David Letterman retiring (will be replaced by Colbert) (1 Viewer)

[Aaron Rudnicki]

David Letterman to Retire From CBS in 2015

Letterman disclosed his plan during Thursday afternoon’s taping of “The Late Show.”

“The man who owns this network, Leslie Moonves, he and I have had a relationship for years and years and years, and we have had this conversation in the past, and we agreed that we would work together on this circumstance and the timing of this circumstance. And I phoned him just before the program, and I said ‘Leslie, it’s been great, you’ve been great, and the network has been great, but I’m retiring,’” Letterman said according to a transcript issued by his PR rep.

“I just want to reiterate my thanks for the support from the network, all of the people who have worked here, all of the people in the theater, all the people on the staff, everybody at home, thank you very much. What this means now, is that Paul and I can be married.

“We don’t have the timetable for this precisely down – I think it will be at least a year or so, but sometime in the not too distant future, 2015 for the love of God, in fact, Paul and I will be wrapping things up.”

Afterward, Letterman received a standing ovation from the audience at the Ed Sullivan Theater.

Sources said there was no creative license in Letterman’s statement. CBS Corp. chief Moonves got the official word from Letterman on his decision to retire shortly before Thursday’s taping.

“When Dave decided on a one-year extension for his most recent contract, we knew this day was getting closer, but that doesn’t make the moment any less poignant for us,” Moonves said in a statement.

“For 21 years, David Letterman has graced our network’s air in late night with wit, gravitas and brilliance unique in the history of our medium. During that time, Dave has given television audiences thousands of hours of comedic entertainment, the sharpest interviews in late night, and brilliant moments of candor and perspective around national events. He’s also managed to keep many celebrities, politicians and executives on their toes – including me.

“There is only one David Letterman. His greatness will always be remembered here, and he will certainly sit among the pantheon of this business. On a personal note, it’s been a privilege to get to know Dave and to enjoy a terrific relationship. It’s going to be tough to say goodbye. Fortunately, we won’t have to do that for another year or so. Until then, we look forward to celebrating Dave’s remarkable show and incredible talents,” Moonves said.

Last year, Letterman re-upped his contract with the Eye network in a two-year deal that was expected to be his last. But sources close to the situation cautioned that Letterman many stick around a little bit past the August expiration of the contract.

As of next year, Letterman will have hosted “Late Show” on CBS for 22 years. He logged 11 years as host of NBC’s “Late Night” before famously being passed over at NBC for Johnny Carson’s throne on “The Tonight Show” — over Carson’s objection. Letterman has logged more than 6,000 episodes during his long career.

Word of Letterman’s plan spread quickly via Twitter on Thursday afternoon after musician Mike Mills, who appears on Thursday’s show, noted Letterman’s big news following the taping.

 

[Scoresman]

wow, I always thought he had the perfect style of humor. will definitely miss him.

 

[17seconds]

Huge fan back in the 80s and early 90s when he was with NBC. Wish I had watched more at CBS but never had the time for much late night TV.

 

[Eephus]

On a good night, he's as good as anybody who's ever hosted a late night talk show.

On a bad night, he's still better than his current competition at 11:30.

 

[Joe Summer]

Writing was on the wall. He ran out of gas years ago but you knew he was just hanging on long enough to outlast Leno.

 

[Apple Jack]

Probably responsible for more belly laughs from me than anybody else in entertainment. He was untouchable when he was on NBC. Clearly adopted a mellower, softer tone after his heart surgery and I can't fault him for that. He is responsible for putting teeth in that format. You never knew what might happen or who he might break out the knives on.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Huge fan back in the 80s and early 90s when he was with NBC. Wish I had watched more at CBS but never had the time for much late night TV.

Same here.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

The man was groundbreaking.

But when he got the contract and went to the suit... he just got worse and worse.

Really when I heard they were shuffling Leno out it occurred to me Dave was next.

 

[Officer Pete Malloy]

You paying attention, Alex Trebek?

 

[jamny]

Good for him, he's earned it.

Been a fan since he debuted back in 82. I stopped watching about 5 years ago. He just didn't seem to be into it as much, even more crotchety than usual.

