David Letterman announced his retirement as the host of Late Show with David Letterman on Thursday, April 3. The late-night television veteran of three decades will leave in 2015 when his contract expires with CBS. Letterman has won five Emmys during his 11-year run with NBC’s Late Night and recently celebrated his 20th year with CBS in 2013.
With the news of his retirement, speculations have arisen over who is going to take over for the 66-year-old. While names have included Chris Rock, Neil Patrick Harris and Conan O’Brien, others believe a woman comedian should step up to the plate.
Some of the most iconic late-night talk show hosts include Johnny Carson, Dick Clark, Jimmy Kimmel, Jay Leno and Letterman. Very few women have had the opportunity to host their own, and now is the perfect time to see it happen.
Female celebrities like Melissa McCarthy, Sandra Bullock and Jennifer Aniston have proven they can have both beauty and humor. It would be great to see a comedic woman step into Letterman’s shoes. Here is our list of the top 10 women comedians who would be perfect to succeed Letterman at CBS.
[New Page=Cameron Esposito]
No. 10 on our list is a fairly new comedian. She has been seen on Chelsea Lately as a recurring panelist, and Jay Leno referred to her as the future. Esposito's resume includes live stand-up comedy, podcasts and festivals, so she would be comfortable in front of a live audience. She's a rising star and she would bring a fresh vibe to late-night television.
[New Page=Amy Schumer]
The girl next door has an edgy comedic style and is quickly rising in the comedic world. The 32-year-old is the creator, writer and star of the Comedy Central show Inside Amy Schumer which features skits on different subjects including compliments, sexting, bridal showers and more. This makes her perfect when it comes to doing late-night skits as seen with Jimmy Fallon's late-night talk show. She's funny, sweet and relatable. What more could you want?
[New Page=Joan Rivers]
Coming in at No. 8 is the one and only Joan Rivers. The fashionista is an Emmy-winning television talk show host, comedian, radio host and actress among other things. She currently has her own show, Fashion Police, which features critiques of celebrity outfits and includes popular segments like "Bitch Stole My Look" and "Starlet or Streetwalker." She adds her own puns during the show and is very comfortable in front of the camera. She can be a little raunchy and racy at times, but that's what makes good late-night television!
[New Page=Nikki Glaser and Sara Schaefer]
These two women appeared on their own talk show for MTV, Nikki and Sara Live, which featured commentary on pop culture and celebrity guests. Nikki and Sara are both comedians and have the talk show experience so they could very easily transition and take over for Letterman. Despite the shows short run, the girls are witty and quick on their feet. They are young but a breathe of fresh air and they can relate to a younger generation.
[New Page=Ellen DeGeneres]
While this one might be a long shot because she currently has a daytime talk show that is hugely popular, we have to include the one and only Ellen DeGeneres. The 56-year-old has hosted the Oscars, crashed Twitter, and brought joy to fans around the world.
She would be amazing at late night television, but due to her jam-packed schedule, her chances of replacing Letterman are slim. We can dream, though!
[New Page=Kristen Wiig]
No. 5 on our list is Kristen Wiig! The actress became popular during her appearances on Saturday Night Live from 2005 to 2012. She has since been in popular movies, including Bridesmaids and Despicable Me. She has a goofy comedic nature and her recent stint as Harry Styles from One Direction makes you want to see more of her work. Replacement for Letterman? Yes please!
[New Page=Chelsea Handler]
Chelsea Handler recently announced she was not coming back for her late-night show Chelsea Lately, so she has time to take on Late Show hosting duties. She has the experience, a sarcastic sense of humor and is comfortable talking with celebrities. She already has a young fan base and could be a great replacement for Letterman.
[New Page=Wanda Sykes]
Wanda Sykes is a well-known actress and comedian and has appeared in Evan Almighty, Monster-in-Law and more. In 2010, she starred on her own late night talk show on FOX, The Wanda Sykes Show, and in 2010 her second HBO special, "I'ma Be Me," was nominated for two Primetime Emmy awards. She's entertaining, tackles important world issues and has the experience - she's got it all.
[New Page=Amy Poehler]
Although she is busy working on Parks and Recreation, Amy Poehler would be a great replacement. Like Fallon, who took over for Leno, she was a part of the SNL cast and co-anchored the "Weekend Update" desk (you might remember her for her "Really?!" segments). She has hosted the Golden Globes with BFF Tina Fey and has proven she is one funny woman.
[New Page=Tina Fey]
Tina Fey tops our list as the best replacement for Letterman. The 43-year-old has been in the business for decades and has proven she can deliver the punch lines. She is famous for her roles on SNL, Mean Girls, Date Night, 30 Rock and Admission, just to name a few.
She has also hosted the Golden Globes with her best friend, Amy Poehler. She can be funny without trying and is easily relatable. It is rumored that the comedian has topped the list for replacements, according to CBS sources. Could she be the one?
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