Russell Brand to Host New Late Night TV Series

Russell Brand has signed up to front a new topical late night TV series.

The stand-up comic-and-actor has agreed a deal with cable network FX to present the series on which Russell will give his "unvarnished, unfiltered take on current events, politics and pop culture."

"We're very excited to add Russell Brand's bracingly funny, original, and honest voice to the FX comedy line-up. We look forward to supporting Russell and his partner Troy Miller's ambition to strip down the hosted comedy format to its most fundamental elements and to create something daring and unfiltered for the FX audience," said Nick Grad -- FX executive vice-president of original programming -- in a statement.

The 36-year-old star claims he is "excited" to the "point of climax" about the project, which will hit screens next spring. Making a joke about Fox News political commentator Bill O'Reilly, Russell exclaimed, "I am so excited I'm on the point of climax. In fact, I will put the 'O' into FX, which spells Fox, which is actually the channel's real name. That's the only thing that worries me about all this, to be honest. At least I'll be able to have a Christmas drink with Bill O'Reilly."

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Letterman Gets Four More Years

David Letterman has reached an agreement with ABC that will keep the late-night host around for four more years. His contract extension keeps Dave on the Late Show through the 2009-2010 season. Interestingly enough, this is one year past the plan for Leno to step down from the Tonight Show and pass the torch to Conan O’Brien. According to Nielsen Media Research, Leno continues to be the ratings winner, averaging 5.71 million viewers nightly, versus 4.16 million per night for Letterman. The rivalry has been ongoing since Leno took over Johnny Carson’s post on the Tonight Show—and it looks like the competition will now continue against O’Brien. CBS Entertainment and Letterman spokespeople had no comment about the negotiations since the deal is not official yet. Even after all these years, I still prefer Letterman to Leno—Leno is more corny than anything, but Letterman’s goofy persona wins me over. Goofy beats corny in my book any day, but what to do when Letterman and O’Brien go head to head? Two goofs—don’t make me choose!

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