David Letterman coming out of retirement for new Netflix series

David Letterman fans got quite the surprise Tuesday when Netflix announced a new series from the former late-night host.

The announcement revealed the unnamed new show would have six episodes and debut in 2018. According to the press release, the show plans to combine Letterman’s two main interests: “in-depth conversations with extraordinary people, and in-the-field segments expressing his curiosity and humor.” As of now, six one-hour episodes are planned.

Letterman expressed his appreciation and excitement for the upcoming show, as well.

“I feel excited and lucky to be working on this project for Netflix. Here’s what I have learned, if you retire to spend more time with your family, check with your family first. Thanks for watching, drive safely.”

The 70-year-old Letterman retired from late-night television back in 2015. Since then, he’s only made a few television appearances. Now, though, he seems ready for a comeback.

This new show “feels like exactly what I want at this stage of my life,” Letterman said in a phone interview with The New York Times.

However, if you’re looking for Letterman’s classic Top 10 lists or stupid pet tricks, you might be disappointed. The TV host says his new show will look much different than his past work.

“I can’t stop talking, so there’s no time limit,” he said. “I can just talk the ears off people, until they call the police. As with many things, I’m coming from a position of great ignorance, so the well of questioning is pretty much infinite. It’s a perfect fit for me.”

What about possible guests on Letterman’s new show? Well, the comedian said he created “a list of people that you know you’re not going to be able to talk to, and those are the people that I want to try to get to talk to.”

However, he also teased he’s already booked one guest who he’s “delighted about,” but can’t reveal.

And, what about the new, long, gray beard he’s grown since retirement? It looks like it’s joining him for the new show, as well.

“Between you and me, the beard is to cover up botched plastic surgery,” he joked to the The New York Times. “The beard has to stay. It would be hideous. Children would be frightened.”