CBS sets Letterman's last show for May 20

NEW YORK -- More than 32 years of late-night talk will pass into history May 20, with CBS' announcement Wednesday that David Letterman will host his last "Late Show" on that day.

If Letterman makes all of his scheduled broadcasts until then, CBS said he will have hosted 6,028 versions of the "Late Show" and its NBC predecessor, "Late Night."

"David Letterman has given to all of us a remarkable legacy of achievement and creative brilliance that will never be forgotten," said Leslie Moonves, CBS Corp. president and CEO. "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."

Letterman, 67, announced his impending retirement in April. CBS named Stephen Colbert of Comedy Central as his replacement. Colbert hosts the last episode of "The Colbert Report" next week.

Letterman debuted on "Late Night" on NBC on Feb. 1, 1982. He jumped to CBS when NBC named Jay Leno instead of him as Johnny Carson's successor on the "Tonight" show.