102 replies to this topic

[Oriole85]

New York Daily News: David Letterman announces he’s retiring from 'Late Show' in 2015

 

Letterman said his first call was to CBS chief, Les Moonves.

“He and I have had a relationship for years and years and years, and we have had this conversation in the past, and we agreed that we would work together on this circumstance and the timing of this circumstance. And I phoned him just before the program, and I said 'Leslie, it's been great, you've been great, and the network has been great, but I'm retiring,'" said Letterman.

"I just want to reiterate my thanks for the support from the network, all of the people who have worked here, all of the people in the theater, all the people on the staff, everybody at home, thank you very much. What this means now, is that Paul and I can be married."

[Icterus galbula]

I'm actually a little surprised. The last few years his uptick in crankiness and penchant for few rehearsals made me think he would keep hanging on and on. I have to speculate that Leno being forced out twice made him want to go on his own terms having "won."

[Oriole85]

I'm actually a little surprised. The last few years his uptick in crankiness and penchant for few rehearsals made me think he would keep hanging on and on. I have to speculate that Leno being forced out twice made him want to go on his own terms having "won."

I don't think it's a coincidence he wanted to outlast Leno. He definitely had been mailing it in more in recent years. Bill Carter talked about what you were saying in a podcast with Bill Simmons last year.

[Dupin]

Is Craig Ferguson going to be his replacement?

[Oriole85]

Is Craig Ferguson going to be his replacement?

I hope not. Colbert's contract is apparently expiring. I know in the past when it's been suggested to Jon Stewart, he said "who really needs all that money." (translation: I'm happy at Comedy Central)

 

Given that Jimmy Fallon is at NBC, I'm guessing they'll want someone relatively young.

[Dupin]

I hope not. Colbert's contract is apparently expiring. I know in the past when it's been suggested to Jon Stewart, he said "who really needs all that money." (translation: I'm happy at Comedy Central)

 

Given that Jimmy Fallon is at NBC, I'm guessing they'll want someone relatively young.

 

I don't think Colbert is leaving Comedy Central either.  You can't do his show on CBS.

[Oriole85]

I don't think Colbert is leaving Comedy Central either.  You can't do his show on CBS.

I have no idea, if CBS would pay him more would he go?

[BobPhelan]

Ellen, Conan, Ferguson all reasonable candidates.

[DJ MC]

Neil Patrick Harris. He's available. And he does a good Letterman:

 

[bnickle]

Ellen might be my odds on favorite at this point.

[Mark Carver]

I use to DVR his shows but he got too political for my taste. I stopped watching years ago.

[Dupin]

Ellen might be my odds on favorite at this point.

 

Is the money better in late night?  I thought she was still dominating daytime.

[Russ]

I'm thinking outside the box. Zach Galifianakis.

[BobPhelan]

I would think the money and exposure is way better at late night.

[Dupin]

I'm thinking outside the box. Zach Galifianakis.

 

He's way too out there for a mainstream audience.  Late night TV needs someone inoffensive like Fallon.

[Icterus galbula]

I could totally see Ellen. Conan and Ferguson are better suited for the later shows.

[Oriole85]

Ellen, Conan, Ferguson all reasonable candidates.

Conan would've been better if Jay were still on the air.

[Oriole85]

[Oriole85]

I would think the money and exposure is way better at late night.

According to Variety despite my earlier statement, Jon Stewart made more than Letterman/Leno last year.

[Icterus galbula]

I'd like to know who I have to pay, and how much, to give Norm MacDonald a shot at this