Top 10 List

From Freepedia

In general terms, a Top Ten List is an ordered ranking of ten items in order of preference.

The Top Ten List has, in recent years, become a comedic form, originated on David Letterman's late-night talk shows. The Letterman "Top Ten List" format takes the form of a sequence of humorous items under a topic heading (eg. "Top Ten Signs Your Kid Had A Bad First Day At School" or "Top Ten Rejected James Bond Gadgets"), presented in reverse order from "Number Ten", counting down to "Number One". Often the topic relates to a current news item or pop culture event. A drumroll is often used to heighten the dramatic effect of the countdown. Normally the list is read by Letterman, ocassionally the list will be presented by one or more other appropriate people (such as the "Top Ten Thoughts That Go Through My Mind At The Daytime Emmy Awards", presented by Dr. Phil).

Letterman's format for the "Top Ten List" has been widely copied and parodied on other radio and TV programs, in TV and radio commercials, and on the web.

External Link

Late Show with David Letterman Top Ten list archive