As you’ve probably heard by now, CBS has tapped Stephen Colbert to replace the outgoing David Letterman when he ends his record run as host of The Late Show. Colbert became the frontrunner for the job soon after Letterman announced his retirement, and the official announcement comes just a week later.

The news is generating mixed reviews–or at least forcing people into a difficult position. On one hand, Colbert is beloved by most (with the exception of this windbag), and we know he’s capable of taking the reins from Letterman.

On the other hand, a Colbert Late Show means buh-bye to The Colbert Report, the long-running Comedy Central show that’s followed Jon Stewart’s Daily Show for nearly a decade. Man, how I’m going to miss The Colbert Report (as are millions).

Not only that, but the end of The Colbert Report is also the end of the Stephen Colbert character he so perfectly portrayed in his satyrical look at today’s political culture. Yes, Colbert has confirmed that he won’t be doing The Late Show in character, the bombastic ultra-conservative that Colbert himself described as an “active idiot.”

Anyway, here’s a look at what you can expect. Here’s a young Colbert, nearly a decade ago, talking to Dave for the first time about his upcoming new show, among other things.

Oh yeah, and he’s out of character:

“Simply being a guest on David Letterman’s show has been a highlight of my career,” said Colbert in today’s announcement. “I never dreamed that I would follow in his footsteps, though everyone in late night follows Dave’s lead.”

Image via Wikimedia Commons