Still, it was a great run.

 

[Nipsey]

Sucks but better to go out on your own terms.

 

[Ignoramus]

20 years too late.

 

[MaxThreshold]

Good for him, he's earned it.

Been a fan since he debuted back in 82. I stopped watching about 5 years ago. He just didn't seem to be into it as much, even more crotchety than usual.

Still, it was a great run.

Yeah, he did get really ornery the last 5 or so years.

 

[EYLive]

I never liked him. He's a creepy, slimey old man that tries to put his mouth all over female guests. His band leader made the show even more unwatchable.

I don't watch TV much anymore but I hope Craig Ferguson gets the 11:30 slot.

 

[sublimeone]

good, he sucks.

 

[GroveDiesel]

http://img.pandawhale.com/post-11150-Grumpy-Cat-GOOD-and-NO-memes-pGrc.jpeg

 

[Sarnoff]

Let the replacement speculation begin.

Already heard Ellen DeGeneres' name being thrown out there.

Also, lots of talk show hosts have contracts that expire in 2015: Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Craig Ferguson, Conan O'Brien, Andy Cohen, and Jimmy Kimmel all run out next year.

And Jay Leno is a free agent, of course. Chelsea Handler already announced she's leaving her show. John Oliver could be in the mix.

 

[Sarnoff]

Are those your drums?

 

[Scoresman]

Let the replacement speculation begin.

Already heard Ellen DeGeneres' name being thrown out there.

Also, lots of talk show hosts have contracts that expire in 2015: Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Craig Ferguson, Conan O'Brien, Andy Cohen, and Jimmy Kimmel all run out next year.

And Jay Leno is a free agent, of course. Chelsea Handler already announced she's leaving her show. John Oliver could be in the mix.

I want it to be Andy Cohen just to taste the sweet Christian conservative tears from the aftermath.Eta: he's also a good interviewer.

 

[Sarnoff]

NYT reports Craig Ferguson has a "Prince of Wales" clause in the contract which gives him first shot at the show, unless CBS buys him out. But with the contract expiring in 2015 anyway who knows how real that is.

 

[Juxtatarot]

Louie CK?

 

[mr. furley]

You paying attention, Alex Trebek?

suck it!

 

[Mjolnirs]

NYT reports Craig Ferguson has a "Prince of Wales" clause in the contract which gives him first shot at the show, unless CBS buys him out. But with the contract expiring in 2015 anyway who knows how real that is.

I'm a big Ferguson fan, but I don't know that his humor would translate to the earlier slot.

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

Let the replacement speculation begin.

Already heard Ellen DeGeneres' name being thrown out there.

Also, lots of talk show hosts have contracts that expire in 2015: Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Craig Ferguson, Conan O'Brien, Andy Cohen, and Jimmy Kimmel all run out next year.

And Jay Leno is a free agent, of course. Chelsea Handler already announced she's leaving her show. John Oliver could be in the mix.

Was hoping to see you in this thread.

Is this a job CBS would offer to Neil Patrick Harris? Is it a job offer NPH would accept?

 

[Sarnoff]

Let the replacement speculation begin.

Already heard Ellen DeGeneres' name being thrown out there.

Also, lots of talk show hosts have contracts that expire in 2015: Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Craig Ferguson, Conan O'Brien, Andy Cohen, and Jimmy Kimmel all run out next year.

And Jay Leno is a free agent, of course. Chelsea Handler already announced she's leaving her show. John Oliver could be in the mix.

Was hoping to see you in this thread.

Is this a job CBS would offer to Neil Patrick Harris? Is it a job offer NPH would accept?

I did hear NPH's name on the fringe. Could happen but I think CBS would rather move someone more known for the genre into the Late Show slot and if NPH were interested try him out on a smaller scale first.

I might fax in my own resume to CBS, just in case. You never know.

 

[McGarnicle]

Huge fan back in the 80s and early 90s when he was with NBC. Wish I had watched more at CBS but never had the time for much late night TV.

Same here. I slept through many a first-period class in high school because of him. Can't think of anyone who's given me more huge laughs in my life. Late Night felt like this hip after-hours anything-goes thing which his CBS show never came close to matching. But it was a different era back then too, no internet, Comedy Central, etc.

