Letterman finale draws record 14 million viewers

Wednesday’s show averaged 13.76 million viewers, its largest audience since February 1994, when it followed CBS’s primetime coverage of the Winter Olympics in Norway, the television network said.

There was a knock-on effect for British newcomer James Corden, host of “The Late Late Show,” who averaged four million viewers directly after Letterman signed off for the last time.

This September 21, 2009 file photo shows US President Barack Obama (L) joking with David Letterman during a taping of the Late Show with David Letterman in New York City. The king of late-night American television, David Letterman, broadcasts his final show Wednesday night, May 20, 2015, ending a 33-year run of unpredictable, caustic comedy that set him apart.

CBS said it was the show’s largest audience with any host. Corden, a major star in Britain but previously little known in America, took over the Los Angeles-based show in late March.

Letterman’s retirement aged 68 marks the end of a cultural institution in America and an extraordinary 33-year career.

His emotional final show, packed with jokes and farewells from US presidents, Hollywood stars and devoted fans, was praised by critics- AFP

#LettermanFinale: 13.8 million viewers, biggest audience since February 1994.

— Gary Levin (@GaryMLevin) May 21, 2015

Thank you for so many laughs! You will be greatly missed @Letterman pic.twitter.com/LG8oKlYTTb — Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) May 21, 2015

It was my first major talk show and I will never forget it. #ThanksDave @Letterman pic.twitter.com/seHtZUYmiN

— Gina (@HereIsGina) May 21, 2015

You’ll always be my Secret Santa @Letterman Happy to show you my gymnastics anytime!! https://t.co/u9Kb8KutF3 pic.twitter.com/E2i2SHAXdo

— Demi Moore (@justdemi) May 21, 2015