Stephen Colbert Named Successor to David Letterman

Comedy Central mainstay signs 5-year pact with CBS

Stephen Colbert is moving three blocks east—and light-years from basic cable.

The 49-year-old linchpin of Comedy Central’s long-running series The Colbert Report has been tapped to succeed David Letterman as the host of CBS’ The Late Show. Colbert signed a five-year deal with CBS.

Colbert’s premiere date will be announced after Lettermen works out a timetable for his final broadcast, which should air sometime in late 2015.

Letterman announced his retirement during the taping of his April 3 show. 

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