Top Ten List / Best of the Top Ten List

Background and origin

The Top Ten List was not originally a regular segment of Late Night, but was added as a way of mocking People magazine, which routinely featured such lists (as well as 'Worst 10' lists). Letterman had once made an off-hand remark on the show that he found the People lists to be annoying, and began his own lists as a way of ridiculing what had by then become an increasingly recurring trend in other periodicals and magazines. Ironically, the satirical Letterman Top Ten List had become so popular that it became a signature feature of the show, and at one point a series of compilations were released for sale in bookstores.

Presentation

The entries are read by Letterman in reverse, countdown order, and are accompanied by a drum roll performed by CBS Orchestra drummer Anton Fig. The conclusion of the list is then followed by a brief performance by the band, usually a pop song relating to the topic of the list in some way (a common example being Michael Jackson's "Bad" being played after a list such as "Top Ten Signs You've Hired a Bad Accountant"). Sometimes the song chosen by bandleader Paul Shaffer relates to the list in such an obscure manner that Letterman will inquire about it.

Letterman makes no effort to hide any displeasure when reading a subpar list, usually provoked by tepid audience response. He will often tease the audience by threatening to not complete the list, but is often rebuked by playful protests from the audience and Shaffer.

Occasionally the list is given by a guest presenter (such as John Malkovich reading "Ten Things That Sound Creepy When Said by John Malkovich"). At times the list has also been given by a series of presenters, with each providing one entry (such as the 2000 list for "Ten Things I've Always Wanted to Say to Dave", presented by a group that included Rudolph Giuliani, Cindy Crawford, and Dave's mom).

Two animated characters thus far have recited a Top Ten list on the show: Homer Simpson and Peter Griffin.

Perhaps to break the monotony of daily list, the show will occasionally add a twist to the presentation, sometimes by altering the nature of the list itself. One notable example occurred on November 27, 2001. Introduced as "Top Ten Ways Osama bin Laden Can Improve His Image," the list consisted of only one entry: "#10: There's no way he can improve his image. He's a murdering, soul-less asshole."

A common source of confusion regarding the Top Ten List is why the #1 entry is usually seen as the least funny. This even inspired the Late Show to run a pre-taped bit in 1998, humorously exploring the apparent mystery, and to mention it again on December 29, 1999, when the list "Top Ten Phrases That Were Not Spoken This Millennium," included the #1 entry of, "Why is the number one always so damn funny?" The most sensical explanation is merely that because upon its completion, the list is followed by audience applause and the band performing, so any significant laughter provoked by a particularly funny #1 entry would essentially be cancelled out.

On September 12, 2007, the twelve NASCAR drivers who had just qualified for the Chase for the Nextel Cup presented the first ever "Top Twelve" list in the history of the Late Show.

Letterman's Top Ten List is syndicated as a short-form feature, along with several other late-night shows, to radio stations across the country by CBS subsidiary Westwood One.

Sometimes the list would be long if video clips are incorporated such as "Top 10 Bush Moments" and the music store featuring Jack Black, where number one simply has him reciting a verse for a minute.

Top 10 things that almost rhyme with Pea

1. Heats
2. Rice
3. Moss
4. Ties
5. Needs
6. Lens
7. Ice
8. Nurse
9. Leaks
10. Meats

-Wikipedia