CBS renews three new shows, sets date for Colbert’s Late Show debut

By Rob Dean | January 12, 2015 | 6:37pm

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For football fans inundated with commercials constantly touting the network’s success, it should come as no surprise that CBS has renewed three of its freshman dramas. The Tiffany Network has given Scorpion, NCIS: New Orleans, and Madam Secretary all second seasons of seemingly edgy but ultimately bland procedural shows that somehow pull in huge numbers, even as most people would be hard-pressed to find someone that admits to watching them (outside of maybe their parents).

Perhaps more surprisingly—or, at least, of greater interest to The A.V. Club readership—is CBS’s announcement of a date for Stephen Colbert’s debut as host of the Late Show. The Colbert Era will officially begin September 8, with about a four-month gap following David Letterman’s last episode airing on May 20. While it’s still unclear what shape Colbert’s Late Show will take or how it will differ from his predecessor, Colbert did quip, “I have nine months to make a show, just like a baby. So first, I should find out how you make a baby.”