As Bedhead discussed last week, David Letterman announced his retirement last Thursday. Letterman is kind of leaving things open-ended, to the point where I really think he’s going to work with CBS to figure out who will replace him. Dave won’t be leaving until 2015, and he and CBS will probably spend a lot of time figuring this out, you know? The names being thrown around in the immediate wake of the retirement announcement probably won’t be the shortlist six months from now, is what I’m saying. Still, let’s talk about the names that have popped up right away.
Last Friday, Sarah at LaineyGossip made her case for why it will probably be Jimmy Kimmel, and I think Kimmel is probably one of the early “big contenders” that they’ll be speaking to. Here’s one that I hope gets pushed aside really quickly: Chelsea Handler. I’m suspicious of the fact that Chelsea announced her retirement from E! just days before Letterman, and The Wrap says there’s good reason for my suspicion:
Chelsea Handler is in talks with CBS for a late-night talk show, an individual close to the producer and E! talk show host told TheWrap. CBS contacted Handler to discuss the potential of hosting a syndicated show in the wake of her announcing this week that she’s leaving E! when her contract expires at the end of the year. But Handler has told CBS that she isn’t interested in that option. As a result, CBS then expressed interest in considering Handler for Craig Ferguson’s 12:30 a.m. slot.
She will be meeting with CBS Corp.’s chairman and CEO Les Moonves in the next few weeks to continue the discussions of joining CBS’s late-night lineup, the individual said. But, Letterman’s retirement announcement on Thursday has changed the landscape for her. Handler now has her eye on Letterman’s “Late Show” spot instead. Either timeslot would make her the first woman to host a late-night broadcast show since Cynthia Garrett hosted NBC’s “Later” from 2000-2001. CBS declined comment to TheWrap.
Of course, she’ll have to prove to CBS that she can break out of her niche audience and appeal to a more general audience for CBS to consider her for the spot. A role with CBS is just one of the projects that Handler has been considering. Ideally, she wanted a weekly radio show on Sirius XM with a taped version of the show on Netflix, the latter of which she’s already in talks with, according to the individual. (Netflix told TheWrap that Handler had not been in talks with the company about a show.)
The insider said that she has also been approached by Jeff Zucker for CNN or HLN and by FX. But, again, the Letterman spot has changed things for her. It is now No. 1 on her list. The CBS-Handler talks would also suggest that the network was at the very least entertaining a replacement for Craig Ferguson at 12:30 a.m. The “Late, Late Show” host reportedly has right of first refusal for Letterman’s spot, although CBS may not want to give it to him.
My take: it would be sacrilegious to have Chelsea Handler take the reins at The Late Show, and it’s making my skin crawl just thinking about Handler being mentioned in the same breath as David Letterman. She is not network TV material. Full-stop. I would argue that she’s not even cable material, but whatever.
There are also lots of people saying it should be Jon Stewart or Stephen Colbert, who basically run little fiefdoms over on Comedy Central. Whenever Stewart or Colbert negotiate their contracts, Viacom basically throws money at them and gives them whatever they want. Both Colbert and Stewart are extremely popular in the key demos that CBS would want for late-night shows and I could see Letterman pushing either man as his replacement. Mashable has a lengthy article (you can read it here) about why it’s totally going to be Colbert. The basics? Jon Stewart probably isn’t interested in going network because he’s working on lots of side-projects (like directing his feature debut, Rosewater) and doesn’t want to be tied down with a network contract. As for Colbert, sources say that he would have to drop “the character” he plays on The Colbert Report and he would have to do less politics and do more celebrity interviews, and it’s not clear he would want to do that.
Other names in the mix: Neil Patrick Harris (a CBS/Viacom company man, they love him over there), Tina Fey (she’s more of an NBC woman, but she could travel) and Aisha Tyler (she’s on CBS’s The Talk, so she’s in-house). I think it would a SIN to approach Chelsea Handler like she’s the only woman who could possibly do the show – if Chelsea’s in the mix, then BY GOD Tina and Aisha need to take meetings too. But I think it will probably be a dude, and that dude will be Colbert, Stewart, Kimmel or… yeah, Neil Patrick Harris. I think grooming NPH for that job would actually be inspired. He’s likable, he has broad appeal, he loves to dress up, he loves to sing and dance… it could work.
