Darlene Love and other traditions return to 'Letterman' (VIDEO)
Darlene Love, the Lone Ranger, and meatball target practice have all become holiday traditions on David Letterman's 'Late Show.'
Darlene Love, the Lone Ranger, and meatball target practice feature prominently on the holiday special of "Late Show with David Letterman." Seen here, David Letterman (r.) and comic Jay Thomas get ready to throw footballs at the Late Show Christmas tree during the annual Late Show Holiday Quarterback Challenge.
John Paul Filo/CBS/AP
Think holiday traditions and mistletoe, eggnog and caroling come to mind. David Letterman's Christmas includes target practice at a giant meatball, the Lone Ranger and singer Darlene Love.
Each has become part of CBS "Late Show" lore through the years, their appearances anticipated by fans like wrapped presents under a tree. The traditions return Friday.
Comic Jay Thomas will be back to try to knock a meatball off the top of a Christmas tree with a football and recount his Lone Ranger anecdote again. Love will sing "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" as fake snow flutters to the stage.
"The best traditions are the ones you can't plan," said Rob Burnett, executive producer of "Late Show."
"These happened very organically on our show and it is very silly and very goofy. It makes sense with the sensibility of the 'Late Show' to be part of our tradition."
Letterman's on-set Christmas tree is frequently decorated with oddities, such as the meatball on top instead of a star, angel or bow.
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