‘Talking Dead’ Chris Hardwick Dating ‘Gossip Girl’ Lydia Hearst: ‘@ Midnight’ Replace Colbert Before ‘Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore’ Premier [RUMORS]

Now that Stephen Colbert has signed off from the Colbert Report and rode off on Santa’s slay with Alex Trebek, The Nation needs someone to fill his shoes. The all new Nightly Show (formerly The Minority Report) with Larry Willmore will premiere in mid-January. However, there are a good week’s of The Daily Show before than, meaning someone has to step up. Enter Chris Hardwick. The Nerdist, and Talking Dead host’s hit Comedy Central series, @ Midnight will replace the Colbert Report, airing @11:30. Meanwhile, Chris Hardwick reportedly has a new lady in life. The busiest geek in the world is rumored to be dating model, actress and journalist Lydia Hearst.

Before The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore premieres on January 16, 2015, Chris Hardwick’s @ Midnight will air in The Colbert Report 11:30 time slot.

Chris Hardwick and his new lady love Lydia Hearst recently made a public appearance as a couple at the December 4th GQ Men of the Year party in L.A.

Are you excited for the new Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore? Are you upset that Colbert has stepped down? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section at the bottom of the page.

Larry Wilmore spoke to The New York Daily News about his new series back when it was still called The Minority Report:

“I like my fish blackened, steak blackened and I don’t see why late night shouldn’t be blackened as well--it’s just tastier. The audience is looking for different voices and wants to hear something different, and they get tired of hearing the same thing. I think there is a huge opportunity to make a dent in that, and I am really looking forward to that.”