Colbert replaces Letterman at CBS

CBS has moved quickly to replace David Letterman as host of its iconic The Late Show, bringing in Stephen Colbert from Comedy Central.

Colbert has signed a five-year deal to replace Letterman, who announced last week that he would retire in 2015 after 20 years in the role.

Colbert has fronted Comedy Central’s political satire programme The Colbert Report since 2005, playing the part of a fictional news anchor of the same name. He will front The Late Show as himself, rather than the caricature he uses on his current programme.

A premiere date for his first show in 2015 will be announced once Letterman’s departure has been finalised, leaving Colbert free to complete another eight months on Comedy Central.

The network wished him well in a statement on Thursday but the move will see him compete with Comedy Central in the 23.30 time slot he currently occupies for them. Comedy Central is now on the lookout for a new show to fill the slot from next year.