CBS announced that Stephen Colbert will replace David Letterman as host of the Late Show in 2015.
The decision comes exactly a week after Letterman announced his retirement. Reports surfaced earlier this week that the network was also in talks with Chelsea Handler in addition to Colbert.
“Stephen Colbert is one of the most inventive and respected forces on television,” said CBS President and CEO Les Moonves. “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. Meanwhile, Nina Tassler, chairman of CBS Entertainment continued, “Stephen is a multi-talented and respected host, writer, producer, satirist and comedian who blazes a trail of through-provoking conversation, humour and innovation with everything he touches.”
Following CBS’ Late Show announced, Comedy Central has confirmed that The Colbert Report (which airs on The Comedy Network in Canada) will end its run in 8 months. In a statement, the America cable network thanked Colbert, “Comedy Central is proud that the incredibly talented Stephen Colbert has been part of our family for nearly two decades. We look forward to the next eight months of the ground-breaking Colbert Reports and we wish Stephen the very best.”
The Late Show with David Letterman airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. on CBS and Omni.
Photo credit: CBS & Worldwide Pants, Inc. – Stephen Colbert appears on The Late Show with David Letterman on Wednesday, May 4, 2011.
