CBS says Colbert to bow on Sept. 8

PASADENA, Calif. — CBS says that Stephen Colbert will begin as host of the “Late Show” on Sept. 8.

The network’s entertainment chief, Nina Tassler, on Monday announced Colbert’s debut. Last month CBS said that David Letterman’s last show before his retirement will be broadcast on May 20.

Tassler said that CBS will air reruns of its prime-time programming in the 11:35 p.m. EST time slot during the period between Letterman’s exit and Colbert’s start. That contrasts with the interim period before James Corden starts at the “Late Late Show,” which has been filled with guest hosts doing the late-night show.

With the election coming up next year, Tassler said “it will be nice to have the smartest guy in the room at 11:30.”