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Letterman to retire in 2015

TheGongOfDoom

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humdrum

humdrum

Wow, I just read this!  I'm bummed; I've come to love Dave over the years. 

It will be interesting to see who will eventually replace him, and I wouldn't mind Conan at all! 

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vb68

vb68

I had been thinking it would eventually be Jon Stewart or Colbert, but now I wonder if Chelsea Handler could be in the mix as well.  That would shake things up.

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dbrits

dbrits

I had been thinking it would eventually be Jon Stewart or Colbert, but now I wonder if Chelsea Handler could be in the mix as well. That would shake things up.

If Chelsea hosted, The Late Show would he dead to me.

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rereader2

rereader2

I attended tapings a few times a number of years ago--both in Rockefeller Center and on Broadway. It seems so odd that it will be ending...I guess I assumed he would just go on forever.

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alynch

alynch

Well, this is as good a reason as any to get this forum breathing.

As for replacements, here's a long shot: Ray Romano. He's a veteran standup, CBS royalty, and has a great relationship with Letterman

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rereader2

rereader2

But can he interview? Letterman knows how to interview, even though it's not something people necessarily realize. He knows how to puncture a guest's self-importance--but he also knows how to bring the best out of ill-at-ease guests.

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thispersonstinks

thispersonstinks

It's totally sad to see Letterman retire next year. I hope he pulls a Carson and do all-new episodes from September-May and we get to cherish the Christmas show once more. It's great to see Letterman went from frat-boy humor in the 80s to become not only one of best late-night hosts, but one of the best broadcasters in TV history. You see glimpses in Stewart, Colbert, and Conan, but this is why I still like Letterman to this day because when he cares for something, he really shows it. He doesn't sugarcoat it.

As for the replacements, this has more intrigue because we have no idea what CBS wants and ironically, most of the late-night hosts (except for NBC) have contracts expired this year and next year. Some say Ferguson has the advantage, but I don't think he wants to do a 11:30 show. I think he'll renews with CBS and stays pat. Conan, Stewart, Colbert are all great candidates, plus possibly Tina Fey. I'm not in the Chelsea Handler bandwagon because she was interesting at first, but really didn't care about her show in the past year. The more intriguing person could be Neil Patrick Harris. He would cut Fallon's share of an audience and he will have his own Broadway theater. Now for all them, can they interview? I find Stewart overrated in that department. Colbert is actually a good interview, but I wouldn't know if that's his character or himself. Conan has improved leaps and bounds in his interview, but is he willing to go back to New York? 

All I can say is I'm actually am interested on who's replacing Letterman.

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LJonEarth

LJonEarth

Oh, no, we're losing the *Christmas* show?! That only just hit me!

That has me tearing up a bit. I've been watching since I was in the 4th grade (secretly at the time) and I'm 30 now. It's been obvious for a few years that it's time. But it still hurts a bit.

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vb68

vb68

(edited)

 

I think he'll renews with CBS and stays pat. Conan, Stewart, Colbert are all great candidates, plus possibly Tina Fey.

I don't think Tina Fey would do a show opposite Jimmy Fallon and  especially not against Lorne Michaels. 

Edited by vb68
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TheGongOfDoom

TheGongOfDoom

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To me, Letterman has been  a dick for almost a decade, way too often, he's had this, "I so don't want to be here doing this" stinking aura oozing off of him during shows. I don;t see him a great or even very good interviewer, these days the whole sit down segments are scripted within an inch of their goddamn lives, not just with Dave but with EVERY host, even Ferguson who makes a big show out of tearing up his cue cards, that's a feint, he sits down before the show with the guests and outlines what they'll talk about. 

The formula is, introduce guest, small talk bullshit, amusing anecdote involving a trip the celebrity took or something their adorable child did, whore out current project with clip. The End. If he has someone like Brian Williams on, the only difference is Williams can be 'funny' about the news instead of serious. The only real wild card guest with Dave is Bill Murray and frankly his schtick is wearing thin. "Let's see, what whacky costume shall I wear this time."

