It’s official. Comedian Stephen Colbert rises above the pack of speculated hopefuls to host CBS’ The Late Show.
The 49-year-old host of Comedy Central’s The Colbert Report will replace David Letterman sometime in 2015. CBS Corp. CEO Les Moonves and CBS Entertainment chairman Nina Tassler announced the five-year deal between CBS and Colbert Thursday afternoon. Critically-acclaimed Letterman, who announced his retirement last week, has hosted the late night show for the past 21 years.
Colbert’s premiere date has not yet been set. More details, including producers and taping locations, are still under development and will be announced once confirmed.
It’s rumored that Colbert shared the news with the Colbert Report staff this morning and that they will be coming with him to the Late Show.