If you weren't already having a hard time imagining "The Late Show" without David Letterman, these newly released photos will make it pretty much impossible.
While we're all excited to see what Stephen Colbert can do as host (and himself) on "The Late Show" this fall, it's going to be the end of an era when Letterman leaves the desk this May. CBS recently opened up its "Late Show" archives to reveal photos from more than 21 years of the show, featuring some classic gems that haven't been seen in years -- ones that truly capture the spirit of the '90s.
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After 33 total years in late night TV, Letterman will host his final "Late Show" on Wednesday, May 20 on CBS. For now, enjoy 17 photos that made us all too nostalgic below, and check out the full archive here. #ThanksDave.
Bill Murray Spray Paints Dave's Desk
CBS
Bill Murray spray paints Dave's desk on the first taping of "The Late Show with David Letterman" August 30, 1993 on the CBS Television Network. Photo: Alan Singer/CBS ©1993 CBS Broadcasting Inc.
Dennis Rodman Gives Letterman A 'Rodman'
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Dennis Rodman gives Dave a new look on "The Late Show with David Letterman," August 20, 1996 on the CBS Television Network. Photo: Alan Singer/CBS ©1996 CBS Broadcasting Inc.
Robin Williams And His Glorious 'Stache
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Robin Williams on the second taping of "The Late Show with David Letterman," August 31, 1993 on the CBS Television Network. Photo: Alan Singer/CBS ©1993 CBS Broadcasting Inc.
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Demi Moore Shows Off Her 'G.I. Jane' Skills
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Demi Moore on "The Late Show with David Letterman," July 2, 1996 on the CBS Television Network. Photo: Alan Singer/CBS ©1996 CBS Broadcasting.
Howard Stern -- Is That You?!
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Howard Stern in full drag on "The Late Show with David Letterman," December 20, 1995 on the CBS Television Network. This photo is provided by CBS from the Late Show with David Letterman photo archive. Photo: Alan Singer/CBS ©1995 CBS Broadcasting Inc.
A Young Chris Rock
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Chris Rock performs stand-up on "The Late Show with David Letterman," June 13, 1994 on the CBS Television Network. Photo: Alan Singer/CBS ©1994 CBS Broadcasting Inc.
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Paging Dr. Ross
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Actor George Clooney on "The Late Show with David Letterman," November 23, 1995 on the CBS Television Network. Photo: Alan Singer/CBS ©1995 CBS Broadcasting Inc.
Sean Connery's Bond-Level Entrance
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Sean Connery enters the stage via Jet Pack on "The Late Show with David Letterman," October 25, 1993 on the CBS Television Network. Photo: Alan Singer/CBS ©1993 CBS Broadcasting Inc.
There's Nothing More '90s Than 'Seinfeld' & 'X-Files'
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Jerry Seinfeld and David Duchovny from the "X-Files" on "The Late Show with David Letterman," November 10, 1995 on the CBS Television Network. Photo: Tony Esparza/CBS ©1995 CBS Broadcasting Inc.
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Dave Learns A Thing Or Two From Kid Scientists
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Kid Scientists on "The Late Show with David Letterman," March 3,1998 on the CBS Television Network. Photo: Alan Singer/ CBS ©1998 CBS Broadcasting Inc.
Fresh Off 'The Fresh Prince' And Ready For 'Men In Black'
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Will Smith talks with Dave on "The Late Show with David Letterman," November 22, 1996 on the CBS Television Network. This interview was taped in Miami as part of the "Late Show Road Trip". Photo: Alan Singer/CBS ©1996 CBS Broadcasting Inc.
Steve Martin Hasn't Aged A Bit
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Steve Martin with David Letterman on the 5th Anniversary of "The Late Show with David Letterman," November 23, 1998 on the CBS Television Network. Photo: Alan Singer/CBS ©1998 CBS Broadcasting Inc.
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Peter O'Toole Drinking And Smoking With A Camel
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Peter O'Toole makes a grand entrance riding a camel on "The Late Show with David Letterman," May 17, 1995 on the CBS Television Network. This show was taped in London, England. Photo: Alan Singer/CBS ©1995 CBS Broadcasting Inc.
Baking With Sophia
CBS
Dave bakes a delicious tiramisu with Sophia Loren on "The Late Show with David Letterman," January 27, 1999 on the CBS Television Network. Photo: Alan Singer/CBS ©1999 CBS Broadcasting Inc.
Happy Birthday, Love Cher
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Cher feeds cake to Dave for his birthday on "The Late Show with David Letterman," April 12, 1999 on the CBS Television Network. Photo: Alan Singer/CBS ©1999 CBS Broadcasting Inc.
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The One And Only Johnny Carson
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Johnny Carson in his first and only talk show appearance since stepping down as host of "The Tonight Show," gets a standing ovation by Letterman and the studio audience when he makes a surprise appearance on "The Late Show with David Letterman," in May, 13 1994 on the CBS Television Network. Photo: Tony Esparza/CBS ©1994 CBS Broadcasting Inc.
This Is What You Do When You Win The World Series
CBS
The New York Yankees Shower Dave with champagne on "The Late Show with David Letterman," Oct. 28 1996 on the CBS Television Network. Photo: Alan Singer/CBS ©1996 CBS Broadcasting Inc.
All photos provided by CBS from the "Late Show with David Letterman" photo archive.
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