a brilliant show and I can't wait for season 3 especially Dave Chappelles episode

Not that special

[diogomiguelcostarodrigues · 4/10 · 24 May 2022]

I really dont understand the people that gives such a high rating to this program.

Its a very normal, sometimes boring and if it wasnt for the guest interesting background I wouldnt even care to watch a full episode.

For me, its so anoying that David Letterman is always cutting the answers of the guests and always talking about his personal life (almost always with his son). Hey is not the person we want to ear.

But well, seems like the fans of him like better his stories and jokes instead of the guests.

This is not any-other show !

[ravirajanaidu · 13 January 2018]

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

Intimate, insightful, and very entertaining.

[FinnHudsonFromElsewhere · 10/10 · 4 August 2020]

While it doesn't contain a lot of the trademark craziness of Letterman's older talk shows, My Next Guest functions well as an insightful and interesting series. His interviews with Obama, George Clooney, and Howard Stern in particular are among my favorites. Combine that with a great score by Paul Shaffer, My Next Guest is definitely a Netflix original worth checking out.

It's an opened door chit chat...

[maroinjoundi · 9/10 · 24 September 2019]

This show is beautiful, that's a simple, but on point word for this show.

It's not your typical late show in cable, i don't even think it's a late show. There's not a real format, but it's more like David invites friend, who is also a celebrity of course, and has with them a normal conversation: work, like, passions, future, past. And we can watch that chatting between the two and although not really part of it physically, you get involved since it's such an intimate spot.

If you like David Letterman this is just more of his brilliant, fluent, smart mind. Actually, it's just that, a dark spot enlightened by him and his guests.

Sha Rukh Khan

[nasimaktar-19906 · 10/10 · 27 October 2019]

Best series of this show I think. SRK is not only actor he is king of the billions smile 🙂

Dave was and still is the best. Great series.

[stayinflyte · 8/10 · 24 May 2022]

Such a great interview/talk show. It's so good to see Dave back doing what he does best. His ability to use humor and honesty to put people at ease is delightful and engaging. He can take the most uptight, self-obsessed celebrity and almost immediately bring them down to earth with the rest of us. Dave has aged beautifully. Highly-recommended show. 👍🏼💯