David Letterman to Leave ‘Late Show’, Stephen Colbert to Inherit Throne
You might already know that on April 3rd, David Letterman announced that after his 22-year run, he will be retiring as host of The Late Show on CBS in the next year. After his final broadcasts (TBA in 2015) he will step down, but the show will go on with a new host.
Exactly one week later, yesterday, on April 10th, CBS announced in an official statement that Stephen Colbert, host/anchor/writer/producer of Comedy Central’s Emmy Award-winning The Colbert Report will succeed Letterman as the host of The Late Show, in a five-year agreement. Colbert will be taking his writing staff with him to the show.
“I’m thrilled and grateful that CBS chose me. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go grind a gap in my front teeth.”
STEPHEN COLBERT
This is great news for Colbert fans, and late-night television viewers wishing for a fresher, edgier host.
On taking The Late Show seat, Colbert was adamant on having the blessing of his predecessor, and he got just that in a statement from Letterman saying “Stephen has always been a real friend to me. I’m very excited for him, and I’m flattered that CBS chose him. I also happen to know they wanted another guy with glasses.”
The Late Show airs weeknights at 11:35/10:35C on CBS
What do you think?