Late Show with David Letterman is an American late-night talk show hosted by David Letterman on CBS. The show debuted on August 30, 1993, and is produced by Letterman’s production company, Worldwide Pants Incorporated and CBS Television Studios. The show’s music director and band-leader of the house band, the CBS Orchestra, is Paul Shaffer. The head writer is Matt Roberts and the announcer is Alan Kalter. Of the major U.S. late-night programs, Late Show ranks second in cumulative average viewers over time and third in number of episodes over time. The show leads other late night shows in ad revenue with $271 million in 2009.

In most U.S. markets the show airs at 11:35 p.m. Eastern/Pacific time, but is recorded Monday through Wednesday at 4:30 p.m., and Thursdays at 3:30 p.m and 6:00 p.m. The second Thursday episode usually airs on Friday of that week.

In 2002, Late Show with David Letterman was ranked No. 7 on TV Guide’s 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time. CBS has a contract with Worldwide Pants to continue the show through 2014; by then, Letterman will surpass Johnny Carson as the longest tenured late-night talk show host.

Real Time with Bill Maher is a talk show that airs weekly on HBO, hosted by comedian and political satirist Bill Maher.

Much like his previous series Politically Incorrect on ABC, Real Time features a panel of guests who discuss current events in politics and the media. Unlike the previous show, however, guests are usually more well-versed in the subject matter: more experts such as journalists, professors and politicians participate in the panel, and there are fewer actors and celebrities included in it. Additionally, many guests appear via satellite. Also, Politically Incorrect was produced four days a week and was pre-recorded, while Real Time only produces one episode a week which is broadcast live.

Real Time is an hour-long program with a studio audience, airing live on Friday nights at 10:00 PM. It originates from Studio 33 at CBS Television City in Los Angeles. Prior to 2009, approximately 12 new weekly episodes aired in the spring, followed by another such set of new episodes in the fall. In 2009, the show began airing as one continuous season. Because of the live, current-events nature of the show, HBO does not re-air old episodes between breaks, though occasionally a repeat will be shown when the program takes a week off during the season.

Comedians Jimmy Carr, D.L. Hughley and Katherine Ryan tackle the world’s woes with help from a rotating crew of funny guests and an actual expert.

Join Doug Benson as he presides over actual courtroom arguments. The catch? Judge Doug makes all his rulings while extremely high. After hearing both sides, Doug smokes up with a guest bailiff and deliberates. (And yes, this is legal. Somehow.)

Kevin Hart takes time out of his busy schedule to introduce the world to some of his favorite up-and-coming comedians, including James Davis, Mario Tory and William “Spank” Horton. Now’s their chance to make it big and break on through to the Next Level.

Kocktails with Khloé raises the bar on the fun, surprising and real conversation that happens when friends get together at home to dish on their lives, pop culture, fashion, celebrity gossip and more. The series will reflect what Khloé does at her own home: hosting meals, sharing opinions and experiences, encouraging fun and honesty, and inviting friends to join the party. Taped in Los Angeles, the non-traditional set for Kocktails with Khloé is designed to replicate a true, intimate home environment; as such, it will feature a functional kitchen, dining area and living spaces – but it will not include a studio audience. In each episode, celebrity guests – including Khloé’s friends and family – will join her in the kitchen and around the table for a lively dinner party where engaging and relevant conversations will pair with cooking, party games and, of course, Kocktails. Adding to the elegant and fun party atmosphere will be Chef Sharone Hakman who will collaborate on menus and assist in entertaining.

Comedian Anthony Jeselnik interviews fellow comedians about their careers, influences and other topical issues.

Host Neil deGrasse Tyson brings together celebrities, scientists and comedians to explore a variety of cosmic topics and collide pop culture with science in a way that late-night television has never seen before. Weekly topics range from popular science fiction, space travel, extraterrestrial life, the Big Bang, to the future of Earth and the environment. Tyson is an astrophysicist with a gifted ability to connect with everyone, inspiring us all to to “keep looking up.”

It’s not her first talk show, but it is a first of its kind. Ideas, people and places that fascinate her, all in her unique style.

After winning plaudits and critical acclaim for their show during the Paralympic Games, comedian Adam Hills and regular panellists Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker return to provide a comic review of the significant moments of the past seven days. There will also be live studio challenges and recorded segments each week, including Alex’s quest to participate in the Rio Paralympics in 2016.

Bill Nye explores science and its impact on politics, society and pop culture. Each episode tackles a topic from a scientific point of view, dispelling myths, and refuting anti-scientific claims that may be espoused by politicians, religious leaders or titans of industry.

The Queen of Cuisine and the King of Kush are coming together to invite their celebrity friends over for a little potluck fun. Games, recipes and musical guests. It’s guaranteed to have everyone buzzing.