He added, “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.”
Letterman will be retiring in 2015 after 21 years of hosting CBS’s late night show, and it’ll be up to him to determine the date of his final broadcast. As for specific details on the Colbert-hosted Late Show, CBS says the location and producers will be “determined and announced at a later date.”
“Stephen Colbert is one of the most inventive and respected forces on television,” said Leslie Moonves, President and CEO, CBS Corporation. “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.”
“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,” said Nina Tassler, Chairman of CBS Entertainment. “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.”
Colbert currently hosts Comedy Central’s The Colbert Report which has earned 27 Emmy nominations with four wins. Colbert’s also the author of two bestselling books and he won a Grammy for his original holiday musical special, A Colbert Christmas.
– Edited to add a statement from David Letterman:
“Stephen has always been a real friend to me. I’m very excited for him, and I’m flattered that CBS chose him. I also happen to know they wanted another guy with glasses.”
Source: CBS
-By Rebecca Murray
Follow Us On:
Stumble It! 
