Stephen Colbert Is CBS' Top Choice To Replace David Letterman (Reports)

[Grassy Knoll]

Source: huffingtonpost.com

Stephen Colbert may be CBS' top choice to replace David Letterman behind the "Late Show" desk, Mashable reports.

According to the site's sources, Colbert has not had any formal conversations about taking the position, but he is the network's first pick. CBS did not return HuffPost TV's immediate request for comment, but a rep told Mashable that the network had no comment. Colbert's "The Colbert Report" contract with Comedy Central runs through 2014 and Letterman announced that he will retire in 2015, which would make the timing ideal for both hosts.

Read more: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/04/stephen-colbert-david-letterman-cbs_n_5093513.html

[DonCoquixote]

1. I kind of hate this

Part of the reason Colbert can do what he does is because he is on comedy central; the major networks are still way too conservative, especially CBS.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

2. The suits may be stupid enough to believe his act is for real.

[truedelphi]

62. Yep! That is quite possibly the reason for choosing him! n/t

[yurbud]

81. the Bushies were

[mucifer]

3. Well they did air this and it's not conservative:

[davidpdx]

41. It doesn't seem very outrageous

Then again the bastards were still in office back then.

[Firebrand Gary]

8. I doubt that Colbert would get himself into anything that would confine him in any way.

He's worked really hard to get to where he is, he will make the right call if this is all true.

[yeoman6987]

15. He might be too "old"

Jimmy Fallon is a decade younger. Colbert is either 50 or going to be 50 this year. If they want to keep someone 30 years like they have the last ones then having someone in their late 30's or early 40's. What about a woman? None of them have tried that since John Rivers and that was a wrong move and not because she was a woman.

[Renew Deal]

18. John Rivers?

lol

[davidpdx]

40. I agree

I was thinking a younger woman would be what they need. Fallon is 39, O'Brien is 50, and Kimmel is 46. Under 40 would be perfect.

[DonCoquixote]

67. personally

I could see Chelsea handler, and not just because she is a woman, bit simply because she has the right mix of edgy and sophisticated.

[davidpdx]

75. I confess I don't know who she is

But I've been overseas for 10 years so I lose track of certain things. I'll check Youtube.

[YOHABLO]

72. Why must we cater to the 30somethings in this country? Are we washed up at 50?

[mimi85]

76. Seriously.

In fact, most people in the younger age range watch TV much less than they used to. The older boomers really have the bucks.

[adigal]

80. Worship of youth in our country

It is getting worse and worse.

[davidpdx]

42. I don't see Colbert going to CBS

He has a good gig at Comedy Central and as long as he's pulling in strong numbers for ratings they'll renew him.

In May he's going to be 50.

[AAO]

52. Not only that, he's only ACTING like he's a TV host

I personally have seen him in enough contexts to think he'd be a great host.

[bvf]

4. Since I've had no use for Huffington Post

since they changed their posting policy, I didn't follow the link.

Still, seems to me this could be a great opportunity for Colbert. He'd have to abandon the RW idiot persona, probably, to appeal to a network audience, which has both drawbacks and advantages.

OTOH, it's a hoot to think he could make a go of his current shtick with a much larger viewership.

I don't think that would sit well with the CBS suits, though.

[Sen. Walter Sobchak]

5. Jay Leno's agent is probably already working the phones.

I smell a comeback (eyes rolled)

[AngryDem001]

7. NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

Jay Leno is so painfully unfunny.

[RKP5637]

6. Hmmm ... guess they're not asking Bill Maher! George Carlin would have been great!

[Fearless]

9. George Carlin actually did host the Tonight Show more than 50 times!

He was Johnny Carson's favorite guest host!

[RKP5637]

11. I never knew that! I really loved George Carlin, I just felt he was spot on in

all the shows he did.

[Fearless]

12. Here's a taste...

Enjoy!


EDIT TO ADD MY FAVORITE ONE LINER:

[RKP5637]

21. Thank you !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Those are great!!!! n/t

[Fearless]

23. +1

[Beartracks]

25. Wow, these are great! Thanks!

I never know George Carlin before his "greyer" years. I never really thought about it before, but it amazes me to see him, like young Willie Nelson, as a clean-cut, suit-and-tie entertainer.

And it's always priceless to see Johnny Carson double over with laughter!

==================

[Fearless]

56. +1

[mountain grammy]

73. Yes, thank you, made my evening.

[Fearless]

10. There's no way.

He wouldn't break character and they wouldn't want him in character. I call BS on Mashable.

[Renew Deal]

16. I think it's possible

There aren't many big personalities out there to take it on. Stewart is probably high on the list as well, but he's not as diverse as Colbert. Colbert is natural competition for the current late night scene (Fallon, Kimmel).

[Fearless]

19. I'd put more money on Conan

Spited by NBC, it's a network show, and the same one that Letterman held, who was also spited by NBC.