Photos courtesy of WENN.
If Colbert replaces Letterman I will die of happiness. If Handler does, well…let’s just say the TV is going out the proverbial window.
ETA: I’m still pulling for Fey. Tina is everything and would be such a fantastic addition in every possible way.
I want Fey to replace him, because I really like Colbert on Colbert.
If the Colbert Report ends, I’ll be devestated. It’s the best part of my days during the week (i only survive fri because of slates poltical gabfest and i save bill mahr for sat morning, and sunday is tv bonanza, so I can deal).
I love Colbert so much but I love the Colbert report and if that’s gone I will be sad. But I think he could would work on Late Night. I’m on team anyone but Chelsea.
If Handler replaces Letterman, TV will go down much farther than out the window – try straight to hell. Let’s face it: the woman is a classless, humorless pig and if she gets this gig it’s because she’s “serviced” someone in power (sorry; everyone knows that’s how she’s come this far – it’s certainly not due to her comedic talent, which is nonexistent).
Of course, if Kartrashian and Kanye can be on the cover of Vogue, I suppose Handler can follow in the great Letterman’s footsteps. Everything in American culture and society has been totally devalued these days. Ugh.
What I don’t understand is why Craig Ferguson didn’t get the gig automatically – he’d be even better than Colbert (who would be great), and of course he’d be eons better than the unfunny, low-rent Handler.
Thanks for saying that — I agree re Craig Ferguson.
Craig has it in his contract to have ‘first refusal’ so if he doesn’t want it (and I don’t think he does – he LOVES his little show that could) and if he refuses it I have heard he gets around $6M just for turning it down, but CBS should just put on the slaughtering of puppies if they consider Handler. She has never made me laugh, never had a good interview except her BFF Aniston, and can’t bone her boss cause Julie Chen is already doing that.
I go with Kimmel easily, then NPH. Then I start watching infomercials.
This is classic Stephen Huvane (pr flack to handler and other assorted cows) posturing to make Handler seem bigger and more relevant than she is. PR 101. Fact is, aside from her cable talker (lowest watched talk show w/ less than 500k viewers) where she attacks celebs and reads tabloids on air, everything else she’s touched, from her sitcom, to her sidekick movie debut, to her mtv hosting gig, has been savaged by critics and proven a flop. The consensus is that she’s an unfunny racist hack. I think Letterman himself would have stayed on anther 20 years if it meant Handler would never ever succeed him – that in and of itself would be one big defecation on the late night CBS brand he reigned over. Leno gets Fallon, and Letterman gets Handler??…please, that’s a joke, and NOT happening. But kudos to master magician Huvane trying to turn another smelly sow’s ear into a silk purse ala aniston.
Even if Chelsea Handler weren’t, you know, Chelsea Handler, I don’t believe for a second the network will hire a woman. Late Night shows are consistently white and male, and that’s just they way they like it.
True.
That is very true.
They would NEVER turn down Tina Fey – I don’t think she’d do it, but they would take her in a heartbeat.
I’m willing to give it a shot for anyone other than Handler, she’s not funny to me.
Same. That would be a disaster.
I’m at my grandma’s house right now–and she asked me if I watched Handler’s show (because she’s a night owl who stays up all night) and I said no, that she’s not funny and I can’t stand her….and my grandma said yeah–she’s terrible (at her show)….not good if my grandma–who watches ANYTHING says that about your show.
Get it Chelsea!!!!! Yayyyyyyy
The only thing Chelsea could get is crabs. A LOT.
Craig Ferguson? i’ve always loved how he builds rapport with his guests
Yes! Craig is by far the best host out there. He’s, unlike the rest of them, actually funny.
Ohh I like that idea too.
Yes! Craig Ferguson.
After reading the article, I get the impression that CBS may have been considering Chelsea as Craig’s Late, Late Show replacement prior to Letterman’s announcement.
Me too! I came here just to ask “what about Craig Ferguson”? I laugh so much watching his show. The interviews are super funny.
