You won’t believe how funny CAITLIN CLARK on Letterman’s Netflix series is! They dive deep!

When it comes to basketball phenoms with charisma, quick wit, and star power that leaps off the court, Caitlin Clark is rewriting the playbook. And in her debut appearance on Netflix’s My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman, she proved that her talents extend far beyond the three-point line. What fans got wasn’t just another sit-down chat—it was an unforgettable journey of humor, heart, and a few surprise strikes at the duckpin bowling alley.

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The episode opens with Caitlin and Letterman heading to Long’s Bakery in Indiana—a local treasure and an unexpected setting for two celebrities to kick things off. From the jump, Clark’s dry humor takes center stage. “I’ll just take a Bloody Mary,” she jokes while surrounded by trays of donuts, instantly breaking the ice and reminding everyone watching that yes, Caitlin Clark is not just one of the most electric athletes in the world—she’s also hilarious.

As the two make their way through the bakery, Letterman decides to pull a “TV money” move and buys one of everything for everyone around. Clark plays along with her signature understated charm, and the moment sets the tone for an episode filled with genuine chemistry and laughter. For a girl from Iowa who just finished one of the most dominant runs in college basketball history, Caitlin feels entirely at home cracking jokes and rolling doughnuts with an iconic late-night host.

But this wasn’t just a comedy special. Caitlin Clark’s episode goes deeper than most segments on My Next Guest. It explores the unique mix of intensity and humility that has made her a household name. Letterman, a proud Indiana native himself, brought her to Ball State University—his alma mater—where she walked out to a standing ovation at the auditorium. The crowd, packed with fans of all ages, erupted in applause, recognizing the trailblazer that Caitlin has become.

In a particularly touching moment, Clark admits that she never imagined any of this—never expected to see fans wearing her jersey, or to be greeted with roaring crowds off the court. It’s a sincere reflection that grounds the episode in reality. Her path was never preordained. It was built on raw effort, relentless determination, and the audacity to dream a little bigger.

The conversation drifts into her early days, revealing stories that long-time fans may have heard in bits and pieces, but never like this. One story stands out: young Caitlin, frustrated by the lack of a proper three-point line, had her father tear up part of their driveway just to paint one. She was obsessed with mastering those “logo bombs”—deep three-point shots that have now become her signature. She even tried convincing her parents to let her do it in the backyard, but that idea was quickly vetoed. That determination? That competitive edge? It was there all along.

Then came the duckpin bowling. Yes, you read that right. David Letterman took Caitlin Clark duckpin bowling—a smaller, harder version of regular bowling—and the competition quickly got real. As they laced up their shoes, Letterman joked about not even being ready while Clark, eyes locked on the pins, was already strategizing her shots.

When Letterman managed a surprisingly solid roll, he extended his hand for a celebratory high-five. Clark hesitated, deadpan, “You’re my opponent.” The line was delivered with perfect comedic timing, and the audience at home was rolling. It was a fun, spontaneous moment that highlighted her playful nature and intense drive to win—even during a lighthearted segment.

“I don’t even have my shoes on!” Letterman protested, while Caitlin, focused and fearless, rolled another shot down the lane. “Let me get warmed up so I can beat you,” she quipped. Even when she injured her knee slightly from trying too hard during duckpin bowling (yes, really), she laughed it off, adding to the comedy gold.

But it wasn’t all jokes and pins. Letterman took time to speak with Iowa coach Lisa Bluder, who offered deep insight into Clark’s growth as a leader. Bluder shared a quote that summed up her approach to coaching Caitlin’s fire and passion: “You don’t say whoa to a racehorse.” Clark’s emotions have always been close to the surface—she lives for the game, and that intensity sometimes spilled over early in her career.

There were moments when she’d walk off the court, silent and frustrated, after a tough play or a misstep. Bluder and her staff recognized that while Clark’s drive was unmatched, leadership meant more than just performance—it meant being mindful of how your reactions impact your teammates. So, they showed her video clips of her reactions—not to criticize, but to help her grow. It was a powerful moment of reflection for Clark and one that helped shape the confident, team-oriented leader she is today.

Oh, and about those hugs? Bluder couldn’t stop smiling as she described Caitlin as “the best hugger you’ve ever had.” She went all in—head on your shoulder, arms tight, heartfelt and sincere. Letterman, pretending to pout, joked that despite spending two full days filming with Clark, he never got a hug. “What does that say about me?” he deadpanned. Clark just laughed.

The episode also dared to go into the controversial territory of WNBA physicality and whether or not Clark was being “targeted.” Her response? Balanced and composed. She didn’t believe she was being singled out in a malicious way but acknowledged that the transition from college to the WNBA is a leap in physicality. “These women have had years to work on their bodies,” she explained. “That’s what I’m focused on too—getting stronger, more durable.”

Rather than blame or deflect, she showed respect to the athletes who paved the way and laid out her plan to elevate her own game accordingly. It’s this maturity and perspective that continue to set Caitlin Clark apart from other rising stars.

One of the more lighthearted yet illuminating questions came from Letterman’s wife, who wanted to know what Caitlin studied in college—and whether it’s helped her in her pro career. Clark, with a smirk, replied, “Marketing.” The audience laughed, especially knowing that she was one of the highest-earning college athletes in terms of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) endorsements. With deals from Nike, Wilson, State Farm, and Gatorade, among others, it’s safe to say she understood the assignment.

And of course, no conversation about Clark’s rise would be complete without the infamous Michigan game. That breakout performance, where she nailed four three-pointers in six minutes and scored 30 points, still resonates with fans and herself. “We lost the game,” she recalled, “but I remember seeing my highlights on SportsCenter. That was the ‘oh my gosh’ moment. I grew up watching that countdown. I made it.”

There was also a gem of a story about a scrimmage against a boys’ team during her Iowa days. Clark went on a scoring frenzy—dropping 22 points in just two minutes. It was a testament not just to her skill but to the unrelenting mindset that she brings to every court she steps on.

The episode, which clocks in just over 30 minutes, manages to blend laughs with legacy, jokes with jaw-dropping stats, and humanity with humor. Whether it’s the bakery antics, the duckpin battles, the heartfelt hugs, or the behind-the-scenes glimpses into her leadership evolution, this Netflix segment feels like a love letter to Caitlin Clark’s journey—and the journey ahead.

For fans who have followed her since her Iowa days, this episode is a celebration. For newcomers, it’s a perfect introduction. And for everyone else, it’s a reminder that superstars can be goofy, grounded, and great all at once.

So yes, Caitlin Clark is that funny. That real. That competitive. And after this appearance, even more people are going to fall in love with her story.

Check it out on Netflix—you’ll laugh, you’ll cheer, and you’ll probably wish you got one of those famous Caitlin Clark hugs too.

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