No way Conan gets the job, the more interesting question for him is what he's gonna do when TBS cancels his show when his contract is up, after 20 years he still doesn't know how to do a late night talk show. His monologue is still fail, and his interview skills are horrid.

Back to Letterman being a dick, I lost respect for him when it came out that he'd been cheating on his longtime girlfriend. The cheating was bad enough, but the fact that he was fucking the interns who worked on his show IN HIS OFFICE is sickening.

But what is truly vile and repulsive was how the audience reacted the night he 'came clean' and confessed. 

They cheered him.

Wait, that's not right, they gave him a standing ovation.

They were applauding and cheering and giving their approval for his cheating on his girlfriend and banging his interns on his office.

Repulsive vile scum.

 

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A Boston Gal

A Boston Gal

(edited)

I can't see Colbert or Stewart taking it, as talented as they are, only because they'd have to modify their presentation and views too much for middle America. Then again, I'm sure CBS will dangle tons o' cash in front of whomever they decide they want. We're in for quite the guessing game over the next 12 months or so...

Edited by A Boston Gal
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TheGongOfDoom

TheGongOfDoom

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I can't see Colbert or Stewart taking it, as talented as they are, only because they'd have to modify their presentation and views too much for middle America. Then again, I'm sure CBS will dangle tons o' cash in front of whomever they decide they want. We're in for quite the guessing game over the next 12 months or so...

You do realize Letterman is from Indiana which is as Middle America as it get's right?

The problem with Stewart is that he doesn't have the endless parade of celebrities and movie and tv stars just there to whore out their latest project, he has many more authors political figures and policy analyists and AOMG they actually have semi serious discussions.

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alynch

alynch

If either them wants the gig, I doubt they'd have too much trouble balancing the celebrity guests with the serious guests, especially since they'll be able to have multiple guests on each night.

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A Boston Gal

A Boston Gal

alynch, you think that soon? I have visions of CBS not announcing a replacement until much later, enjoying the speculation and ensuing publicity. Then again, you could be right...it will be an interesting ride, to say the least! :)

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Kromm

Kromm

(edited)

So many candidates.  I wonder if anyone, anyone at all, would feel safe in the 11:30 slot.  Is it a smaller gamble now that Leno is out?  Possibly.  Or maybe just a sign that 11:30 talk shows are a bad idea these days.

Ferguson probably knows better than to risk it.  Who knows if they'd even really truly offer it to him.  He'd insist on LA apparently, which probably is no big deal to CBS, since with both Fallon and Meyers in NY, there's a gap in LA for another show (and more easily available guests).  

Aside from other reasons they might hesitate to move, I wonder if contractually Stewart or Colbert even CAN.

Conan, through no fault of his own, is likely a dead issue.  Is it possible?  Yes.  Do I think TBS and CBS and all of the other interested parties could agree on all of this and force it through?  No.

EDIT - Okay, my guess on Conan was based on a wrong assumption.  I thought his TBS contract ran another 2 or 3 years.  In fact, it only runs another year and a half.  If Letterman is willing to delay his retirement until lets say... Christmastime 2015, then Conan (who's TBS contract expires in November 2015) could reasonably take over in January.  That makes him actually possible, although really I have no idea if CBS thinks he'd be able to kill the Two Jimmys in the ratings.

Tina Fey, Chelsea Handler, Neil Patrick Harris, I agree these are interesting ideas.  Fey probably doesn't have the draw outside of her own dedicated fandom though--remember 30 Rock was NOT a smash ratings success ever.  Handler?   I don't know what kind of impact she would or could have on general broadcast channel audiences.  NPH?  The idea is intriguing, although of course a big first shot which could inevitably lead to some insane publicity battle with homophobic idiots (who might barely tolerate a sitcom with a gay lead, but late night TV might be something else entirely).  The question would be if CBS is up to fighting that, or if they are the type to try and avoid it altogether.  