I would love Craig to move to 11:35, but I’m scared that TPTB would want to ‘revamp’ the show in order to appeal to a wider audience i.e. get rid of Geoff and Secretariat and those two are part of the melange that makes Craig’s show so awesome.
Love Craig Ferguson. He would be my first choice.
I also think Neil Patrick Harris would be great. He’d come the closest in light warmth to Johnny Carson. I’d be happy with Aisha Tyler too. But lord NO to Chelsea Handler. Are they insane? Ugh
Handler is coarse, crass, crude, rude, and unfunny. I can think of another “c” word for her, as well, but since I’m a lady, unlike Chelsea Handler, I won’t use it.
What an insult to Dave that she could even be considered.
Totally agree! Handler is vile and disgusting. I am hoping that it was CH herself that floated this rumor.
Letterman’s been mailing it in for years. He comes across as disenchanted and tired.
Due to his lackluster ratings CBS is probably relieved that he’s finally calling it quits.
I suspect that CBS will take this opportunity to bring in a big name can’t miss talent who will eviscerate Fallon and Kimmel on a nightly basis.
Well, talent that will eviscerate Fallon and Kimmel will NOT be found in the likes of the talentless Handler. Sick of crudeness being substituted for humor and/or talent.
The only time I came across Handler was in a Howard Stern interview and she didn’t come across that bad.
I love Colbert, but I’d rather he’d stick with his character and political topics.
As for NPH, do not, for the love of God, give the job to someone who will sing and dance. Ass kissy Fallon is more than enough.
I wan’t a snarky old school comedian.
Girl you’re watching the wrong show lol. I love Fallon, he’s my favorite host amongst all these shows (and he’s hot lol). But I do agree I don’t want NPH…I’ve honestly never found him funny, don’t like HIMYM, and sometimes he just gets on my nerves.
I love NPH, but I think he should stick to acting.
As for Fallon, he seems so sweet, but I just don’t find him funny and his fawning over celebrities just gets on my nerves.
Chris Rock, Craig Ferguson or Tina Fey would be my dream picks.
I cannot stand Fallon either. I mean he is good looking and seems nice. But I prefer my late night talk show host like Dave or Conan.
Nikki Finke, former EiC of Deadline, reported that her sources said only Stephen Colbert was seriously being considered.
As for Chelsea….as of 2014 her ratings per episode are less than 500,000 viewers and she is the lowest ranked mainstream late night talk show host….although props for being the only woman as well? Also, Chelsea’s audience’s median age is 42.8 and it’s overwhelmingly women……and late night shows need to appeal to a young and diverse audience, including men.
Chelsea has the lowest recognition score amongst the mainstream hosts (she is higher ranked than Andy Cohen & John Oliver) but has a surprisingly average positive Q-score, probably buoyed up by the fact she is the only woman.
I noticed that the article stated that Handler is the one pushing for consideration for Letterman’s replacement – NOT that the interest is reciprocated. Considering that Ferguson is pretty entrenched in his slot, I think CBS would have been discussing an even later option for Handler (like the Carson Daley Show). Not only are her E! Ratings small, but they’re declining as time goes on, and unlike Kimmel and Fallon, Handler has almost no web presence. And considering that Letterman only JUST announced his retirement, I think it shows Handler’s desperation – she may as well have been the first person on a red carpet.
Colbert makes sense. The others not so much – especially Handler.
Chelsea Handler should not be on late night…she shouldn’t even be in show biz…I don’t know one person who thinks she is funny, or that she has any sort of likeability factor. She is not funny…period! I love, love, love Stephen Colbert, but I would miss his character and show so much…Actually, it will probably be Kimmel, which I’m fine with, and NPH is an inspired idea…He is funny, sweet, and has alot of charisma…don’t know about his interview skills, though…As for women, Tina Fey, Amy Pohler, or Aisha Taylor would all be great…what about Melissa McCarthy…I think she is hysterically funny!
Can we get someone more snarky and less sweet? Someone like Jonathan Ross back in the day.
You know who would be great….Chris Rock…I LOVE HIM!
Chris would be awesome!
