THR's 35 Most Powerful People in Media

Letterman, 64, celebrated his 30th anniversary as a late-night host in January by inviting back Bill Murray, the first guest on his then-NBC late show in February 1982.

PHOTOS: THR's 35 Most Powerful People in Media

Although the field has grown increasingly competitive during the past three decades, with entries from Stephen Colbert to Andy Cohen vying for attention, Letterman’s show
— which moved to CBS in 1993 — still sits atop the TV food chain. In fact, for Hollywood’s A-list, along with D.C. heavyweights including President Obama, Letterman’s Late Show couch is a must-stop on the publicity tour.

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This season, the Indiana-born father of one, famous for his dry wit and top-10 lists, is averaging 3.3 million viewers and a 0.9 rating in the all-important 18-to-49 demographic. Despite rumblings about looming retirement, Letterman, who pulled ahead of rival Jay Leno for a period late last year, recently re-upped through 2014.