CBS announced today its choice to replace David Letterman on the “Late Show.” The lucky selection is … Stephen Colbert of the award-winning satirical comedy show, “The Colbert Report.” Colbert is the writer, host, and executive producer of the show, which has a loyal following and has won a number of awards including Emmys, Writers Guild trophies, and a Peabody.
Colbert got a five-year deal and is expected to take over the CBS late night show when Letterman retires next year. Letterman sent shockwaves through the entertainment world when he announced his retirement last Thursday. Since then, there has been a lot of chatter about a replacement and whether CBS would step out to the edge — and select a female host. Apparently, the network decided to go with a safe choice.
“Stephen Colbert is one of the most inventive and respected forces on television,” said Moonves, President of CBS in a statement. “David Letterman’s legacy and accomplishments are an incredible source of pride for all of us here, and today’s announcement speaks to our commitment of upholding what he established for CBS in late night.”
“Simply being a guest on David Letterman’s show has been a highlight of my career,”said Colbert in the statement. “I never dreamed that I would follow in his footsteps, though everyone in late night follows Dave’s lead.” Then he added: 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.”
Where will the new “Late Show” tape? CBS, is not revealing that just yet:”Specific creative elements, as well as the producers and the location for the Colbert-hosted LATE SHOW, will be determined and announced at a later date.” So that means local officials can continue to lobby to have the late night talk show moved to the Southland.
“The Colbert Report,” launched in 2005 on the cable channel Comedy Central, reportedly will wrap at the end of the year.
