At some point in 2015, iconic late night host David Letterman will depart CBS’ long-running “Late Show.” Comedian Stephen Colbert will accept the duty of representing CBS in the late night war with NBC’s “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live.”
Before that happens, CBS’ other late-night personality will hand over the keys to his show. Craig Ferguson announced that he will vacate the network’s “The Late Late Show” this December.
“CBS and I are not getting divorced, we are ‘consciously uncoupling,’ but we will still spend holidays together and share custody of the fake horse and robot skeleton, both of whom we love very much,” said Ferguson of the split. The host first broke the news during the taping of Monday’s “Late Late” episode.
“During his 10 years as host, Craig has elevated CBS to new creative and competitive heights at 12:30,” said CBS’ Nina Tassler. “He infused the broadcast with tremendous energy, unique comedy, insightful interviews and some of the most heartfelt monologues seen on television.
“Craig’s versatile talents as a writer, producer, actor and comedian speak to his great days ahead. While we’ll miss Craig and can’t thank him enough for his contributions to both the show and the Network, we respect his decision to move on, and we look forward to celebrating his final broadcasts during the next eight months.”
Not considered a frontrunner despite late night conventions, Ferguson was officially ruled out of contention for Letterman’s “Late Show” post when CBS announced Stephen Colbert as the successor earlier this month.
