Now that David Letterman has announced that he is leaving The Late Show, the internet is running wild with replacement rumors for who will replace the possibly fired host. With Jimmy Fallon killing it in the ratings, CBS is bound to pull out a big gun to take down the former SNL vet. So we have compiled a list of new host hopefuls, ranging all the way from Letterman’s arch-rival, Jay Leno, the controversial Chelsea Handler and the highly unlikely, but much wanted, Howard Stern. Check out our wish list below to see who you think should be the next big host.
Jay Leno:
David Letterman and Jay Leno have a long and storied history together. The two former friends-turned-arch rivals have had bad blood for years. Leno recently stepped down from his tenure as host of NBC’s Tonight Show. However, it is no secret that Leno didn’t want to leave his desk. Jay has proven in the past that he would do anything to get what he wants. It would not be surprising if Jay Leno wasn’t setting meetings with CBS at this very moment.
Joel McHale:
The Community star has everything one would expect in a late night host. The handsome and charming actor has experience as the host of E!’s The Soup. Community is also getting very close to it’s six seasons and a movie goal, leaving a nice hole in McHale’s schedule. Is it likely that he will trade in his Soup spoon for the Late Show seat?
Chelsea Handler:
The soon to be former host of E!’s Chelsea Lately, recently revealed that she wants to leave late night for the a more convenient format like Netflix. However, her departure leaves the late night field completely male dominated. Now that old man Letterman is leaving, CBS might be looking to diversify. Handler wouldn’t just bring a bit of sex appeal of to the network. She can easily match wits with Jimmy Fallon, and has a rough edge sense of humor to rival ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel.
However, Handler might be too wild for network TV. Not only is he very open about her drinking and drug use, she recently told Howard Stern about some of her wild parties, including a drug filled night at Jane Fonda’s:
"I was at Jane Fonda's. She throws these awesome dance parties. And I was with my girlfriend and I got two Quaaludes from this woman...My friend didn't want one and I thought that meant for me to take both of them. And that was a disaster."
Howard Stern:
The King of all Media is probably one of the most unlikely choices, but would definitely make for an interesting one. Stern commands a massive army of blue collar followers that CBS would definitely love to get their hands on. However, Stern wouldn’t have the freedom that he is used to, but if his gig on America's Got Talent is any indication, he could definitely adapt.
Tina Fey or Amy Poehler:
With the success of SNL’s Jimmy Fallon, CBS might be looking at his former co-stars to go head to head with the funny man. Either one of the Golden Globe host could definitely handle the job, however, NBC already has them on them lock. Both women have been signed to development deals for the network. Besides, their friendships with Jimmy Fallon and Lorne Michaels could also keep the ladies from switching sides.
Aisha Tyler:
Archer, Talk Soup, Whose Line and The Talk. Her resume says its all. It seems highly likely that CBS might want move the actress from her daytime seat to the late night desk.
Conan O’Brien:
Conan has already replaced David Letterman once. The short lived Tonight Show host definitely has an axe to grind against NBC. Last year O’Brien extended his TBS contact to 2015, the very same year that Letterman is walking away.
Chevy Chase:
Chevy has everything that it takes to…Oh, who are we kidding. He would be a horrible choice.
The list could go on and on all day long. Who are some of your picks for Letterman’s replacement? Let us know in the comments section below.
