Key Transition Dates At A Glance
The following table summarizes the key milestones in Stephen Colbert’s move to hosting The Late Show on CBS.
| Date Or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| April 3, 2014 | Colbert’s last episode of The Colbert Report | Began the televised end of his satirical character ahead of the Late Show transition |
| April 10, 2014 | Colbert’s final The Colbert Report episode airs | Signals the close of his Comedy Central persona |
| May 13, 2014 | CBS officially announces Colbert as Letterman’s successor | Formal confirmation of the hosting transition |
| September 8, 2014 | The Late Show with Stephen Colbert premieres | |
| September 17, 2014 | First week of shows taped in New York | Completion of cross-country move and full production start |
Transition Timeline And Context
Stephen Colbert took over The Late Show on September 8, 2014, more than 18 months after CBS first named him as David Letterman’s successor. The timeline shows a deliberate transition from his Comedy Central persona on The Colbert Report to the nightly talk show format in New York.
Pre-announcement Period (2013–Early 2014)
Throughout 2013, reports linked Colbert to the Late Show vacancy, noting his appeal to younger audiences and his strong ratings in Comedy Central. Letterman’s retirement announcement in February 2014 intensified speculation, and CBS carefully managed the narrative to ensure a smooth handover.
The Announcement (May 2014)
CBS officially confirmed Colbert as Letterman’s replacement on May 13, 2014. The network emphasized continuity in production, staff, and New York City taping, while acknowledging Colbert’s need to evolve beyond the satirical character that made him famous.
The End Of The Colbert Report (April 2014)
Colbert treated his final weeks on The Colbert Report as a narrative bridge. On April 3, 2014, he signaled the coming transition, and by April 10, the satirical show concluded, allowing him to focus fully on preparing for Late Show rehearsals.
Premiere And Early Weeks (September 2014)
The premiere on September 8, 2014, featured guest-heavy shows and a reflective tone, acknowledging the handover from Letterman. The following week, shows moved to New York, solidifying the geographic and creative shift.
Contrast With The Letterman Era
Colbert assumed hosting duties nearly two decades after Letterman began the Late Show in 1993. Both tenures shared a commitment for sharp, topical monologues and long-form interviews, but Colbert’s persona brought a heightened emphasis on character-driven comedy and media critique.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was Colbert named as Letterman’s successor?
CBS announced the selection on May 13, 2014. - When did The Colbert Report end in relation to the Late Show?
The final episode aired on April 10, 2014, clearing the way for transition preparations. - When did the show move to New York?
After the premiere, full production shifted to New York in mid-September 2014.
Why The Date Matters
September 8, 2014, marks more than a calendar change; it represents the culmination of planning, persona evolution, and network alignment. Understanding this timeline clarifies how a satirical character was translated into a nightly talk host, shaping the show’s identity for years to come.
Legacy And Long-term Impact
Colbert’s takeover influenced Late Show benchmarks for celebrity engagement, writer-room tone, and topical comedy. The structured transition helped preserve Letterman’s legacy while establishing a distinct, contemporary voice for the program.