The Simpsons would never have been the same without the influence of David Letterman, so it makes sense that the show saw fit to pay a special tribute to the comedian, as he eases into retirement. Several early Simpsons writers actually came from working for Letterman, and at least one writer has said he considers The Simpsons to be a descendant of Letterman’s early work.
This is only the latest in The Simpsons’ recent extended nods to some of its influences, but I have no doubt that Letterman was one of the biggest.
