Two words: Guest host. While David Letterman recuperates from Jan. 14 heart surgery, several folks have reportedly volunteered to lend Late Show a famous hand. CBS had no official word (though a network source does point to the strong ratings for postop reruns). Regardless, EW reviews those mentioned as junior-varsity Lettermen.
JERRY SEINFELD
Upside He's very available. Has the requisite smirk and misanthropy. Used to working with shiny-scalped sidekick.
Downside ''Didja ever notice how cold it is in here? What's the deal with that skyline?'' B+
ROSIE O'DONNELL
Upside A buddy of the First Lady's (a huge hit on Late Show), she could broker a ratings boom.
Downside Who wants to see the Queen of Nice at witching hour? B-
REGIS PHILBIN
Upside Affable, wacky, and shameless, he'd be game to strap on Dave's old Velcro suit.
Downside What with Millionaire, viewers may be getting their Phil of him. B
HOWARD STERN
Upside Stupid Lesbian Dwarf Stripper Tricks.
Downside Stupid Lesbian Dwarf Stripper Tricks. C
BURT REYNOLDS
Upside Even more opportunities for toupee jokes; good at avoiding speeding tickets (see Smokey and the Bandit).
Downside Aside from marrying Loni Anderson, hasn't evinced much of a sense of humor. D
