David Letterman extends agreement to host 'Late Show' through 2015

CBS and Worldwide Pants announced today a contract extension for David Letterman to host the "The Late Show with David Letterman" through 2015.

"Les and I had a lengthy discussion, and we both agreed that I needed a little more time to fully run the show into the ground," Letterman said.

"There is only one Dave, and we are extremely proud that he continues to call CBS 'home,' " said Leslie Moonves, president and CEO of CBS Corp.

Letterman is the longest-running late night talk show host in television history at 31 years and counting. He has been credited with redefining the talk show genre since "Late Night with David Letterman" premiered on NBC on Feb. 1, 1982. The groundbreaking show earned a Peabody Award, five Emmy Awards and 35 Emmy nominations during its 111/2 years on the air.

This year, the "Late Show with David Letterman" reached a milestone 20 years on the CBS Television Network. Since its debut on CBS on Aug. 30, 1993, the "The Late Show" has been honored with nine Emmy Awards, including six for Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Program, and a staggering 73 Emmy nominations.

"The Late Show" increased its audience 5 percent over last year during the opening week of the 2013-14 broadcast season, with a weekly average of 3.14 million viewers.

"The Late Show with David Letterman" is broadcast weeknights at 11:35 p.m.