30 people who can replace Stephen Colbert on The Late Show
By Buckie Wells
29. Chris Hardwick
No, it does not matter that Chris Hardwick already hosts @Midnight on Comedy Central.
What matters is that he’s a fabulous host/moderator/person who has worked hard to create a huge network under the Nerdist brand that basically has a presence in everything from podcasts to television.
Even though he’s a comedian, he’s separated from the rest of the pack with his focus in pop-culture and all things nerdy. His experience with game shows and his relationship with the internet make him a perfect option for CBS. He knows what’s going on, he’s funny, and he’s clearly very creative with his content, which means he’ll have no trouble at all coming up with a segment that could go viral on a weekly basis.
Additionally, he’s already built a dedicated fanbase filled with people from the exact demographic that Stephen Colbert is struggling to reach — the 18-49 crowd. And Hardwick’s done most of it by staying away from politics, focusing on rising comedic talent and going behind the scenes of big pop culture brands, like The Walking Dead and Better Call Saul.
Plus, he doesn’t deviate far from the expectation that America already has for their late night television hosts: semi-attractive white dudes.
So, you’re safe there, CBS.
Next: 28. Lena Dunham