Countdown To 'The Late Show With Stephen Colbert'
NEW YORK (CBSLA.com) — The "Late Show with Stephen Colbert" makes its debut Tuesday night and on the eve of the premiere, the comedian opened up about his new gig.
Colbert is taking over the slot that David Letterman held for 22 years. Before Letterman's final show in May, Colbert asked the late-night legend for advice.
"I said: 'Do you mind me asking these questions?' And he said: 'No. No one's ever asked me these questions before.' I said: 'Really? No one's ever asked you? They seem like pretty basic questions to me.' And he goes: 'Well, who would know to ask them? How many people would even understand the answers I'm giving you?' And I thought, oh that's nice. We're two guys talking shop, who've got a very unusual job. And that was a very nice way of him sort of handing me the keys," Colbert said.
"That first week or so, maybe even the first couple of weeks, you've had all this time to prepare and put things in the can, and it really is an opportunity to put your best foot forward," said Brian Lowry, columnist for Variety magazine.
Colbert said he also asked his former boss, Jon Stewart, for some pointers as he prepared to take over CBS' "The Late Show."
The comedian offered a sneak peek inside the newly renovated Late Show's historic home, the Ed Sullivan Theater, where he will make his debut Tuesday night.
"We've restored it back to its 1927 theater," the comedian said. "It's beautiful. There's stained glass, gothic architecture. It is just a beautiful and happy spot to be on that stage."
