Stephen Colbert named new host of CBS 'Late Show' to replace David Letterman

Betallsports · Apr 10, 2014

Stephen Colbert named new host of CBS 'Late Show'
April 10, 2014, 12:03 PM EST
By Tony Maglio
TheWrap

CBS has named Stephen Colbert as new host of the "Late Show," effective when David Letterman retires.

Colbert inked a five-year deal with CBS. Letterman announced his pending 2015 retirement on April 3.

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, CBS said.

"Stephen Colbert is one of the most inventive and respected forces on television," President and CEO of CBS Corporation Leslie Moonves said 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."

Tell us on Facebook: Is Colbert a good choice?

"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," Nina Tassler, chairman of CBS Entertainment, added. "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," Colbert commented. "I never dreamed that I would follow in his footsteps, though everyone in late night follows Dave's lead."

"I'm thrilled and grateful that CBS chose me," he added, joking: "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go grind a gap in my front teeth."

"The Late Show" is broadcast weeknights on the CBS Television Network from 11:35 PM to 12:37 AM, ET/PT.

REALLY ?????

Betallsports · Apr 10, 2014

I was hoping for craig ferguson ... he might not get the Guest ( but would with the late Show ) but his monologues are funny as shit

goin4broke · Apr 10, 2014

he was the fav +150 or +200 if memory serves correct

5teamparlay · Apr 10, 2014

Boooooo

wabashwonders · Apr 10, 2014

Betallsports said:
I was hoping for craig ferguson ... he might not get the Guest ( but would with the late Show ) but his monologues are funny as shit

I read that it was in Fergusons contract that he would get $8-12 million if he was not selected as Lettermans replacement. Will be curious to see if he takes the money and runs or stays on the Late Late show

Betallsports · Apr 10, 2014

wabashwonders said:
I read that it was in Fergusons contract that he would get $8-12 million if he was not selected as Lettermans replacement. Will be curious to see if he takes the money and runs or stays on the Late Late show

that's pretty interesting ... Just looked it up and found this

David Letterman's surprise announcement Thursday about his impending retirement from "The Late Show" got everyone talking about who could fill his shoes. But there's one name that's surprisingly far down everyone's short list.
"Welcome to Los Angeles Calif., welcome to "The Late Late Show," I'm your host Craig Ferguson, thanks everybody." After nine years of hosting "The Late Late Show," Craig Ferguson should be a strong contender to inherit Letterman's role. (Via CBS / 'The Late Late Show')
But despite his "Late Show" proximity, Ferguson is often overlooked by commentators. The Los Angeles Times says his sense of humor is "too eccentric to appeal to a broader audience," while The Washington Post writes Ferguson's show "often exhibits the signs of mania that accompany the fear that nobody is watching."
Still, even if he doesn't get the job, multiple reports suggest Letterman's retirement could be a big win for Ferguson thanks to a clause in his contract with CBS.
Several outlets, citing anonymous insiders, are reporting that Ferguson is guaranteed a substantial cash payout if CBS passes over him for the "Late Show" role. Exact figures vary — the New York Post estimates $5 million, while the New York Daily News suggests it's more like $8-12 million.
It's not uncommon for studios to "opt out" of succession clauses in contracts — NBC has paid both Conan O'Brien and David Letterman not to host "The Tonight Show" due to similar clauses.
And another late-night shakeup might be on the way if Ferguson doesn't land the "Late Show" gig. The New York Times suggests "if he does not get the job, he is likely to leave the network, opening up another slot for a potential late-night star."
Letterman is set to step down from "The Late Show" when his contract ends in 2015.

Defying · Apr 10, 2014

I like Colbert, but think John Stewart would be better

Cyyyyk · Apr 10, 2014

It seems pretty clear that old white guys like me are clearly not the target demographic for the show...... but I have wonder if Colbert's narrow appeal is enough to carry a national audience?

MikeB · Apr 10, 2014

Colbert is funny but his deal is being an off color newsman, not a standup late night guy.

Furgeson got screwed

honzie · Apr 10, 2014

MikeB said:
Colbert is funny but his deal is being an off color newsman, not a standup late night guy.

Furgeson got screwed

My thoughts exactly. Colbert will have to reinvent himself I'm guessing,, I have seen him to do a straight-ahead interview, as his true self that is, and he is okay at it but he is decidedly pro-democrat and I don't like that. I want my standup / talk hosts to have an even keel and drill them all and not play favorites like Dave currently does. He has gotten so pro-dem over the last several years that it kind of stole his soul or at least his late night personality. One of his first WOW moments was when he did a spot with Jimmy Carter and showed him zero respect and zapped a couple times even though Carter went along with it (a REAL good sport considering).
I'll say this also: the right guy for this job is Seth Meyers. He has only been on like a month or so but he is an absolute natural and already acts like a veteran. He is much more conventional than Ferg, Colbert, Conan and Fallon and seems like the logical pick.

MikeB · Apr 10, 2014

Never thought of Seth.

Maybe they went with Colbert because he is in the tank for the network and their views on politics. Furgeson was more middle of the road when it came to comedy and politics.

The Guesser · Apr 10, 2014

MikeB said:
Colbert is funny but his deal is being an off color newsman, not a standup late night guy.

Furgeson got screwed

Couldn't agree more. Col-berre is great at being the idiot spoof of the insincere O'Reilly, Steven Col-berre. Will he be any good at being Steve ColberT, something he doesn't have much of a track record for AFAIK? There were better, safer choices.

KingofNicotine · Apr 10, 2014

It is an odd choice considering that he is always doing a character. I am sick of all the late night crap already. Overhyped shows. If someone would try something different I'd watch but it's 5 or 6 guys doing that same thing.

WorldNumberOne · Apr 10, 2014

i wont watch.. too bad seinfeld doesnt need a job.

Enfuego · Apr 10, 2014

Terrible choice.

I was hoping for Chelsey Handler.

michael777 · Apr 10, 2014

another liberal scumbag

loomis41973 · Apr 10, 2014

Turrible choice

Objection · Apr 11, 2014

sharp, quick-witted, able to ad-lib should make for good interviews with guests it's a solid choice

Acebb · Apr 13, 2014

Never seen or heard a word Colbert has said on television. Prediction: He will be a dud.

LoCalDallasGuy · Apr 13, 2014

dont' really like Colbert but never liked Letterman either.

Stephen Colbert named new host of CBS 'Late Show' to replace David Letterman

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