30 people who can replace Stephen Colbert on The Late Show

NEW YORK - OCTOBER 9: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert welcomed Late Late Show host James Corden during Friday's 10/9/15 taping in New York City. (Photo by John Paul Filo/CBS via Getty Images)
NEW YORK - OCTOBER 9: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert welcomed Late Late Show host James Corden during Friday's 10/9/15 taping in New York City. (Photo by John Paul Filo/CBS via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 15: Ricky Gervais arrives at AOL Build Speaker Series to discuss 'Special Correspondents' at AOL Studios In New York on June 15, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 15: Ricky Gervais arrives at AOL Build Speaker Series to discuss ‘Special Correspondents’ at AOL Studios In New York on June 15, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images) /

21. Ricky Gervais

As the creator, director, and writer of the U.K. series, The Office, which was initially unsuccessful but later spawned a much more prosperous U.S. counterpart, Ricky Gervais is an influential comedian and reoccurring Golden Globe host.

With an accent to boot and the ability to mock almost anything and everything in pop culture, politics, or even religion, Gervais could make a happy home for himself on CBS. Oftentimes, his personality is a bit flamboyant but that’s not necessarily a bad thing for late night television.

Additionally, Gervais is very familiar with The Late Show, having appeared as guest when David Letterman was hosting more than 25 times.

Actually, The Late Show with Ricky Gervais would probably come out looking a lot similar to another recently departed late night talk show host’s brand of style — Craig Ferguson. As a host, Craig Ferguson made up his own rules and gained popularity over the course of his tenure with his comedic narrative that simply stayed true to who Ferguson was as person and not what the studio wanted him to be.

CBS just has to put a guy with an accent in front of the camera, let him talk about whatever he wants and spit some truth, and America will tune in.

Next: 20. Aisha Tyler