Comedy Central's 'Colbert' Derby Begins, and Any Show Can Win

Comedy Central is leaving all formats on the table when it comes to filling the 11:30 timeslot that becomes vacant at the end of 2014 with the departure of Stephen Colbert — including, but definitely not limited to, another topical talk show in the style of The Daily Show With Jon Stewart.

The process of finding that show may mirror the short-leash experiment the network tried when The Colbert Report debuted in October of 2005, with no more than an 8-week commitment. Had Colbert fizzled, the network could've bailed; but execs knew within just a few days that they'd captured lighting in a bottle.  Read more...