Dave Letterman strikes back

The first shows to go dark when Hollywood's writers went on strike were the late-night variety programs. Viewers soon grew bored with reruns, and a couple of weeks ago, ABC's Nightline won the late-night ratings battle for the first time since Hurricane Katrina. Last week it happened a second time -- and suddenly the late-night hosts are getting a little worried. One result: CBS is now billing next week's collection of David Letterman reruns as a "best of" series -- "the most memorable appearances by Letterman's favorite women." They include reruns of shows with Madonna, Cher, Julia Roberts, Oprah Winfrey and Drew Barrymore.

UPDATE: Worry may be turning to panic. Variety reports that Letterman and other late-night hosts are getting ready to return to work.