The Future of The Late Show: Will Stephen Colbert Carry the Torch in New York?
Update: Yes. The Late Show will remain in New York's Ed Sullivan Theatre for the Stephen Colbert version. The building will go through a renovation for Colbert.
As David Letterman's tenure as the host of The Late Show comes to an end, the conversation has shifted to who will take over and where the show will be hosted. Recent reports have indicated that CBS is leaning towards appointing Stephen Colbert as the next host. This decision suggests that the iconic show will stay at its long-time home, the Ed Sullivan Theatre, albeit with some renovations to accommodate its new host.
Stephen Colbert's Late Show to Stay at Ed Sullivan Theatre
According to reports, Stephen Colbert is CBS's top choice to replace Letterman, a sign that the show post-Letterman will remain in the Ed Sullivan Theatre. The theatre, located in New York City, has been the home of The Late Show since its inception. Therefore, staying there is a natural and likely progression for the show's legacy.
Stephen Colbert is Reportedly the Frontrunner to Replace Letterman
Meanwhile, the mayor of Los Angeles has publicly campaigned for CBS to bring the show to LA. However, the mayor's efforts are countered by the strong ties that The Late Show has with the Ed Sullivan Theatre. This theatre has been a key component of the show's identity and has provided a unique venue for late-night comedy.
What Happened Two Years Ago Before Letterman Announced His Retirement?
Two years ago, with Craig Ferguson moving to a larger studio, it was speculated that he may be the next host of The Late Show after Letterman retired, and the show might find a new home in California. However, this is just speculation, and a Jon Stewart hosted Late Show at the Ed Sullivan Theatre remains a legitimate possibility.
The Future of The Late Show
The decision to keep The Late Show at the Ed Sullivan Theatre is significant. The theatre, with its rich history and unique architecture, has been the reason for its popularity. However, the real questions remain: Who will be the new host, and will production stay in New York or move to Los Angeles?
Before the Late Show was dominated by NBC, CBS was ahead in late-night television revenue. Today, almost every network has a late-night comedy program. While The Late Show has consistently finished second in ratings for nearly two decades, its ad revenue often matches or surpasses The Tonight Show. This makes the decision to keep the show in New York even more critical for maintaining its brand recognition and financial success.
Conclusion
Given the strong attachment that The Late Show has to the Ed Sullivan Theatre and the financial success of the show, it is highly likely that Stephen Colbert will host the show in New York. The question remains open as to whether the production will remain at its current studio or move to Los Angeles for potentially lower production costs and a chance to attract more A-list guests. Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: The Late Show will continue to be a major player in the world of late-night comedy.