Dave, Craig staying put in late night through 2014

NEW YORK (AP) - Relax, all you fans of David Letterman and Craig Ferguson. They'll be staying put in late night awhile longer.

CBS announced Tuesday that both Dave and Craig have re-upped to keep hosting their respective hours - "Late Show" and "The Late Late Show" - through 2014.

During the run of this agreement, Letterman will clinch his title as the longest-running, late-night talk-show host in TV history (although on two networks), the network noted. He surpasses Johnny Carson's record of a few months less than 30 years at NBC's "Tonight Show." Letterman, who turns 65 next week, began on NBC in 1982 with "Late Night," before switching to CBS in 1993 after Jay Leno edged him out for the "Tonight Show" crown upon Carson's retirement.

No salary figures were disclosed. But as part of the new deal, "The Late Late Show" will be upgraded from its famously matchbox-size studio to a larger stage at Los Angeles' CBS Television City, the network said.

"David Letterman is a late-night legend with an iconic show and Craig Ferguson continues to evolve the genre in exciting and innovative ways," said CBS Entertainment President Nina Tassler in making the announcement.

The Scottish-born Ferguson, 49, had been a musician, actor, writer, director and comedian when he took over "The Late Late Show" in 2005. He has been guaranteed the earlier slot when Letterman decides to retire.

Originating from Manhattan's Ed Sullivan Theatre, "Late Show" has won nine Emmy Awards. In addition to an Emmy nomination, "The Late Late Show" won a Peabody Award in 2009.

The "Late Show With David Letterman" airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. EDT. "The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson" follows at 12:37 a.m. EDT. Both series are produced by Letterman's production company, Worldwide Pants.

---

Online:

http://www.cbs.com

Upcoming Events