Can Colbert Really Replace Letterman?

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Last Thursday and only about a week after Letterman announced his impending retirement, CBS President and CEO Les Moonves announced the network had selected Colbert to fill Dave’s shoes upon his departure, setting off a nationwide crossfire of conversations both in favor and against the choice.

“Stephen Colbert is one of the most inventive and respected forces on television,” Moonves said during the formal announcement. “David Letterman’s legacy and accomplishments are an incredible source of pride for all of us here, and today’s announcement speaks to our commitment of upholding what he established for CBS in late night.”

Stephen Colbert is arguably one of the great comedians of the 21st century, having turned his satirical “The Colbert Report” on Comedy Central into a veritable gold mine for the cable network. However, Colbert’s success stems from the fact that he plays a character on his cable show and never really appears as himself.  This ultra-conservative, bigoted blowhard Colbert plays has provided years of entertainment for viewers to poke fun and laugh at for just the sheer ignorance that comes of his mouth (while in character).  But when Colbert takes over the reigns at CBS, he won’t be portraying this character that viewers have come to know and love.  Stephen Colbert will just be — Stephen Colbert . Risky.

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Since Colbert rose to fame right before our eyes as this “character,” no one really knows who the real man is, how he will turn himself into a late night host (asking some serious questions) for a major network, and if his millions of existing fans will even go for it.

Jon Stewart, Colbert’s former boss at “The Daily Show” strongly believes that the comedian is up for the challenge and will make it work.  Nina Tassler, Chairman of CBS Entertainment, also went to great lengths to build up their choice of Colbert as a superb one.

“Stephen is a multi-talented and respected host, writer, producer, satirist and comedian who blazes a trail of thought-provoking conversation, humor and innovation with everything he touches,” Tassler said.  “He is a presence on every stage, with interests and notable accomplishments across a wide spectrum of entertainment, politics, publishing and music. We welcome Stephen to CBS with great pride and excitement, and look forward to introducing him to our network television viewers in late night.”

Does Stephen Colbert have the know-how, charisma and chops to be a legitimate late night talk show host in the mold of the many before him?  Will the “real” Stephen Colbert be respected to fill the shoes of David Letterman, who many consider the last of the “Johnny Carson era?”  Or will this Colbert to CBS experiment explode and become one of the worst decisions in modern television?

“I’m thrilled and grateful that CBS chose me,” Colbert said of his selection.  “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go grind a gap in my front teeth!”