The Late Show with David Letterman is gearing up for some major changes behind the curtain. Co-head writers and brothers Eric and Justin Stangel will no longer scribe the successful talk show, but have instead inked a deal with Letterman's production company, Worldwide Pants, to develop new original content, according to a Deadline report.
Late Night veteran Matt Roberts, who has been with the show since 2002, will assume the Stangels' responsibilities. Co-owner of Worldwide Pants Rob Burnett told Deadline that Roberts is a "Great writer. He's super funny and talented."
Justin and Eric began working for Letterman in 1997 and were jointly promoted in 2000 to the position of head writer. As for the motive behind the staff shuffle, Burnett asserts that "The Stagnel brothers are going to remain with the show as part of the deal because we need them. These guys are as good as it gets...For people like this super valuable to the show, this deal keeps these guys from walking."
Reportedly, Burnett is referring to former Late Night writers Craig Thomas and Carter Bays, who both left the show to work on "How I Met Your Mother."
It's unclear whether or not the Stagnel brothers already have a pitch in mind, but Letterman and Burnett are holding tight to their talent and refusing to let go.