Letterman Looks to Make a Return Next Monday

David Letterman’s latest “Late Show” prognosis: Look for Dave’s return next Monday, hosting three nights a week initially, with guest hosts to fill out the week, says a high-ranking executive close to the show.

It had been rumored that Letterman, still recovering from quintuple-bypass heart surgery performed Jan. 14, would return tonight, a forecast that has now been pushed back a week.

Meanwhile, “Late Show” executive producer Rob Burnett says he was heartened by the first week of “Late Show Backstage,” the quasi-reruns the show debuted last week, featuring celebrities recalling their appearances on the show. The format--and the presence of such stars as Julia Roberts and Jerry Seinfeld--helped keep “Late Show” competitive with rival “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno.” But even Burnett questioned whether the strategy could sustain viewer interest, and he noted that if Letterman could return before the end of February sweeps, the highly anticipated event would give “Late Show” a unique ratings push.

In what has become a ritual reminiscent of a White House press briefing, Burnett got on the phone for a general update on Letterman’s potential return date without revealing much. He said little about his boss’ condition--or whether the show would commit to guest hosts. And he would only leave open the possibility of a return next Monday.

CBS officials, too, have found it hard to penetrate the wall of privacy surrounding Letterman.

“We’re four weeks into this, and all I really can say is, ‘Dave had a quintuple bypass, he’s recovering well, and he’ll be back soon,’ ” Burnett said.

Tonight’s “Late Show Backstage” features Letterman sidekick Paul Shaffer chatting with Drew Barrymore and Ray Romano. Robin Williams, Kathie Lee Gifford and Alec Baldwin are expected to help fill out the week, Burnett said.