With all those name in the fray There is NO reason why anyone would name Chelsea for anything
I think a good host has to have done stand up comedy, has Neil ever done that? I love him but not sure if he can throw out a good joke without any thought. Perhaps Conan? I think if he moved to CBS he would kill Falon. Tina would be a good pick as well.
Apart from Craig and Chelsea, are there any stand up comedians among today’s hosts?
I believe all of the mentioned people have done stand up early on
I wonder why Aisha Tyler’s name is not being mentioned! She already works for CBS on The Talk with the CBS big Boss’ wife Julie Chein. Aisha is funny, she does stand up……she’s hosted shows before. I’d stay up to watch a funny smart woman!
I don’t think any of these are being seriously considered.
I can’t believe CBS would seriously consider someone who doesn’t have traditional talk show experience and has already proven they can bring in the audience.
I think you are probably correct, CBS is not really a risk taker. I doubt that Chelsea has even crossed their radar, and I suspect these hints are coming from her camp to drum up interest now that she’s leaving E.
Craig’s deal reportedly gives him the first chance, or he gets a hefty bonus if they bypass and don’t offer to him.
Team NPH. He’s fresh and I could see him competing with Fallon. Chelsea? Just no.
Colbert’s deal seems kinds sweet already, I’d be sad to see him leave his format. At the Late show level you would have to play a lot of network ball. It takes the right kind of person to sign up for that which is why CBS people sound like a better bet but who knows?
I think it would be such an epic disaster if Handler got the job. A thousand times worse than the sitcom or movie. I can’t imagine her in the format. It’s sad to say that about a woman but she just isn’t funny without her panel so it would fall awkwardly flat night after night. She’s lost her ratings share on the E Network so I doubt she can be competitive in Late Night. She’d have good guests though.
Hah. CDAN had a blind about a female talk show host who made a general offer of doing “anything” with any producer who would let her star in a movie. And by “anything” she really meant “anything.” Hilariously, she had no takers.
It was widely guessed to be Handler. Class act, there.
Handler is a no. She’s too crude and racist for network, especially for the 11:30 slot.
Maybe they are tossing this out so that whoever they put in the time slot will look perfect by comparison. I can’t imagine anyone with half a brain putting Chelsea in to compete with other talk shows when she barely had a following on cable.
Yeah or maybe Handler is tossing it out there to make herself seem relevant.
+1
Having Chelsea Handler replace Letterman is a bad idea on so many levels. Just judging by the comments on this site alone so many people dislike her. As for her being funny? No.
What will happen she will probably bring her current talk show formula to late night and it will be a disaster.
I don’t see this happening. Shouldn’t they select someone who has a wide appeal? She has alienated brangeloonies and there is no way Brad and Angelina would ever appear on her show and I am sure higher ups would have a problem with that. Sorry b#$@* screwed herself when she decided to be Aniston’s henchwoman.
speaking of Brad and Angelina, i don’t remember seeing either of them on late night chat shows lately, even when Brad was hustling for WWZ and Moneyball. Jon Stewart, Charlie Rose and Ellen, lots of morning shows but not late night? i can’t seem to recall him on Letterman these past coupla years… but perhaps my sievelike brain is deceiving me yet again.
Does Angelina do talk shows?
most recently, she did Charlie Rose and Anderson and a bunch of morning news(?? not sure) for ITLOBAH. will be interesting which talk shows she’ll do for Unbroken. since NBC has been doing a lot of Unbroken segments over the Winter Olympics season, i wonder if she’ll appear on Fallon, etc
Oh Jesus, of all the reasons not to give Chelsea the job, the fact that Brad and Angelina don’t like them is the worst one.
LOL, I can’t see the execs at CBS studying the demographics, ratings, Q-scores, and saying hmm, but what about the Brangeloonie factor?
I can see them looking at some of the stuff Chelsea has said over the years and saying no thanks, we don’t want lawsuits and negative press. But really I still think this is all coming from her camp.
I agree with Eleanor Zissou there are many things to dislike or hate about Chelsea but her hatred of Brangelina is the least of her sins.
