CBS Announces Stephen Colbert Will Take Over Letterman's 'Late Show'
DETROIT (CBS Detroit) He's poked fun at Detroit more than once -- so will we embrace Stephen Colbert as the new host of the venerable "Late Show?"
The CBS Television Network announced Thursday that Colbert, the host, writer and executive producer of the Emmy and Peabody Award-winning "The Colbert Report," will succeed David Letterman as the host of THE LATE SHOW, effective when Letterman retires.
The five-year agreement between CBS and Colbert was announced by Leslie Moonves, President and CEO, CBS Corporation, and Nina Tassler, Chairman of CBS Entertainment.
Letterman, the legendary, critically acclaimed host of the CBS late night series for 21 years, announced his retirement on his April 3 broadcast. Colbert's premiere date as host of THE LATE SHOW will be announced after Letterman determines a timetable for his final broadcasts in 2015, the company said.
In a radio interview with CBS News, CBS President and Moonves said Colbert will not portray his Comedy Central character when he hosts THE LATE SHOW.
Specific creative elements, as well as the producers and the location for the Colbert-hosted show, will be determined and announced at a later date.
Colbert recently weather a media firestorm when his show's verified account Tweeted something considered insensitive to the Asian community as a send-up of the Redskins owner's decision to offer resources to the tribal community.
Colbert's account Tweeted that he would "show #Asian community I care by introducing the Ching-Chong Ding-Dong Foundation for Sensitivity to Orientals or Whatever."
The Tweet was removed after an outcry and, and Colbert said it wasn't written by him.
"Stephen Colbert is one of the most inventive and respected forces on television," said Moonves in a press release. "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."
"Stephen is a multi-talented and respected host, writer, producer, satirist and comedian who blazes a trail of thought-provoking conversation, humor and innovation with everything he touches," said Tassler, in a press release. "He is a presence on every stage, with interests and notable accomplishments across a wide spectrum of entertainment, politics, publishing and music. We welcome Stephen to CBS with great pride and excitement, and look forward to introducing him to our network television viewers in late night."
"Simply being a guest on David Letterman's show has been a highlight of my career," said Colbert, in a press release. "I never dreamed that I would follow in his footsteps, though everyone in late night follows Dave's lead."
Adding, "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."
A Comedy Central host and author, Colbert has appeared on series such as HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and NBC's "Law & Order: Criminal Intent." He was also a cast member and writer on ABC's "The Dana Carvey Show," wrote for "Saturday Night Live" and voiced roles in DreamWorks' animated films "Mr. Peabody and Sherman" and "Monsters vs. Aliens."