Stephen Colbert Is CBS' Top Choice to Succeed Letterman, and He's Into It

[ErikJ]

Stephen Colbert is CBS' top choice to replace the retiring David Letterman, and has indicated that he's willing to take over the Late Show when the time comes, people familiar with both sides of the discussions tell Mashable.

Colbert has not had any formal contract discussions with CBS, and no agreement is in place, but sources tell Mashable that he first engaged with network executives while Letterman was still mulling the timing of his retirement. Though CBS has had conversations with other candidates, including Colbert's Comedy Central counterpart Jon Stewart, individuals with knowledge of the situation say Colbert is currently the front-and-center candidate.

A CBS spokesman told Mashable: “We’re not commenting on any rumors or speculation about succession.” Comedy Central had no comment.

Colbert's contract to host The Colbert Report on Comedy Central runs through the end of 2014, which would free him up in time to move over to CBS when Letterman ends his 33-year run in late-night TV. Letterman left the exact date of his departure vague while announcing his retirement plans on Thursday.

“We don’t have the timing of this precisely down; it will be at least a year or so," Letterman said on Thursday's episode of the Late Show. "But at some time in the not-too-distant future — 2015, for the love of God."

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http://mashable.com/2014/04/04/stephen-colbert-replace-david-letterman-late-night/?utm_cid=mash-com-Tw-main-link

[arcane1]

1. Interesting. That's a completely different type of show.

Would he stay in character? I'd hate to see that satirical brilliance wasted on just a monologue and interviews.

[djean111]

2. My thoughts exactly.

[Journeyman]

3. Kind of hope not, depending on what restrictions CBS might place on him . . .

[arcane1]

6. My cynical side wonders if it's an attempt to neutralize him.

[Journeyman]

8. My positive side sees it as a bargaining chip for Colbert in his upcoming negotiations with CC . . .

[arcane1]

9. Thanks, I needed that :)

[superpatriotman]

4. He would have to stay in character forever

That's what makes his show so funny

[LynneSin]

5. In a thread in the Lounge I had made Jon Stewart or Stephen Colbert as my top choices

I think of them do excellent interviews even when the interview is a bit fun mocking in nature (like Colbert's). I had picked Stewart first since has has been doing his late night show since 1999 and he might be interested in moving on. Then Colbert could be moved to 11pm so his show wouldn't be in competition with Jon's Show. But if they went with Colbert that would be a great move. Colbert has done a great job building an audience for his show and would be a great fit for the CBS Late show.

[KamaAina]

7. If either one of them gets it

I'm tanned, rested and ready to take over either TDS or the Report!