CBS announced today that Stephen Colbert, the late night comedy news host and Tolkien aficionado, will take over hosting duties for “The Late Show” after David Letterman retires. Letterman announced that he would retire in 2015 and Colbert’s contract with Comedy Central ends this year, after which point he’ll transition to CBS.
Colbert currently hosts (for the maybe one individual who doesn’t know) “The Colbert Report” on Comedy Central, and has since 2005. To my mind, it’s hard to improve upon his model. In my opinion his show is the absolute best that the late night talk show genre has to offer. His show is informative, more honest than most, and genuinely funny. A worry a little that the change over may result in a watering down of his character and will ultimately lose what makes him great. I hope that doesn’t happen. Having said that, I believe in Colbert’s ability to make the transition fluidly and bring his voice to a potentially bigger audience. That would be a good thing.
Jon Stewart gave his endorsement and Colbert also seems excited. “Simply being a guest on the David Letterman’s show has been a highlight of my career… 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.”
Details regarding the date of the change over haven’t been decided and will be announced after Letterman’s retirement timeline is finalized. I can’t think of another host more deserving, I just hope we don’t lose what makes him great in the process. Stephen, don’t go changin’.
