David Letterman: Possible successors

Neil Patrick Harris, who recently wrapped up his nine-season portrayal of Barney Stinson in the TV series “How I Met Your Mother,” prepares to don high heels on Broadway for “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.” Harris has earned three Emmy Awards for hosting the Tony Awards, a show he has emceed four times.  (Jason DeCrow / Invision for Financier Patisseri / Associated Press)

Jay Leno has transitioned back to performing stand-up comedy after 22 years behind the “Tonight Show” desk. Leno told The Times early this year that he won’t be rushing back into late night. “The ground has to lie fallow for awhile, I think,” he said. “I’ve been doing this a long time. I have no plans to go up against anybody else.”  (Rudy Malmquist / Associated Press)

The host of Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart,” Stewart is a political satirist and writer who got his start as a stand-up comedian. He hosted the 78th and 80th Academy Awards. He’s known for his sarcastic wit and biting criticisms of politics, politicians and even the news outlets that cover them.  (Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images)

Actress, comedian, best-selling author and host of “Chelsea Lately,” Handler is one of the “in” crowd of celebrities, without actually trying to be there. Her talk show brings on guests who may or may not already be friends, and she is not afraid to ask biting questions or revisit awkward situations. The former stand-up is known for that same biting comedy, but will throw herself, and her drinking, in for good effect.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Conan O’Brien was initially tapped as a probable successor to David Letterman, but after hosting the “Late Night Show” for 16 years, he earned a great spot as host of NBC’s “The Tonight show,” until it was ripped away by network politics. The onetime “Saturday Night Live” writer has his own successful late-night talk show on TBS. He is known for his quirky, sometimes-physical comedy and observational humor.  (Ben Margot / Associated Press)