David Letterman returns to 'The Late Show,' talks show differences with Stephen Colbert

David Letterman returned home to a standing ovation. 

The former late-night talk show host was back at the historic Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City Monday night for the first time as a guest on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert."

Letterman came out to cheers from the audience who chanted his name.

"What happened? What are they doing now? Is there going to be trouble?" Letterman said. "Stephen, control your people."

The legendary host departed "The Late Show" in 2015 after 22 years behind the iconic desk.

"I will say this is the most enthusiastic audience I have been near since the night I announced I was quitting," Letterman said.

The "My Next Guest Needs No Introduction" host touched on being an empty nester and key changes since his time on the show.

"By the way, congratulations on the great success you and your staff have had," Letterman told his successor, Colbert. "It must be very, very gratifying and as a handful of people recognized, it's not easy, but you make it look very easy. So, again, congratulations to you and the entire staff."

Letterman also wished his wife a happy birthday and helped recreate the selfie he took with Colbert in 2014 when his replacement was announced. He also shared what he misses about hosting the show.

"I miss everything, I mean mostly. It's fun," he said. "Very few things in life provide one the opportunity. 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."

Letterman of course hasn't slowed down since his departure. His Netflix talk show has seen him chat with big names, including Billie Eilish, Will Smith, former President Barack Obama and Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

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