David Letterman is back on The Late Show as host, 8 years after leaving: ‘I’m missing everything’

On Monday night, David Letterman returned to his origins.

The 76-year-old comedian returned to New York City’s Ed Sullivan Theater for his first performance on The Late Show since stepping down as host several years ago.

Letterman received a minute-long standing ovation from the audience when he took the stage to interview his successor, Stephen Colbert.

He then addresses Colbert, perhaps putting to rest rumors of a feud between them that arose when Letterman appeared on various other late-night TV shows in recent years. “Congratulations on the great success you and your staff have had,” the Late Show with David Letterman alum stated.

“Thank you very much, Dave,” said Colbert, 59.

Letterman then wished his wife, Regina Lasko, a happy birthday before he and Colbert discussed the “strange job” of presenting a late-night television program, including their favorite theatrical hiding locations.

Letterman was later asked by Colbert what he “missed” about hosting “after all those 4,000 shows.”

“I’m missing everything,” Letterman said. “Mostly it’s fun.”

“Very few things in life provide one with the opportunity,” Letterman went on. “And I can’t speak for you or to you on this topic, but for me, if you muck one up, 24 hours later you get to try again, and that’s a pretty good device.”

He went on to say, “Then, when you do something you’re really proud of, you think, ‘My God, let’s do that again!'”

One of the highlights of Colbert’s appearance was when he brought out a photo he took as a guest with Letterman in the hosting chair in 2014 and asked the former talk show host if they could duplicate it.

“This is great because I was going to ask you if I could have my picture taken at the desk,” Letterman went on to say. “Do you mind?” Colbert said, “Let’s do it.”

As the two went over and exchanged places, the audience gave them another standing ovation and applauded. Colbert couldn’t help but ask Letterman, “What do you think of my supplies?” when they exchanged Is it similar to what you have over there, down there?”

“What? “All this weed?” Letterman said, eliciting laughter from Colbert and the crowd.

“By the way, in my day, I would’ve never let this happen,” Letterman concluded. “I apologize. Thank you very much.”

Colbert then took a selfie of the two smiling, about a decade after the original photograph was shot. “David Letterman, everybody!” declared Colbert at the close of the episode.

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert airs on CBS at 11:35 p.m. ET on weeknights.