‘Late Show with David Letterman’ Finale Announced: CBS Series To End May 20, 2015 Following ‘The Colbert Report’ Final Episode – Stephen Colbert, James Corden Prepping For Replacement [VIDEO]

As Comedy Central's The Colbert Report winds down its days – setting up to end next Thursday, Dec. 18 – it's been a wonder as to when Late Show host David Letterman will end his late night show and let Stephen Colbert head on over to the Ed Sullivan Theater. Well, now the date has been announced ... and viewers around the world are finding themselves coming to terms with the fact that the iconic comedian will soon be off the air. MStars News is sad to say that David Letterman will officially end his CBS show on May 20, 2015, after debuting back in 1993.

Deadline notes that Letterman is the "longest-tenured late night talk show host" ever, having been on the Late Show for 32 years. On his ever so beloved show, CBS Corp President and CEO Leslie (Les) Moonves said, "David Letterman has given to all of us a remarkable legacy of achievement and creative brilliance that will never be forgotten." He went on to continue, "It's going to be tough to say goodbye, but I know we will all cherish the shows leading up to Dave's final broadcast in May."

Check out the moment when Letterman surprised everyone, including CBS, and announced that he was stepping down from the Late Show spot.

On May 20, Letterman will have hosted just over 6,000 Late Show and Late Night episodes, as he was the first ever Late Night host over on NBC.

Of course, this news means that Stephen Colbert is gearing up even more (now that he has a date, naturally) for the new Late Show with Stephen Colbert as is James Corden for his new Late Late Show with James Corden, which will follow Colbert's Late Show.

Readers, what are your thoughts on the upcoming late night television switch up?