Stephen Colbert is currently CBS’s top choice to replace longtime late-night icon David Letterman, who announced his retirement Thursday, website Mashable reported.

Multiple sources told Mashable that the comedian has “engaged with network executives” on the matter. While a number of well-known personalities are being considered, Mashable says Mr. Colbert is the “front-and-center candidate.”

CBS meanwhile, has remained tight-lipped about their top choice for the late-night slot.



“We’re not commenting on any rumors or speculation about succession,” the network told Mashable.



Comedy Central, the home of the current Colbert Report, has also not yet commented.



Stephen Colbert is one choice that has been floated to replace Mr. Letterman. Other popular picks include his fellow Comedy Central host John Stewart; current CBS late night host Craig Ferguson, who’s show follows Mr. Letterman’s; day-time talk show host Ellen DeGeneres; Conan O’Brien, who briefly hosted NBC’s The Tonight Show; and indeed some have even suggested ousted Tonight Show host Jay Leno as Mr. Letterman’s successor.



Mr. Letterman’s announcement brings an end to a more than 30-year long career in late-night broadcasting.



“We don’t have the timing of this precisely down, it will be at least a year or so,” he said during his Late Show. “But at some time in the not too distant future — 2015, for the love of God — Paul [Shaffer, the show’s bandleader] and I will be wrapping things up.

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