@MsMercury
Like the fact that she isn’t funny. Not even the slightest. And she always talks like she’s really, really bored/disinterested in her guests–even when she has Jennifer Aniston on, or any of her other celeb friends. And she always discusses tabloid rumors–boring. If I’m watching a talk show, with one of my fave celebs on, I don’t want to hear about some bs tabloid rumor that I know isn’t true.
Virgilia- Handler is supposed to use tabloid rumors about celebrities. That’s actually the main purpose of the show, to snark on celebs based on the tabloid stories. It’s not a news show. When they snark on non-celebs, it’s still based on tabloids. If you want truth and confirmed stories about your faves, Chelsea Lately is the wrong place to look, by deliberate design. Wait a half hour for E! News.
@jwoolman
Well, if that’s the case, then it further reiterates my point–she’s not funny. All she does is tell the celeb the story and ask if it’s true. I don’t know *how* you could make a celeb story tabloid story funny, in that kind of format, but that’s not my job. And I’m not expecting a news story–I’m expecting Handler to actually talk about the movie that the celeb is promoting, or whatever else it is that the celeb discusses during interviews–not a tabloid story.
She discusses the tabloid story with a panel of comedians, and then talks with a celebrity about their work in another segment. It’s not strictly a talk show.
Ok, I obviously overstated the Brad and Angie issue but my point is that she is just to polarizing for the gig in my opinion. I find her to be crass and as someone already mentioned – just not funny.
I don’t think so. They are power players and have a lot of pull and influence in the industry. I don’t think it is THAT ridiculous of an opinion.
Most people really don’t follow or care about the Jen vs Angie feuds or about Handler’s Angie-based routine during a college tour (which is where it was popular, I’ve never seen it on Chelsea Lately).
I cannot believe Chris Rock is not at the top of their list. I loved his HBO talk show. Sure he would have to clean up his material and I think he would be gamed for it. He also has the same interview style as Letterman.He is a New Yorker and if CBS promo right, this could seriously help them get over their diversity issue.
That’s something I didn’t think before but would totally make sense! 🙂
I think Jon Stewart and Colbert are so amazing on their shows that it would be a pity if they would change their format.
And what about Conan O’Brien??? I think he would be perfect for the job. What happened to him?? I’m not American, so I’m not sure if he’s already doing something as big as before…
Conan left a bad taste in the mouth of NBC and I think CBS is going to steer clear of him. Rock is still at the top of my list.
Chelsea Handler is a big no she is the one who has probably thrown her hat into the ring. She isn’t funny and is just rude, Jennifer A would be thilled though she would be there every week. LOL that is the big problem with Chelsea she has opened her big mouth too much and Brad and Angie have friends I think she would have trouble getting good guests. Tina Fey would be wonderful as would Steven Colbert. I do love the idea of NPH I think he would be great.
Tina talked about wanting more time for her family so a five nights a week late night would be impossible.
Handler just sucks and her sort of humor wouldnt work on that spot anyway even if she was good at it.
i see Colbert and Stewart as not wanting to give up their sweet jobs. they earn good, money, are incredibly respected and have a lot of creative control. why give that up? Stewart is really bad in his celeb intervews and seems like he doesnt care. he has not improved in that because he didnt want to. of course i cant see into their minds but i think Colbert is more likely than Stewart.
i’d like to see Chris Rock or NPH. Rock a bit more because NPH would be more like Fallon whereas Rock would be a bit meaner than the usual hosts which would be a good thing.
Chris Rock is great idea.
Rock was great…but that dude would need a lot of BLEEPS. He is very uncensored
Chelsea is being considered? This has to be the biggest joke of the century.
I think it’s bs – her agent is trying to make it look like she has other options but in reality she has none.
She has been steadily losing viewers and a lot more since many finally see her true vile, racist, crude, hypocritical, child attacking & home wrecking personality.
Her showbusiness friends (bought by CAA) are themselves losing reputation, credibility and fans because of their association with Chelsea. Just imagine the network losing millions of viewers if they indeed hire this creature.
COLBERT! PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEASE!
Why does it have to be anyone? Why can’t the show end? There was a time you needed late night shows so stars and studios could promote their projects. No more. Just let it go. It’s done it’s time.