EDIT - re: Chelsea Handler.  I don't think CBS would risk her, but its worth noting that her contract with E! ends later THIS year and she's already said publicly she has no plans to stay on E!  Her not specifying where she EXPECTS that she's going is interesting.

EDIT - re: Neil Patrick Harris. Aside from the fears that he might scare off middle America being gay, there's also one other thing.  At least for awhile he may have absorbed a little public hostility over the How I Met Your Mother finale.  Sure its not his doing, but people don't always think rationally over stuff like that.

Edited by Kromm
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Kromm

Kromm

Some of the other crazy ideas being bounced around:

Chris Hardwick. I've seen this speculation, and I just don't see it happening.  If it was for the 12:30 slot he'd have a chance.  For 11:30?  Nope.  Not unless they wanted to ditch the talk show format and simply put on a comedy gameshow on CBS at 11:30.

Whoopi Goldberg.  Ridiculous.  It will never happen (even though the Hollywood Reporter seems to think its possible).

Russell Brand. In a weird twisted way I think its actually remotely possible.  Then again, maybe not with another "foreigner" at 12:30 already.

Jimmy Kimmel.  No idea of his contract status with the Mouse owned Alphabet network.  CBS probably might want him though if he was available, because I think they'd go for the proven track record over something new.

Jerry Seinfeld.  Another ridiculous name pulled out of a hat by the Hollywood Reporter.  It makes no sense.  Seinfeld would never WANT to do it.

Howard Stern.  Again, I think its picking names out of a hat if anyone thinks this is ever going to happen.

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alynch

alynch

As far as I can tell, the only basis for suggestions of Seinfeld, Chris Rock, and Louis C.K. are those three episodes of Louie from a couple years back.

alynch, you think that soon?

After today's events, I believe this even more. Today we had two different outlets positioning two different people as serious contenders: one for Stephen Colbert and the other for Chelsea Handler. So one day after Dave's announcement, those that are interested in the job are already having their people leak stories in order to better position themselves. Other candidates are likely going to see this and follow suit. If CBS lets it go on too long, they're going to look like disorganized incompetents (i.e. NBC).

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Irlandesa

Irlandesa

Aside from other reasons they might hesitate to move, I wonder if contractually Stewart or Colbert even CAN.

 

Colbert's contract allegedly runs out at the end of this year so he could.  Stewart's will run out mid-2015 so I guess it would depend on when Letterman opts to retire. 

Fey probably doesn't have the draw outside of her own dedicated fandom though--remember 30 Rock was NOT a smash ratings success ever.

 

I don't think Fey would go upagainst Fallon and Lorne Michaels but I don't think the fact that 30 Rock was never a huge hit works against her.  It did enough to last for quite a few seasons. It won Emmys and people knew about it even if they didn't watch it.  She's a very popular SNL alum.  But even if 30 Rock were a negative, Jimmy Fallon pretty much went nowhere after SNL and still was successful as a talk show host. 

Neil Patrick Harris. Aside from the fears that he might scare off middle America being gay, there's also one other thing.  At least for awhile he may have absorbed a little public hostility over the How I Met Your Mother finale.  Sure its not his doing, but people don't always think rationally over stuff like that.

 

When NPH has hosted an awards show in the past, the show gets a ratings bump.  If people are entertained by someone, they will often overlook sexuality.  And I don't think NPH will carry the burden of the HIMYM finale.  He had one of the best moments in it.  Besides, he'll have a few movie appearances and a so-far-well-received turn on Broadway under his belt by the time Dave retires.  It's that kind of variety that might keep him from wanting it. 

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Tetraneutron

Tetraneutron

I know everyone's thinking Colbert but I wouldn't want him to give up his current show so he can be less funny on CBS. I can see Paul F. Tompkins doing it. He's funny and he can interview people. What more do you need? Or I was thinking Julie Klausner. I like her podcast.

