Stephen Colbert will be taking on "The Late Show" as David Letterman is set to retire next year.
CBS made the official announcement on Tuesday, releasing a statement about the network's decision to sign on the Comedy Central show host.
"Stephen Colbert is one of the most inventive and respected forces on television," said Leslie Moonves, the network's president and CEO. "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."
Colbert also released a statement about his new late night show gig.
"I never dreamed that I would follow in his footsteps, though everyone in late night follows Dave's lead," he said. "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."
Colbert's fellow Comedy Central show host John Stewart was also rumored for the late-night spot. However, Stewart revealed to Vulture believed Colbert was the better fit for "The Late Show."
"He's done an amazing job with just that very narrow cast of character, but he's got a lot more he can show," Stewart said. "He's got some skill sets that are really applicable, interviewing-wise, but also he's a really, really good actor and also an excellent improvisational comedian. He's also got great writing skills. He's got a lot of the different capacities. Being able to expand upon [those] would be exciting."
Stewart also told Vulture he wasn't too interested in hosting CBS' late-night show.
"I don't have that gear, I don't think," he said. "I just don't really have it anymore. I really like what I do, not that Stephen doesn't. But he has a real opportunity to broaden out in a way that I don't."
