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Stephen Colbert to take over as new 'Late Show' host after David Letterman retires
Comedian Stephen Colbert arrives at the White House in Washington on February 11, 2014 for the state dinner in honor of French President Francois Hollande.
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NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images
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Comedian Stephen Colbert will become the new host of "The Late Show" after David Letterman retires in 2015, CBS said on Thursday.
Colbert is the host, writer and executive producer for "The Colbert Report" on Comedy Central. On the show, Colbert portrays his character as a conservative TV news host.
“Stephen Colbert is one of the most inventive and respected forces on television,” said CBS Corp.'s CEO Leslie 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.”
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CBS said in a press release "specific creative elements, as well as the producers and location" for the new show will be "determined and announced at a later date," though Colbert's "Colbert Report" currently films in New York City.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has pushed to bring the show here and a legislator involved in a bill to expand the state's film and TV tax credit program is considering whether to add language that would allow late night TV talk shows to apply for tax credits.
Meanwhile, Colbert said in a press release that being a guest on Letterman's show was a highlight of his career.
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“I’m thrilled and grateful that CBS chose me," Colbert said. "Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go grind a gap in my front teeth.”
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