John Paul Filo/CBSIt's the end of an era. David Letterman will host his final Late Show on Wednesday, May 20, 2015. CBS made the announcement today.
"David Letterman has given to all of us a remarkable legacy of achievement and creative brilliance that will never be forgotten," Leslie Moonves, president and CEO of the CBS Corporation, said in a statement. "It's going to be tough to say goodbye, but I know we will all cherish the shows leading up to Dave's final broadcast in May."
Letterman announced his impending retirement in April 2014. Stephen Colbert will replace Letterman as host of the Late Show. Colbert's comedy central series, The Colbert Report, wraps up in December 2014. An exact premiere date for Late Show hosted by Colbert has not been set.
Letterman has hosted Late Show for 22 years, before that he hosted Late Night on NBC. Under Letterman, CBS's Late Show has won nine Emmys and been nominated 73 times. As of his finale date, Letterman will have hosted 6,028 total episodes of late night TV talk shows, including Late Night and Late Show.
CBS is also shaking up the Late Late Show. Craig Ferguson is ending his run as host and will be replaced by Into the Woods star James Corden. But before that, Drew Carey, Judd Apatow, Will Arnett, Wayne Brady, Jim Gaffigan, Billy Gardell, Sean Hayes, Thomas Lennon, Kunal Nayyar and John Mayer will serve as guest hosts. CBS is expected to announce more guest hosts at a later date.
Corden will make his hosting debut March 9, 2015.
The Late Show airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. on CBS.