Reaction to Stephen Colbert Announced as Next Host of ‘The Late Show’
That didn't take long. CBS says they have their guy to replace Dave.
It was only one week ago that David Letterman caught us by surprise, as he announced plans to retire in 2015. This launched the speculation wheel into full motion on who would be the successor.
Some of the names mentioned were Craig Ferguson who follows Dave with the Late Late Show (owned by Letterman's production company), E! late night host Chelsea Handler, daytime's Ellen DeGeneres, SNL alum Tina Fey, Price Is Right host Drew Carey, and Comedy Central's Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert. In the end, the mock conservative host of the Colbert Report landed the gig!
Craig Ferguson's people wisely have a consolation clause in his contract, if something like this were to happen. It did and reports have the payout being anywhere between $5 million to $12 million. Ferguson's Late Late Show contract ends in June and it would be a shame if he leaves. Maybe he will keep the attitude of not caring about the time slot, as Craig Ferguson told The Globe and Mail a year ago:
It’s not a competition. I don’t view it that way. I’m not a television executive. I don’t care about that. What I want to do is make you laugh. That’s what I want to do. What time I make you laugh is your business. I don’t care.
It will make for a heck of 1, 2 punch with Colbert and Ferguson back to back. CBS did well by grabbing Colbert, with his sharp wit and hysterical improv skills.
A few reactions from late night hosts on Twitter:
This quick announcement does end the fun of speculating on who should get the gig. So much for grumpy cat. Yeah, grumpy cat auditioned and apparently didn't impress the suits at CBS enough to be called back.
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