Could David Letterman be introducing his successor earlier than expected?

Stephen Colbert has been chosen to replace the 66 year-old longtime host of the 'Late Show', once he retires in 2015.

But before a passing of the torch occurs, the 49 year-old funnyman will be appearing as a guest on the show next week, CBS announced Tuesday (April 15th).

Colbert will visit his future home on April 22nd for his first appearance with Letterman since news broke that he would be the new 'Late Show' host.

'The Colbert Report' emcee has frequently visited Letterman over the years, totalling at 12 times, but the 13th will undoubtedly be different from all the others.

Letterman, who has been manning the CBS talk-show for the past 21 years, announced that he will retire when his contract expires earlier this month, and one week later Colbert was named as the man who would be next in line for the gig.

"Stephen Colbert is one of the most inventive and respected forces on television," said Leslie Moonves, president and CEO of CBS. "David Letterman's legacy and accomplishments are an incredible source of pride for all of us here, and today's announcement speaks to our commitment of upholding what he established for CBS in late night."

And it seems Letterman is more than happy with who the network chose to succeed him.

MORE: Stars Pay Tribute To David Letterman 

"Stephen has always been a real friend to me," Letterman said in a statement. "I'm very excited for him, and I'm flattered that CBS chose him. I also happen to know they wanted another guy with glasses."

MORE: Stephen Colbert Gets The Conan Seal Of Approval For Letterman's Job 

But not everyone has took this news well, Alec Baldwin has set up a campaign on Twitter, urging fans to sign an online petition in order to persuade Letterman to stay with the television network.

"Maybe it's futile, but here goes... Letterman cannot retire. Just... just.... no. Send him this: #DontGoDave," he wrote.

Watch Lady Gaga, Bill Murray And David Letterman Outside The 'Letterman' Studios