Larry Wilmore is scheduled to replace Stephen Colbert’s timeslot on Comedy Central beginning in January.

Although fans will likely miss Colbert’s blustery style, Wilmore’s not a new face to the entertainment industry. In fact, he’s an Emmy award winning writer known for his comedy writing for popular shows like In Living Color, The Bernie Mac Show, and The Office. Not to mention the winner of the prestigious Peabody Award and the Humanitas Prize.

Wilmore offers a sharp perspective that often draws upon his background as illustrated by his book I’d Rather We Got Casinos: And Other Black Thoughts (2009).

His television credits hardly end there. He was known as the “Senior Black Correspondent” on the Daily Show. From there, Wilmore began starring in occasional acting roles in film (I Love You Man (2009) and Dinner for Schmucks (2010)) and TV (Happy Endings (2011)).

As more of the evening talk shows are switching regimes, it’s encouraging that major television networks are willing to take a chance on up and coming talent instead of just finding an established evening news talk show host to move over to the role. Additionally, Wilmore’s hire introduces an African American perspective to a programming time-slot and category dominated by white males.

Wilmore’s a sharp comedian with a lot to say.  Based on his background, his new program is full of promise, and likely to be full of laughs.