Stephen Colbert to Replace David Letterman

A week after David Letterman announced his retirement from “The Late Show,” CBS announced Thursday morning that Stephen Colbert will replace Letterman after hosting the late night program since 1993.

Colbert got his start as a correspondent on Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show”. He then began “The Colbert Report” in 2005 where he serves as the show’s host, writer, and executive producer.  The show has earned two Peabody Awards and 27 Emmy nominations. The Colbert Report” also took home Emmys for outstanding writing for a variety, music or comedy program in 2008, 2010 and 2013.

The 49-year-old comedian said in a statement, “Simply being a guest on David Letterman’s show has been a highlight of my career. I never dreamed that I would follow in his footsteps, though everyone in late night follows Dave’s lead. I’m thrilled and grateful that CBS chose me. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go grind a gap in my front teeth.”

The night Letterman announced his retirement, he told the Ed Sullivan Theater crowd during the taping, “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.”

CBS CEO Les Moonves said in a statement, “Stephen Colbert is one of the most inventive and respected forces on television. David Letterman’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.”

An official transition date has yet to be announced.