Stephen Colbert will succeed David Letterman as host of "The Late Show," CBS announced Thursday, one week after Letterman told his audience that he would retire sometime in 2015. CBS said Colbert had signed a five-year contract to helm the iconic late-night broadcast. Colbert, 49, has been the host of Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report" since 2005. Will Colbert remain in his Comedy Central character? No. Colbert said in a statement, "I won't be doing the new show in character, so we'll all get to find out how much of him was me. I'm looking forward to it." CBS said "specific creative elements" would be determined and announced at a later date.
@highlight
Colbert premiere date to be given after Letterman makes a departure plan, CBS says
@highlight
Letterman has said he'll retire from "The Late Show" sometime in 2015
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Colbert signed a five-year contract with CBS, network says
David Letterman
Letterman
Letterman
Letterman
Colbert has been mentioned as a possible successor to Letterman for years, and his name quickly became a consensus pick after @placeholder's retirement announcement April 3.
David Letterman
Letterman
Letterman
Letterman
He added, "@placeholder'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."
Comedy Central
Comedy Central
@placeholder also praised Colbert on Thursday, saying, "We look forward to the next eight months of the ground-breaking 'Colbert Report' and wish Stephen the very best."
Stephen Colbert
Colbert
Colbert
Colbert
Colbert
Colbert
Comedy Central also praised Colbert on Thursday, saying, "We look forward to the next eight months of the ground-breaking 'Colbert Report' and wish @placeholder the very best."
The Colbert Report
"He's wonderful in '@placeholder,' but he's got gears he hasn't even shown people yet.
David Letterman
Letterman
Letterman
Letterman
"I never dreamed that I would follow in his footsteps, though everyone in late night follows @placeholder's lead.