My Next Guest Needs No Introduction — Elon Musk

One of the most humanizing TV appearances in Musk's career. Letterman — notoriously a gruff interviewer — was visibly charmed and genuinely curious. The two drove a Tesla together at speed, discussed climate change with unusual candor, and Musk articulated why he believed electric transport was a moral imperative. Particularly notable was a moment where Musk became emotional discussing the prospect of humanity going extinct, describing it as 'incredibly sad.' The interview introduced Musk to a broad television audience unfamiliar with Silicon Valley in a warm, accessible format.