Stephen Colbert, David Letterman talk ‘Late Show’ in first post-announcement interview

Tonight, “The Late Show with David Letterman” is probably going to get higher ratings than usual, and for as reason that can be traced back to one simple guest: Stephen Colbert. For the first time since the news was made official that he will be replacing Dave, the “Colbert Report” host will sit down as himself and discuss the job.

Technically, the interview was already filmed this afternoon, and will air on CBS tonight. In the clip released by the network about it, we have what is basically an exchange of self-deprecating humor. Colbert jokes that he is going to just do the same exact show as him since that worked pretty well, while David congratulated the network for not hiring “another boob like him.” (Colbert then went on to call himself a “boob,” as well.)

At some point in the interview, we hope the obvious question is asked about the divide between the real Colbert and the fake-Colbert that everyone seems to believe is real. The transition from one personality to another is probably the only concern that is out there for some, but we’re not particularly worried about it. If Stephen was smart enough to create a character so entertaining that viewers would want to watch him for almost a decade, then he’s going to be smart and funny enough to do a show that focuses on him being himself. He’s a different sort of comic than Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon, and therefore should bring on his own audience. For one, he’s one of the few late-night hosts who is just as good of an interview as Dave is (especially when it comes to making subjects squirm a little).

What do you think about this brief video preview, and about Colbert’s change in spectacles? Share below, and sign up to get further details via our CarterMatt Newsletter.

Photo: CBS