Does anyone know if Ellen Degeneres is really as middle-America mom as her morning show? Because if she can adult up her humor, she could do it. She can interview people and do that old-fashioned variety stuff Jilly Fallon does.

 

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Milburn Stone

Milburn Stone

(edited)

The Conan of Late Night with Conan O'Brien would have been an excellent choice. But the Conan of today is damaged goods, I'm sad to say. Not just because his TBS show has failed to set the world on fire. More because, from Day 1 of his taking over The Tonight Show, some fire seemed to go out of him. The brilliant, edgy Conan of Late Night had been replaced by a safer version, apparently because he felt he needed to change in order to appeal to a "broader demographic." (Or because someone at NBC convinced him he needed to change, or forced him to change.) Ever since, he's not the same.

Edited by Milburn Stone
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Kromm

Kromm

So there are some nasty rumors that The Thing That Wouldn't Die, in other words Jay Leno, may actually be a possible candidate to take Letterman's spot on CBS.

I know.

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Kromm

Kromm

No particular order -- just numbered to prove that there are, indeed, 53 of them.

I'd actually debate on Steve Harvey.  I mean he isn't any good at his talk show job, but ANY successful stand-up comedian has to be slightly elevated from that basement of the bottom 53.  I guess that logic covers Brian Posehn as well, except he's so strange that he could be like... the 54th least likely person for the job.

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A Boston Gal

A Boston Gal

(edited)

Here's the thing about Colbert...if he's the replacement, I am assuming the character of Stephen Colbert would be no more, and he would be hosting the show as himself. He's a charming and funny guy, and I'm sure he'd be great, but I'd truly miss his rabid right-wing alter-ego and all the hypocracy it shines a light on.

I mean, the SuperPac formation and ensuing antics alone make him worthy of hero-worship in my book.  The loss of that Stephen would really leave a void.

Then again, I can't even wrap my little mind around a mainstream, hour long, network talk show with Stephen Colbert's alter ego hosting. It would be too good to be true.

Edited by A Boston Gal
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thispersonstinks

thispersonstinks

Why would Comic-Con rule Conan out? His contract with TBS also expires in 2015. He renewed it for that length right after Letterman renewed his existing contract.

In any case, Colbert or Conan...I'll be happy.

But why announce the show going to Comic-Con in July 2015? It doesn't make any sense to announce it and afterwards, announce that you got the Late Show. CBS would need at least a year to know the transition happened. This signifies Conan is likely out.

 

Here's the thing about Colbert...if he's the replacement, I am assuming the character of Stephen Colbert would be no more, and he would be hosting the show as himself. He's a charming and funny guy, and I'm sure he'd be great, but I'd truly miss his rabid right-wing alter-ego and all the hypocracy it shines a light on.

I mean, the SuperPac formation and ensuing antics alone make him worthy of hero-worship in my book.  The loss of that Stephen would really leave a void.

Then again, I can't even wrap my little mind around a mainstream, hour long, network talk show with Stephen Colbert's alter ego hosting. It would be too good to be true.

The character will likely be gone, but I still remember him hosting the White House Correspondents Dinner several years ago and it was great on TV and made the guests squirm in front of their faces. If he can do that in interviews like Letterman does, I can accept that trade-off.

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dbrits

dbrits

This must be a huge blow to Comedy Central. I'm one of those odd people who doesn't really watch The Colbert Report but I'll definitely be checking out his version on The Late Show.

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ApathyMonger

ApathyMonger

So, who replaces Colbert at 11:30? I'd like to see it go to W. Kamau Bell, but he might be seen as a failure after the FXX thing.

I guess it'll probably be a TDS person, but I don't think I want a half hour of Samantha Bee every night. She's pretty much the only one who's both experienced and not doing other stuff though.