His contract also ends in 2015.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/02/business/media/tbs-extends-conan-obriens-contract-into-2015.html?_r=0

[Renew Deal]

24. It's possible

But I doubt CBS wants to go there. Conan gets 1/3rd of the numbers Letterman does, but he is buried on cable. If CBS is satisfied with Letterman-esque numbers, he might be OK. Still, I think they are going to view Conan as "old" fairly or not.

http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/04/03/late-night-tv-ratings-for-march-24-28-2014/250500

[tinrobot]

29. Sadly, Conan is damaged goods.

If Conan got the Late Night gig, the publicity would be more about the Leno/Letterman/Leno/Conan fiascos than anything else.

Colbert would be relatively fresh and new. Much better for publicity.

[Fearless]

54. Nonsense

[tinrobot]

31. I doubt he'd want to spend an entire career playing one persona.

This would be a chance for Colbert to drop the act and be more like his own self.

I could see that being rather attractive to him - along with the money and increased viewership.

[Fearless]

55. He's done it for more than a decade already

Has a lucrative and popular show, and i don't see him caring much for extra money anyways.

[truedelphi]

63. I am sure the money would be a factor.

I've heard Letterman makes 12 mil a year. I doubt that Colbert and Stewart combined make a million.

[NobodyHere]

64. You may want to check your facts

http://variety.com/2013/tv/news/who-are-the-highest-paid-stars-in-tv-1200585236/

[truedelphi]

65. I'll sleep better tonight knowing that Stewart makes decent money!

Thanks for the link and the correct information. (Maybe there is a god in the universe and all is right with the world.)

[NobodyHere]

66. You learn something new everyday on this board

[Deep13]

13. That sucks. nt

[regnaD kciN]

14. Consider the source…

The HuffPo's coverage of entertainment news is generally worthless.

[JohnnyRingo]

27. Y'know, it is

Considering their proclivity for deceptively sensational headlines, I'm surprised the article isn't about Miley Cyrus' boobs and Paul Shafer's future plans with the world's most dangerous band.

[Manifestor_of_Light]

33. It's NOT the CBS Orchestra.

It's not an orchestra if it has electric guitars and no classical string players. No violin, viola, cello or string bass players in other words. Or flutes, clarinets, saxophones, trumpets, trombones, french horns, tubas, tympani players.

The components of an orchestra it has are: one acoustic grand piano player, Paul Schafer.

<--I'm a classical music lover. (and a few other kinds of music too)

And it pisses me off that ever since Johnny Carson retired, NOT ONE classical musician or opera singer has appeared on The Tonight Show to my knowledge. And he used to sit and talk to Yo-Yo Ma!!!
I don't think Letterman has had any classical or opera or jazz people perform on his show either.

[progressoid]

38. Il Barbiere di Siviglia On Letterman

Yo Yo Ma

and of course...

[snot]

17. This shows their stupidity; & if Colbert did it, my hope for humanity wd be destroyed.

Please god no.

[Tikki]

20. And Chris Hardwick should take over Colbert's time slot...

It all works for me....



Tikki

[rhett o rick]

22. It would be a huge "sell out". I hope he wouldnt take it. nm

[JohnnyRingo]

26. I agree that he can't do it in Steve Colbert character...

Colbert clicks because he has a half hour satire show. If he had to do a quick opening monologue, then interview a wide ranging series of guests, he wouldn't be able to be Colbert anymore.

I can't imagine it working, unless he does a satire of all the late night hosts. Sounds like a lot of work when there are more appropriate candidates out there. Bill Maher would be a better choice, but I know that won't happen. Can't fling a cat without hitting a comedian.

[Manifestor_of_Light]

35. Bill Maher got kicked off the networks a long time ago. I think he was on ABC.

In the 90s. When he used to wash his hair on occasion and it was fluffy like Bill Clinton's.

[JohnnyRingo]

39. I remember that....

..but at the time I figured "at least I still Have Phil Donohue".

[fbc]

28. They should go with Scott Aukerman

w/ Reggie Watts

[rocktivity]

30. NO, STEVE -- REMEMBER THE MAHER!!!

Last edited Sat Apr 5, 2014, 01:53 AM - Edit history (1)

One slip, and you'll find yourself on unemployment!

Give the gig to Conan -- he can follow Letterman as someone who told NBC to smooch it!


rocktivity

[Kablooie]

32. They should go with Carrot Top instead.

He's so charming.

[truthisfreedom]

34. Jeepers! Steroids?

Or something worse?

[LiberalLovinLug]

57. Looks like a combination of ....everything

steroids, bad plastic surgery....

[brett_jv]

60. If by 'worse' you mean 'a bunch of plastic surgery', then yeah, worse ...

But I think he's just a major, major gym rat and has the right body type for getting buffed up. I don't think he's on the juice, myself.

That picture looks a bit shopped/distorted, too. I've seen other pics where his body doesn't look all weird like that. He's just really buffed. And had a bunch of face work.

People with the right body type can easily get this big without steroids ... seen many friends do it ...

