you can have in life absolutely a musical genius paul schaffer. >> reporter: and his audience. >> the people who watch this show there is nothing i can do to ever repay you. thank you for everything. you've given me everything. >> reporter: before signing off for good. >> the only thing i have left to do for the last time on a television program, thank you and good night. >> that was willie geist reporting. joining me now christian finighan. over 33 years in late night tv how was he able to succeed? >> letterman changed the game. people throw that term around a lot. people use the word irreverent. letterman was antireverent. he came along and said this is all kind of dumb this entertainment biz, pageantry and