Exclusive

Howard Stern Doesn’t Think Stephen Colbert Made the “Right Choice” Taking Over the Late Show

Exclusive! The legendary radio host and America's Got Talent judge tells E! News that "CBS is lucky" to have Colbert

By Tierney Bricker Apr 23, 2014 7:00 PMTags
Watch: Is Colbert's Move to "Late Night" a Mistake?

When it was announced that Stephen Colbert would be replacing David Letterman as the host of the Late Show, celebrities such as Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel and Seth Meyers voiced their support for CBS' hiring decision.

However, not everyone in Hollywood is thrilled with Colbert leaving behind The Colbert Report, and his famous persona, for the plum new late-night gig. At the premiere of America's Got Talent's new season, Howard Stern told E! News that Colbert may be making a mistake.

"I don't know if that was the right choice for him," the AGT judge and legendary radio host admitted.

Say whaaa?! Care to explain yourself, Mr. Stern?!

"Everyone assumes that the best thing is to have a show at 11:30 at night," Stern explained. "Stephen Colbert is a tremendous talent, but what he does so well is that he has this fantastic character that lampoons the right wing and he's on a great slot, makes a lot of money and it seems like such a great place for him…why would he want to leave that just to go interview an actress about her latest movie? I'm not sure, although he does interviews on his show. I wonder if he'll be happy in that slot."

Still, Stern added, "I think CBS is lucky to get him."

So would Stern ever consider leaving his controversial radio show behind to take a stab at a late-night hosting gig? Watch our interview with him above to find out!

John Paul Filo/CBS

While Stern is questioning whether or not Colbert made the right choice, the man himself seemed pretty happy with his new job when he visited the Late Show on Tuesday night to chat with the soon-to-be retired Letterman.

"Obviously I'm thrilled and honored to be taking over for you," Colbert, sans Colbert Show persona, gushed.

And after he was tapped to replace Letterman, the longest-running late-night talk-show host in history, Colbert said, "Simply being a guest on David Letterman's show has been a highlight of my career. I never dreamed that I would follow in his footsteps, though everyone in late night follows Dave's lead. I'm thrilled and grateful that CBS chose me. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go grind a gap in my front teeth."

Colbert is set to take over hosting duties on the Late Show in 2015.