Stephen Colbert, who took over The Late Show from David Letterman in September 2015, will stay where he’s at through at least 2023.
CBS announced a new three-year contract extension with Colbert keeping him til August 2023.
“Stephen Colbert is one of the most entertaining, influential and relevant voices in America today,” said David Nevins, Chief Creative Officer, CBS Corporation, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Showtime Networks, Inc. “His monologue has become a vibrant part of the national discussion, and a spot on Stephen’s couch places guests from the worlds of entertainment, news and politics in front of late night’s largest and most desirable audience. We’re incredibly proud of the broadcast and thrilled to extend our relationship with Stephen for years to come.”
Added Colbert: “I’ve been asked by CBS to host The Late Show until 2023, and I have every intention of honoring their subpoena.”
Colbert’s Late Show is on a three-year winning streak in the ratings, surpassing The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon right about when Donald Trump took the oath of office in January 2017.
He averaged 3.82 million viewers last season, compared to Fallon’s 2.44 million. He also beat Fallon in the 18-49 demo. So far this season, which began last month, he’s growing his lead in late-night.