One day, if a real talk show talent emerges with a new show and approach, they can proceed then.
I’d be ok with that except tv execs would take that as an indication to stuff more “housewives” or alleged reality shows in that time slot. UP NEXT ON LATE NIGHT WITH CATTY DIVORCEES!
Not Chelsea please. She is an annoying twat.
I’d like to see all those mentioned including handler do a week of guest hosting. Handler will either be shining or shitty….and eliminated.
ANYONE but Chelsea Handler. ANYONE.
Would Ellen DeGeneres leave daytime for this job?
Ellen is waay too mild for late night. Then again, Fallon does ti so nothing would surprise me. Craig or Chris, please. Or Tina.
I am team NPH all the way. He needs a new project now that HIMYM is over. He is my Hollywood crush, so smart, so pretty.
CBS needs to compete in the late night ratings war with NBC (primarily). Whoever they select should have broad appeal, or demonstrate that ability in some manner. I can see most of the potential candidates achieving that on some level except perhaps Handler. Even Colbert, out of character, can be appealing. That does not mean the person cannot be edgy but there is a line to tread. Nuance and subltity in the hands of a skilled satirist/comedian are wonderful assets. I do not think Handler is that person.
First, network TV is all about ratings. Sure, whoever they select would be groomed and given some time to grow into the role but in the end if that person cannot deliver you can trust that changes will be made. Certainly Handler has her supporters but I doubt that she, in her present form at least, can deliver to compete with the Tonight Show on any level at this point. We saw what happened to Conan when he failed to bring in the numbers – and Conan was popular.
As I said on the previous Handler thread, any move to network TV will require a watered-down, easy-to-digest Handler, for mass appeal. Network TV is not cable where you can say or do almost anything. She’ll have to learn to play nicely with others on the CBS team – unless, of course, her plan is to start schtuping the CEO of CBS. This is Handler afterall so nothing would surprise me tbh.
Seriously though, Letterman and Leno were seemingly able to call the shots in many ways because they were bringing in the numbers and advertisers were happy so their respective studios gave them lots of room to play. But that did not come overnight, it took time. Still though, the studios reined them in when they wanted to.
Is Handler prepared to play by someone else’s rules? Perhaps relinquish some control and compromise on her “brand”? Wouldn’t CBS bring in their writers for the show to work with whoever the new host is and their team to craft the direction and tone for the show?
I still think Handler would be better off on Syrius or some other subsription service (if she can set that up), where her fans can follow her rants and antics.
Even Colbert, who I think would do an admirable job in Dave’s spot, would likely fair better staying on Comedy Central where he has more control.
I think that Drew Carey, Dennis Miller or Dana Carvey would make for a better replacement than any of those mentioned.
Anybody but Chelsea! Tina Fey would be my dream choice but I doubt she wants this type of commitment in her life right now, so my vote goes to Stephen Colbert.
I don’t see Chelsea taking on this gig. Chelsea Handler and CBS don’t exactly go hand in hand, in my mind.
I love Neil Patrick Harris and Tina Fey, but I don’t think I would want them to take up this gig. I don’t think TTS would allow them to branch out creatively and professionally. At least from what I’ve seen of other late night hosts, they are pretty much constrained to the one job.
I agree with Sarah from LG, Colbert and Stewart have it too good at CC. They can do whatever they want, they’re not moving. My pick is Kimmel, though I don’t see him breaking his loyalty to ABC. They’ve been so good to him. It comes down to Aisha Tyler and Conan O’Brien. Two choices I don’t mind at all.
Ugh. Make Chelsea Handler go away.
If it’s true her ratings at E are tanking, why would anyone think she’d have good ratings on CBS? She’s the wrong one for the job. She’s not “likeable” enough. They need to find someone who is hip and “acts like they care”. Not someone who only talks about getting drunk and how much they hate everyone. Chris Rock would be great, Kevin Hart, Tina Fey are my choices.
It would be awesome to have a woman host late night on network tv! Just. Not. Chelsea Handler.
I vote Katt Williams, ever since I saw the SNL skit they did with him as a talk host, I thought it was a great idea!
CRAIG!!!!
