Stephen Colbert To Replace Letterman On 'Late Show'
NEW YORK (CBS13) – Comedian Stephen Colbert will be succeeding David Letterman on "The Late Show," CBS announced Thursday.
Letterman announced on his April 3 show that he would be retiring in 2015, but didn't give a specific date. He has been hosting "The Late Show" on CBS for the past 21 years.
Colbert has been the host, writer and executive producer of Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report" since 2005, a parody cable news show where he portrays a right-wing pundit.
"Stephen Colbert is one of the most inventive and respected forces on television," said CBS President and CEO Leslie Moonves in a statement Thursday. "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."
A timetable for Letterman's last broadcasts has not been hammered out.
"Simply being a guest on David Letterman's show has been a highlight of my career," said Colbert in a statement. "I never dreamed that I would follow in his footsteps, though everyone in late night follows Dave's lead."
Colbert added that he's thrilled and grateful that CBS chose him to succeed Letterman.
"Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go grind a gap in my front teeth," Colbert said.