 

[MaxThreshold]

Let the replacement speculation begin.

Already heard Ellen DeGeneres' name being thrown out there.

Also, lots of talk show hosts have contracts that expire in 2015: Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Craig Ferguson, Conan O'Brien, Andy Cohen, and Jimmy Kimmel all run out next year.

And Jay Leno is a free agent, of course. Chelsea Handler already announced she's leaving her show. John Oliver could be in the mix.

Handler would be awful. Leno is just done. I hope Ferguson gets it.

 

[northern exposure]

Let the replacement speculation begin.

Already heard Ellen DeGeneres' name being thrown out there.

Also, lots of talk show hosts have contracts that expire in 2015: Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Craig Ferguson, Conan O'Brien, Andy Cohen, and Jimmy Kimmel all run out next year.

And Jay Leno is a free agent, of course. Chelsea Handler already announced she's leaving her show. John Oliver could be in the mix.

Was hoping to see you in this thread.

Is this a job CBS would offer to Neil Patrick Harris? Is it a job offer NPH would accept?

I did hear NPH's name on the fringe. Could happen but I think CBS would rather move someone more known for the genre into the Late Show slot and if NPH were interested try him out on a smaller scale first.

I might fax in my own resume to CBS, just in case. You never know.

Do people still fax things?

 

[Raider Nation]

20 years too late.

They're not booing... they're saying "Daaaaaaaaaave!"

 

[dozer]

Man... no offense, but I really dislike Craig Ferguson's show/style. I'd hate to see him get it.

 

[Raider Nation]

Man... no offense, but I really dislike Craig Ferguson's show/style. I'd hate to see him get it.

He's dreadful.

 

[Das Boot]

Letterman was awesome in his first few years, innovative, off the wall, creative.

For me he's been unwatchable for at least the past 10 years.

I miss old days Dave. :(

 

[Eephus]

Man... no offense, but I really dislike Craig Ferguson's show/style. I'd hate to see him get it.

He's dreadful.

He's really dialed up the schtick levels since the show started but I assume they have the numbers instructing him to move in that direction. He is the best interviewer of the lot by far although I'm not sure that's the point of talk shows anymore.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Craig Ferguson is awful. Just really really terrible. Can't believe he's still on or that people actually like him.

Conan should get back on Network TV.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Man... no offense, but I really dislike Craig Ferguson's show/style. I'd hate to see him get it.

He's dreadful.

The reason Ferguson won't get it is because of humorless ####s like you two. He's easily the best late night guy now, the skeleton co host is sharp.

John Stewart would be the ideal candidate but he has other interests, would be surprised if he took it.

Handler is too edgy, but she brings the women in in boatloads. She makes a ton on her concerts and her current format works well, but she'll likely change networks when her contract is up next year. HBO?

Ellen is Lesbian, the Max Thresholds of the world would be offended.

Kimmel is a strange cat, I don't think some people understand him much like Ferguson.

Drew Carey is likable and he could do it. Jerry Seinfeld is available, maybe a good darkhorse there.

Colbert has the energy but he couldn't keep his shtick. Not sure how he would be without the shtick, but he's a really interesting and funny guy.

 

[Eephus]

Drew Carey is likable and he could do it. Jerry Seinfeld is available, maybe a good darkhorse there.

Colbert has the energy but he couldn't keep his shtick. Not sure how he would be without the shtick, but he's a really interesting and funny guy.

Carey wasn't very good guesting for Ferguson on April Fool's Day.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Conan is awful. Just really really terrible. Can't believe he's still on or that people actually like him.

 

[Scoresman]

Man... no offense, but I really dislike Craig Ferguson's show/style. I'd hate to see him get it.

He's dreadful.

The reason Ferguson won't get it is because of humorless ####s like you two. He's easily the best late night guy now, the skeleton co host is sharp. John Stewart would be the ideal candidate but he has other interests, would be surprised if he took it.

Handler is too edgy, but she brings the women in in boatloads. She makes a ton on her concerts and her current format works well, but she'll likely change networks when her contract is up next year. HBO?

