Stephen Colbert Replacing David Letterman: Hollywood Reacts

The news that Comedy Central’s Stephen Colbert is going to be taking over from David Letterman as the host of the Late Show prompted both positive and humorous reactions from Hollywood and the comedy community. 

STORY: ‘Late Show’: Stephen Colbert to Replace David Letterman as Host

Colbert has signed a five-year contract with CBS, according to Leslie Moonves, president and CEO of CBS Corp., who described him as “one of the most inventive and respected forces on television.”

Larry King was quick to echo that sentiment, by tweeting his congratulations.

Congratulations to Stephen Colbert for succeeding David Letterman. He should be terrific! @StephenAtHome – will you stay in character?

— Larry King (@kingsthings) April 10, 2014

Jimmy Fallon will now go head-to-head with Colbert over on NBC, and he welcomed the challenge, but had a slight name change suggestion.

I’d like to welcome the great @StephenAtHome to network late night and also congratulate him on his new name: Jimmy Colbert.

— jimmy fallon (@jimmyfallon) April 10, 2014

The other Jimmy (Kimmel) also heralded the decision by CBS.

Congratulations to @StephenAtHome #StephenColbert – a finer or funnier man I do not know.

— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) April 10, 2014

Fellow late-night host Seth Meyers supported the choice for the CBS flagship show.

Congratulations to @StephenAtHome! Could not have happened to a nicer guy

— Seth Meyers (@sethmeyers) April 10, 2014

This Is 40 producer Judd Apatow also gave the choice a thumbs-up.

Congrats @StephenAtHome ! The world rejoices!

— Judd Apatow (@JuddApatow) April 10, 2014

ESPN and NFL Live host Trey Wingo pointed out that the news was yet another blow for Comedy Central.

Comedy Central’s hour of power taking hits: First John Oliver leaves Daily Show for HBO.. now @StephenAtHome is headed to CBS

— trey wingo (@wingoz) April 10, 2014

Longtime friend Jon Favreau couldn’t be happier for his former colleague.

Congrats to @StephenAtHome! I remember washing dishes at #SecondCity when he was on stage. He will be great!

— Jon Favreau (@Jon_Favreau) April 10, 2014

Meanwhile Arianna Huffington asked the question that’s on everyone’s mind.

Congrats to @stephenathome on his new home. Who should the first guest be?

— Arianna Huffington (@ariannahuff) April 10, 2014

Jon Cryer had a very comical, if somewhat strange, reaction.

Finally! A minority is gonna be represented in late night! Catholic Elvish speakers everywhere rejoice!!

— Jon Cryer (@MrJonCryer) April 10, 2014

As well as offering up his services as a co-host.

Hey @StephenAtHome You’re gonna need an unctuous sidekick. #imjustsayin

— Jon Cryer (@MrJonCryer) April 10, 2014

Mindy Kaling took the unique approach of comparing Colbert to Justin Bieber.

Congratuations to @StephenAtHome, a classy and hilarious person, who is constantly trending on twitter like he is @justinbieber

— Mindy Kaling (@mindykaling) April 10, 2014

Meanwhile Ryan Seacrest said he is definitely going to tune-in.

Can’t wait to get to know the real Stephen Colbert. Congrats @StephenAtHome

— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) April 10, 2014

CBS Late Late Show host Craig Ferguson welcomed Stephen to the family.

Congratulations to the hugely talented and fragrant and lovely @StephenAtHome on the new gig. Welcome to the CBS funhouse.

— Craig Ferguson (@CraigyFerg) April 10, 2014

Neil Patrick Harris described the new choice as “rad.”

I’m thrilled for @StephenatHome replacing Dave. He’s a fantastic choice. I’m a huge fan. Colbert is rad.

— Neil Patrick Harris (@ActuallyNPH) April 10, 2014