A late-night bidding war to keep CBS’ flagship franchise in New York may be starting to brew.
As reported in the New York Post, New York City mayor Bill de Blasio called CBS president Les Moonves on Monday about keeping The Late Show in New York once David Letterman steps down in 2015.
“I had a very good conversation with the man who will actually make the decision,” said de Blasio. “I emphasized that New York has been an extraordinary home for the Late Show. And that we think it will be a great home for the Late Show going forward.”
Earlier this year, The Tonight Show moved back to its original New York home after spending 40 years in Los Angeles. Now, with CBS’ 11:30 show about to enter a state of transition next year, de Blasio and his New York supporters may have to fend off any LA suitors looking to replace the shaped hole they’ve had since February, as noted by the New York Daily News.
Letterman announced last Thursday that he would be retiring after 30 plus years as a late night talk show host. He has hosted CBS’ Late Show in New York since the show’s inception in 1993.