Ellen is Lesbian, the Max Thresholds of the world would be offended.

Kimmel is a strange cat, I don't think some people understand him much like Ferguson.

Drew Carey is likable and he could do it. Jerry Seinfeld is available, maybe a good darkhorse there.

Colbert has the energy but he couldn't keep his shtick. Not sure how he would be without the shtick, but he's a really interesting and funny guy.

No they're right. Furgeson is awful and it would be a mistake for them to go that way.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Are the Craig Ferguson fans the same ones who like Dane Cook?

"The skeleton co-host is sharp".

 

[Apple Jack]

Ferguson is the best going by a wide margin. He's still not within artillery range of Letterman in the '80s. Regardless, he said on Maron's podcast that he has no interest in 11:30.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Are the Craig Ferguson fans the same ones who like Dane Cook?

"The skeleton co-host is sharp".

Are the Conan fans the same ones who like watching cows graze?

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

"Humorless ####s" are the only guys who don't like Ferguson? He's that funny?

I leave the channel on after Letterman all the time and don't see the genius I guess. Seems like he's 100% shtick. I don't find him to be funny or a good interviewer.

 

[Raider Nation]

Conan is awful. Just really really terrible. Can't believe he's still on or that people actually like him.

He gets a 'good posting' and I'm a humorless ####?

 

[Shrugs]

I hope Ferguson won't be moving up, since I don't see how he can continue doing his gleefully absurd hour of television at 11:30. I expect they will look elsewhere anyway. Ferguson is great. He doesn't rehearse. Nearly all of his banter with Geoff is unscripted. He just goes out there and has fun, and it's infectious. His interviews are pretty much the only late-night ones that are watchable, because you know you're going to see some of the celebrity's actual personality rather than boring publicity talking points they've been instructed to say about their project. You guys who never got into him obviously are racists.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

"Humorless ####s" are the only guys who don't like Ferguson? He's that funny?

I leave the channel on after Letterman all the time and don't see the genius I guess. Seems like he's 100% shtick. I don't find him to be funny or a good interviewer.

He's a great interviewer, his guests love him. He gets them to talk more about themselves than any other host, all the promotion stuff is secondary.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

"Humorless ####s" are the only guys who don't like Ferguson? He's that funny?

I leave the channel on after Letterman all the time and don't see the genius I guess. Seems like he's 100% shtick. I don't find him to be funny or a good interviewer.

He's a great interviewer, his guests love him. He gets them to talk more about themselves than any other host, all the promotion stuff is secondary.

Tough to argue humor. I don't get him I guess. I always think I should but just don't.

 

[Apple Jack]

Doubt there will ever be a better, more versatile, house band than the World's Most Dangerous Band.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

"Humorless ####s" are the only guys who don't like Ferguson? He's that funny?

I leave the channel on after Letterman all the time and don't see the genius I guess. Seems like he's 100% shtick. I don't find him to be funny or a good interviewer.

He's a great interviewer, his guests love him. He gets them to talk more about themselves than any other host, all the promotion stuff is secondary.

Tough to argue humor.I don't get him I guess.

You and RN both have very good senses of humor, I'm surprised you don't like him.

Then again I've never liked Conan, and many think he's funny. I guess maybe his delivery is not preferred, but I did like his older skits. Leno skits were terrible, I guess I'm all about the skits.

 

[Koya]

Told you guys his shtick would never last.

 

[Scoresman]

"Humorless ####s" are the only guys who don't like Ferguson? He's that funny?

I leave the channel on after Letterman all the time and don't see the genius I guess. Seems like he's 100% shtick. I don't find him to be funny or a good interviewer.

He's a great interviewer, his guests love him. He gets them to talk more about themselves than any other host, all the promotion stuff is secondary.

Tough to argue humor.I don't get him I guess.

You and RN both have very good senses of humor, I'm surprised you don't like him.

Then again I've never liked Conan, and many think he's funny. I guess maybe his delivery is not preferred, but I did like his older skits. Leno skits were terrible, I guess I'm all about the skits.

It's almost as if... people have different opinions!