David Letterman will say his final goodnight from behind the desk of CBS's "Late Show" on Wednesday, May 20.
Letterman announced his retirement in April on the program he originated 22 years ago. CBS signed the former NBC "Late Night host" after the Peacock network passed him over "The Tonight Show" hosting gig in 1993.
"David Letterman has given to all of us a remarkable legacy of achievement and creative brilliance that will never be forgotten," said Leslie Moonves, President and CEO of the CBS Corporation. "It's going to be tough to say goodbye, but I know we will cherish the shows leading up to Dave's final broadcast in May."
Letterman will have hosted 6,028 total episodes between "Late Night" and the "Late Show" when he wraps. The series premiered on Aug. 30, 1993 and has collected nine Emmy Awards from its 73 Emmy nominations. His NBC late-night show ran for 11 and a half years and collected another five Emmy Awards.
Comedy Central host Stephen Colbert will succeed Letterman on the "Late Show." He will end his current show "The Colbert Report" on Thursday, Dec. 18. CBS has not announced his premiere date for his new late-night gig.