Colbert or Ferguson please but for the love of all that is holy – no Vodka Handler!!
Bring on Louis C.K.!
I would love to see Chris Rock or Arsenio replace him.
Then again, I would drop to my knees and cry joyous tears of Dave Chapelle got it, but that would never happen.
Crack Fox – Mighty Boosh reference? 😉
It seems to me like they must be seriously considering Craig Ferguson, due to the talk of finding someone (Chelsea?) to replace him in the 12:35 slot. Why would they need to replace him otherwise? I’m sure he’s not retiring anytime soon.
Btw, did anyone else see the 3 part episode of “Louie” where Louis CK was trying out to replace Letterman? I don’t know when it aired, because I saw it on a plane last week, but in the show, Letterman was retiring, Louie was being groomed as a possible replacement, but ultimately Jerry Seinfeld got the gig. I assume this was all mostly fictional (haven’t had a chance to research it online – events on Louie are usually fictionalizations of real life events), but that’s the first thing I thought of when I heard Letterman’s actual retirement announcement. I wonder if Seinfeld is a contender in real life?
His contract (Craig) expires.
I loved that Louie thing! I don’t think Seinfeld would be interested in tying himself to anything again…he seems to love being a free agent. But who knows.
I don’t want Colbert tamed by that kind of show.
I like Handler as a comedian but she doesn’t have broad appeal (it would be like putting Don Rickles in such a spot, if you’re old enough to remember) and she’s not a good interviewer.
Harris might be able to do it, actually. He’s likeable to a broad audience at least. I don’t know how good he is as an interviewer, although the bar is low in such shows.
Tina Fey would very likely be quite good but I hate to see her tied down to such a show.
Jimmy Kimmel would be the best since he has a track record in just such a show. So he likes doing it, is already well liked by a broad enough audience.
This has Chelsea Handler PR written all over it. Lol They are trying to make it seem like she some kind of hot commodity in hopes that it will bring in job offers.
It’s the same PR tactics used when you start seeing models, singers, actors/actresses everywhere who have little to no talent. Their PR is try to make them seem like big deal in hope that the big wigs take notes of them and offer them a deal.
ITA
Ugh, I think Chelsea would be far better than Tina Fey. She was good at the Golden Globes and was great for weekend update at SNL but lets get real, every night? No way. And throwing Aisha Tyler in there is such a joke, she is not and good host and she is NOT funny. I can’t stand Neil Patrick Harris.
Colbert would be excellent. Also, I think Jon Stewart would drop everything for this opportunity, I don’t understand the talk that he’s kind of above the whole rat race.
I would be really happy if it was Conan or Craig F. So funny. <3
if Colbert gets the job…I’ll never watch it. I can’t keep my eyes off that f’ed up ear of his and it distracts me from whatever else is going on….
Colbert Report is my favorite. I just cant’ see him doing the same thing as Letterman. Stephen Colbert is just to good with political satire, let Ferguson take over Letterman’s place.
I hope Craig Ferguson is promoted to the Late Show. He deserves it. Ferguson has been brilliantly following Letterman for 9 years now. I think Tina Fey and Chris Rock could do a good job too on the late late show….
I love Stephen Colbert on the Colbert Report and would be sad to see that show end. Plus Stewart and Colbert are brilliant on their Comedy Central shows.
As for Conan, he owns his show now, ‘Conan’ on TBS. Why give that up? Plus while I’m a fan, Conan does kind of have a niche audience.
Just NO to Chesea Handler. No no no.
I can’t image Tina Fey being creatively fulfilled by this. Though I’d love to be wrong! Hoping it’s Colbert. Ferguson is ok, but not especially charismatic imo.
I CANNOT STAND Chelsea Handler but it would be interesting to see a woman finally get one of these shows. I’m guessing Tina and Amy aren’t interested?
Chelsea Handler should not be considered for those v-neck, 3/4 sleeve tops alone.
I would prefer Neil Patrick Harris, Tina Fey, or, frankly, Kate Gosselin before Chelsea Handler.
Stephen Colbert, host of Comedy Central’s “The Colbert Report,” will replace outgoing “Late Show” host David Letterman, CBS announced today.