”The Colbert Report” Sets Date for Final Show

Stephen Colbert began hosting his own show in October 2004.

It's the end of an era: "The Colbert Report" is coming to an end. Stephen Colbert announced the last episode of his hit Comedy Central series will air on Thursday, Dec. 18. Colbert is leaving his post to take over "The Late Show" from David Letterman sometime in 2015.

Colbert made the announcement on the Thursday, Oct. 30 show while urging viewers to buy the paperback version of his book "America Again." His new deal with CBS is for five years.

"Simply being a guest on David Letterman's show has been a highlight of my career," Colbert said in a statement. "I never dreamed that I would follow in his footsteps, though everyone in late night follows Dave's lead. I'm thrilled and grateful that CBS chose me. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go grind a gap in my front teeth."

CLICK: David Letterman is flattered by his replacement

Colbert began hosting his own show in October 2004. Before that he was a "Daily Show" correspondent. He was no stranger to Comedy Central, having starred in and co-created "Strangers With Candy "opposite Amy Sedaris.

"Comedy Central is proud that the incredibly talented Stephen Colbert has been part of our family for nearly two decades," the network said in a statement when Colbert's new role was announced in April. "We look forward to the next eight months of the ground-breaking Colbert Report and wish Stephen the very best."

Larry Wilmore will take over "The Colbert Report's" timeslot with "The Minority Report." The new series will present "a comedic look at news, current events and pop culture from unique perspectives not typically on display in late night television."

PHOTOS: Late-night talk show hosts

Copyright E! Online
Contact Us