CBS taps Stephen Colbert to replace retiring Letterman

In a screen shot from the website of “The Colbert Report,” host Stephen Colbert lampoons Nevada Assemblyman Jim Wheeler in the Oct. 31, 2013, broadcast of the Comedy Central show.

Associated Press

Thursday, April 10, 2014 | 9:32 a.m.

NEW YORK— Stephen Colbert is replacing David Letterman as CBS' late-night host.

CBS announced Thursday that "The Colbert Report" host will replace Letterman when he retires next year. Colbert is signed for five years.

Letterman has hosted "Late Show with David Letterman" since 1993. He turns 67 Saturday.

Colbert says in a statement: "I never dreamed that I would follow in his footsteps, though everyone in late night follows Dave's lead."

Comedy Central's Emmy-winning "The Colbert Report" has been a hit since its launch in 2005.