Dave To Steve

The big news is not only that CBS has chosen Stephen Colbert to replace David Letterman, but the rapidity with which they made the decision. Maybe they should have waited a little longer.

Certainly Colbert is fast, witty and knows how to handle hosting duties, but is he really the best choice? (I realize some people, like Jon Stewart, simply weren't available, but plenty of other names were.) I guess he's young enough, though he'll be starting about a decade later than average for the 11:30 network slot.  But does he have enough appeal--will he cross over?  He's a success on his Comedy Central show (helped by the Stewart lead-in), with good numbers and great demos, but will it mean he can get and hold the wider audience CBS wants?

After all, we don't know if he can run a "regular" talk show.  His character is a loud-mouthed conservative who says idiotic things.  On CBS, he'll have to play it straight.  Will that work for him?  For his fans?  Running a show straight is a different sort of talent.

Also, he's a well-known liberal.  Will he let that get in the way of his show?  There are plenty of liberals doing late night talk shows, but few so identified by their politics.  As Johnny Carson, who kept his politics quiet, used to say, why should I lose half my audience before I start?

Who would be better? Heck if I know.  Though perhaps they could have chosen someone a little less predictable.  Maybe even a relative unknown, like Letterman and Conan were when they started.  That would have been exciting.