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ramble

ramble

I used to watch Dave, what seems like ages ago, but then life got busy & I wanted that time for other things. I tried to return but found I'd lost the taste for it. When I read he was retiring it made me realize I'd forgotten about him entirely, which is slightly sad because once upon a time I'd enjoyed the show.

I think these type of shows (Leno, Fallon, Conan) are all on their way out, it may just take an ugly, slow death. My oldest, who is a teenager & her friends find it silly to sit & watch an entire show like that. They turn to YouTube for pieces of some tv shows they like. They consider section by section choice a norm & seem to view YouTube shows themselves much more favorably. I've seen the kids discuss certain YouTube channels the way I used to discuss Letterman latest show with friends. And now I will take my cane & life alert necklace & be on my way.

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Milburn Stone

Milburn Stone

(edited)

The great thing about Colbert being the choice is that he is smart enough to realize he can't just "step in" to an existing show as if nothing has changed but the host. (Surprisingly, others, when given comparable opportunities, have not realized this.) I trust him to create a show in his own image, just as he has done with The Colbert Report. When The Colbert Report was first coming together, he could have conceived it thus: "It'll be like The Daily Show, only with me stepping forward from correspondent role to host role." But he didn't do that. He created something brand new. He'll do so again.

Edited by Milburn Stone
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alynch

alynch

The great thing about Colbert being the choice is that he is smart enough to realize he can't just "step in" to an existing show as if nothing has changed but the host. (Surprisingly, others, when given comparable opportunities, have not realized this.) I trust him to create a show in his own image, just as he has done with The Colbert Report. When The Colbert Report was first coming together, he could have conceived it thus: "It'll be like The Daily Show, only with me stepping forward from correspondent role to host role." But he didn't do that. He created something brand new. He'll do so again.

If anything, being forced to abandon the character will be to his advantage because it'll force him to come up with new ideas. All previous late night hosts who got such an opportunity only did so after years in a related job which allowed them to see precisely what audiences liked and didn't like about them. So when they got the new gig, it ended up being only slightly modified versions of what they were already doing.

You know what's one thing I haven't seen get nearly enough mentions in all the Colbert-Letterman talk? That Letterman produced/financed the Strangers With Candy movie.

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kib

kib

Great selection CBS. It appears it was CBS that made the call rather than WorldWide Pants, so I guess it will be produced by the network proper. Sadly Colbert broke Carson's first rule: Own the show.  That said, there's a reason they call it the "Tiffany Network" because certainly in this case Colbert has already demonstrated he's capable of a smarter level of presentation than simply kissing celebrity tush and party games (intended buffoonery aside).

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TheGongOfDoom

TheGongOfDoom

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(edited)

I think these type of shows (Leno, Fallon, Conan) are all on their way out, it may just take an ugly, slow death. My oldest, who is a teenager & her friends find it silly to sit & watch an entire show like that. They turn to YouTube for pieces of some tv shows they like. They consider section by section choice a norm & seem to view YouTube shows themselves much more favorably. I've seen the kids discuss certain YouTube channels the way I used to discuss Letterman latest show with friends. And now I will take my cane & life alert necklace & be on my way.

 

I don't understand this line of thinking. Meyers and Fallon have gotten upswings in the ratings since they started their shows, Kimmel has settled in comfortably, Colbert will be taking over Letterman, Fergeson is doing well. The only utter Failure is of course Conan, who has been reduced to having to beg to host the MTV Movie Awards in a desperate pathetic attempt to get people to pay attention to him/watch his show.

And that isn't even going into all of the daytime talk shows which tweak the format, usually eskewing the monologue but are essentially the same. The shows are cheap to produce, it's costs next to nothing in terms of what one pays the guest/musical act. I'm curious as to what you would expect the networks to replace them with. A quick look at numbers shows it would be more expensive and a money loser if they put on syndicated shows instead.

El Blimpo has freaked out about Colbert taking over: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/10/rush-limbaugh-stephen-colbert-assault_n_5127182.html

 

Edited by TheGongOfDoom
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