Is Conan O’Brien out of running as David Letterman’s replacement? Signs point to ‘yes’

Given that Conan O’Brien already had a chance to host “The Tonight Show,” it may be up for debate as to whether or not he was ever seriously even considered to become the replacement for David Letterman on “The Late Show.” Either way, we now seemingly have further verification that the late-night comic is staying put at TBS.

Sources confirm that Conan has agreed to take his show in the summer of 2015 to Comic-Con in San Diego, which puts him firmly on board with TBS for at least another year and three months. By that point, CBS may already be looking to have an announcement for their future host, and also a premiere date for them. As Deadline reports, this information almost ensures that Conan will not be the man or woman to guide CBS into its future moving forward.

The hosts that have been more seriously considered for the replacement gig, at least according to rumors, include such people as Chelsea Handler and Stephen Colbert. The host of “The Colbert Report” is believed to be the frontrunner, with there being claims that he will come, but also leave behind at Comedy Central the persona that he has used over the past several years there as the obnoxious news pundit.

Ultimately, it’s fairly ridiculous to think that CBS even has any idea at all what they want to do. It is early in the selection process, and rather than just hurry to name a successor when they have so much time, they will probably just start up their research. Remember here that Craig Ferguson has the first right of refusal for the show, but he may or may not want the show and the ratings pressure that comes with it.

Conan just recently wrapped up a week of shows in Dallas, and in addition to his Comic-Con gig next year, he has also recorded shows in Atlanta.

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Photo: TBS