David Letterman to return with new Netflix talk show

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After signing off from CBS's "The Late Show" in 2015, David Letterman, the legendary late-night TV host, will make his way back onto the small screen in a six-episode talk show to stream on Netflix.

The show, which doesn’t yet have a name, will feature interviews with "extraordinary people" and segments from the field "expressing his curiosity and humor," according to a statement by Netflix on Tuesday, adding that the show is scheduled to premiere next year.

Screenshot of Netflix US's Twitter

Letterman told Hollywood entertainment trade paper Variety that one interview has already been booked for his first Netflix show, but would not reveal the name.

"It's somebody who means a great deal to me," he said. "The upbringing of this person is so multi-faceted it makes your head spin."

Letterman, who is well known for his quick wit, offbeat humor and silly stunts, stepped down from the presenter's chair two years ago. Debuting on NBC's "Late Night" and ending with CBS's " Late Show", the 70-year-old host produced over 6,000 episodes during a 33-year career in late-night TV.

‍David Letterman. /Netflix Photo

Late-night talk shows are especially popular in the US, where the format is believed to have originated. They generally take a light-hearted look at current affairs, as well as featuring guest interviews and comedy sketches.

Some notable late night talk shows have made their hosts famous: Jimmy Kimmel hosted the 89th Academy Awards ceremony, and the 59th Annual Grammy Awards was fronted by James Corden. Other notable hosts include Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Fallon.

From left to right: James Corden, Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel. /Photo via www.eonline.com

Though the late-night talk show format may vary across different countries or markets, it is becoming increasingly popular within China.

The "Jin Xing Show" is a wildly successful Chinese late night talk show hosted by Jin Xing, a transsexual former military dancer. Her sharp-tongued comments have brought her considerable fame and popularity, leading to her being given her own show, which is viewed by an estimated 100 million people every week.

Host of the "Jin Xing Show". /Photo via Dragon Television

Comedian Wang Zi Jian is another who has contributed to building China's late night talk show empire. Wang rose to prominence after hosting the "Tonight Post 80s Talkshow", and used to perform the traditional Chinese comedic routine known in English as crosstalk.