After 20 years, David Letterman is retiring from his CBS post. So now the question is: Who will take his place on the legendary show?
The late-night circuit has long been dominated by white men (mostly named "Jimmy," as the Washington Post's Alexandra Petri pointed out). Though the slot David Letterman will leave open at CBS when he retires in 2015 will likely be filled by yet another white man (reports claim that Stephen Colbert is the front-runner), there are plenty of non-white or male comedians out there who could breathe new life into the longstanding series.
A woman taking over for Letterman could forever change the decades-long late-night sausage fest. Here are 18 people — some household names and a few less famous comedians — who could be worth taking the risk for CBS.
Julie Klausner
Band leader: Ted Leo
Writer Julie Klausner would be a great pick for The Late Show. Her podcast How Was Your Week? has captured the hearts of thousands of people nationwide, proving she is a terrific host and interviewer. Plus, her work in front of the camera for Vulture shows she is also a dynamic performer. Klausner has written for Best Week Ever, Billy on the Street, and John Mulaney's new pilot Mulaney.
Carrie Brownstein
Band Leader: Fred Armisen
Brownstein began her career as a magazine writer and has since been interviewed countless times, so the format shouldn't be a problem for her. Her television background in writing for and performing on her IFC show with Armisen Portlandia gives her a great foundation for understanding how to write and execute skits with her guests. A major bonus: She's incredibly funny and her chemistry with Armisen is already built in. All she'd have to do is steal him from Seth Meyers.
Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images
Aisha Tyler
Band leader: Aloe Blacc
OK, so The Late Show would have to steal her from The Talk and Whose Line Is It Anyway and her podcast Guy on Girl, but that just goes to show how perfect she is for the gig. Tyler has clearly proven that she's a fantastic host. She's fast on her feet and fantastically funny, so her monologues would be effortless and her improv skills would come in handy when interacting with her guests.
Kevin Winter / Getty Images for PMC
