Watch Signature David Letterman Bits and Features [VIDEO]

We all knew the day was coming sooner, than later, when David Letterman would announce his retirement.  That day has come, and it stings, as we begin to digest the thought the end is in sight.

Do you realize, for over three decades this icon has been strolling out on the stage to the music led by his sidekick, Paul Schaffer.  This is a longer run then his mentor Johnny Carson.  I've been watching so long, that I would set up the VCR to record it!   I can't really get my brain around not being able to check in to see what Dave what funny thing Dave is saying or what crazy bit or feature the show is doing.

I've been a fan from the early days.  As much as I enjoy the show to this day, to really appreciate Letterman's clever and experimental comedy, you have to look to the early days.  Plenty of outrageous moments that had you wondering, what will happen next??  That brought back and that friend had me go high tech and record shows on the VCR!  You have to keep in mind, I had aspirations to be a radio personality growing up, so I viewed this comedy as must see learning material, watching greatness at work!

Well, as the sad news has hit, I gathered up various show clips from back in the 80s and more modern day highlights on CBS.  It's collection to scratch the surface of bits and features that defined the show and the comedy of David Letterman.

You can't talk long about the show and signature bits, without bringing up the most famous of them all, 'The Top 10 List.'

Watch this 'Top 10 Reasons I've Decided to Become a Teacher:'

Okay, here's vintage Dave.  Another reoccurring bit is 'Viewer Mail.'  It's an example of being clever and experimental by deciding to read the mail in the hallway around random people, instead of in the studio.

'Viewer Mail' from the hallway:

Funny man Chris Elliot would appear on the show as different characters, none as memorable as 'The Guy from Under the Seats.'  In this clip, the character pops up to win a prize, but sadly finds out he is ineligible.

'The Guy from Under the Seats' wins prize:

Stage Manager Biff Henderson has been with the show for long time.  Dave tapped into his raw awkwardness for bits.  One example was to Like going to the biggest sporting event of the year to Who could overlook the presence of stage manager Biff Henderson with his bits and features.  Watch here as Biff goes to the Super Bowl:

Another staple that was so dumb, yet fun. What else to call it, but 'Stupid Pet Tricks!' I found a clip featuring dogs on a treadmill.  This bit was really ahead of its time as these days YouTube is littered with lots of stupid pet tricks.

'Stupid Pet Tricks' - dogs on a treadmill:

Spontaneous fun on this final clip as Dave hits the streets to talk with people.  One stop has him going to a store called, 'Just Bulbs.'  He asks if they sell shades, and the lady working in the store says, no just bulbs and if you want shades, maybe go to a store called just shades.  Well, he does.  Great!

Letterman on the streets:

2015 will be here too soon, until then, we'll savor the time we have left.  I'll be sure to keep the VCR rolling.