John Oliver Passed On A Late Night Offer From CBS (Reports)

John Oliver chose a weekly HBO show over a late night spot on CBS, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.

According to the reports, CBS executives began talking with Oliver's camp about coming aboard the network last year to potentially take over Craig Ferguson's 12:30 a.m. time slot if Ferguson did not renew his contract. THR pointed out that there really is no heir apparent to take over "Late Show," now that David Letterman has announced his retirement in 2015, and CBS might have been trying to groom Oliver for the role far off in the future.

In less than 24 hours, the Internet has given its two cents -- naturally -- as to who should replace Letterman. A woman, finally, many media outlets cried. "Parks and Recreation" star Retta, chimed Lena Dunham. (We'd definitely watch that.) Neil Patrick Harris, Ellen DeGeneres, Chelsea Handler and Jon Stewart's named popped up on lists and Twitter feeds, but as far as CBS is concerned: John Oliver is sticking with HBO.

Neither John Oliver's representation nor CBS returned immediate request for comment.