[link:|

[mimi85]

77. How about Andy Dick?

He's been arrested twice in my area for, well, for being a dick.

"On July 16, 2008, Dick was arrested in Murrieta, California, on suspicion of drug possession and sexual battery. He exposed the breasts of a 17-year-old female after he allegedly grabbed and pulled down her tank top and brassiere. During a search of his person, police reported finding a small quantity of cannabis and one alprazolam tablet (for which Dick did not have a prescription) in his front pants pocket. He was released from jail after posting $5,000 bail. Dick eventually pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery and marijuana possession, he was sentenced to three years probation, pay about $700 in fines, and was ordered to wear an alcohol-monitoring bracelet for one year."

"On May 3, 2011, Dick was arrested for a misdemeanor of public intoxication at a restaurant in Temecula, California. Dick was booked on suspicion of public intoxication after Temecula police responded to a disturbance at a restaurant, department officials said. Officers were called to the Marie Callender's restaurant in the 29300 block of Rancho California Road shortly after 9 p.m. after a caller reported an "intoxicated male subject who was causing a disturbance inside the restaurant." When they arrived they found the 45-year-old comedian in the bar area displaying "symptoms associated with alcohol intoxication" and noted "he was unable to care for his own safety," according to a statement released by Temecula police. Dick was taken to a nearby jail and was released after posting $500 bail. The charges against Dick required no further legal procedures."

Yeah, ole Andy the Dick. Side note - anyone here old enough to remember the saying "Dick Nixon before he Dicks you?" Haven't thought of that in eons.

I read somewhere that Craig Ferguson has some kind of contractual deal to take over the show. (Geoff can be pretty funny). Craigy Ferg's autobiography truly is a good read. Although I think they should do something completely different. Forget the monologue, the latest celeb pushing a new movie or whatever, a sidekick and a band.

[tofuandbeer]

36. I hope he doesn't take it: he does so much good for the left where he is now.

[global1]

37. My Vote Is For Craig Ferguson....

a very talented & funny man who follows Dave's show. Ferguson's show is produced by Letterman's company. I think I read quite a while ago that Letterman would like Ferguson to take his spot when he retires.

[Orangepeel]

49. Yeah, that makes the most sense.

I think it would be a terrible career move for Colbert

[brett_jv]

61. I'm down with Craig as well

I want SC to stay right where he's at, doing what he does.

[olddad56]

70. I think that Seth Meyers is an up and comer who will someday be at prime late night guy.

[eShirl]

43. they're just putting this out before/during negotiations w/ Craig Ferguson

it's all part of the little $$$ dance

[global1]

44. My Vote Is For Craig Ferguson....

a very talented & funny man who follows Dave's show. Ferguson's show is produced by Letterman's company. I think I read quite a while ago that Letterman would like Ferguson to take his spot when he retires.

[B2G]

46. +1. Love Craig

[B2G]

45. Jon Stewart would be awesome. nt

[BumRushDaShow]

48. Stewart, Maher, and Colbert

are too used to throwing f-bombs and that just can't happen on network. It is part of their schtick on anything goes pay teevee.

[4_TN_TITANS]

47. Colbert is a hideous interviewer

He belongs on Comedy Central.

[Arugula Latte]

59. I think if he were just playing it straight (not in character) he would be a great interviewer.

When he interviews people as Stephen-the-ignorant-rightwing-blowhard he's intentionally rude and interrupts constantly. As a "real" person he is charming and gracious.

[mountain grammy]

74. I think he's great at it and, from the guests' responses I think they enjoy him too.

unless you're talking about "better know a district" which is strictly for laughs, because they are, you know, congress critters.

[DaveJ]

50. Makes sense

I like the idea of spreading the Stewart/Colbert brand of humor to another network. It also gives Comedy Central the chance to transition in a replacement, which will be extremely difficult to pull off.

[Pterodactyl]

51. I never watched his show. Is he any good?

[Lars28]

53. I don't think he's funny.

The comedic premise is good: a spoof on right-wing show hosts. But it doesn't work for me. It has something to do with the way he delivers his lines. His timing is off. That's how he strikes me. But you gotta watch it yourself. Some people really like him.

[brooklynite]

68. Question: How funny is Steven Colbert when not spoofing Bill O'Reilly?

I'm not sure that scenario would be what CBS wants for a David Letterman replacement.

[Lars28]

71. Good question. nt

[Arugula Latte]

58. I think he's great. This is a recent clip that gives you a good taste of his humor:

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/matt-hadro/2014/04/02/stephen-colbert-mocks-conservative-critics-obamacare

[AverageJoe90]

69. I'd like to wish him luck. /eom

[2banon]

79. Headline says "is".. article says "maybe" Distinction of Significant difference

Huffpo loves to make shit up out of thin air, to suck in clickity clicks.

[lovemydog]

82. Rashida Jones, Tina Fey, Sarah Silverman,

Amy Poehler. Geez. Anything but another guy.