Byron Allen’s comedy showcase to replace Colbert’s Late Show time slot.
CBS is set to transition from the costly tenure of “Late Night With Stephen Colbert,” which reportedly incurred losses of approximately million annually, to a potentially profitable arrangement with comedian Byron Allen. The new programming block will commence immediately following Colbert’s departure on May 21. The lineup will feature consecutive episodes of “Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen” starting at 11:35 p.m., followed by “Funny You Should Ask” at 12:35 a.m.
Under this lease agreement, the Allen Media Group, founded by Allen, will take charge of selling advertisement spots within this two-hour slot. This arrangement positions CBS to potentially reap financial benefits irrespective of the viewer ratings, suggesting a shift towards a more financially viable programming strategy, as reported by various entertainment industry sources.
Byron Allen’s move reinforces his commitment to the comedy genre, aiming to provide a platform for fellow comedians and deliver humor to audiences. Allen has a long-standing history in television, having launched “Comics Unleashed” two decades ago as a means to uplift comedic voices. He expressed gratitude to CBS for their confidence in his ability to curate a two-hour comedy block that merges nostalgia with new content, emphasizing that laughter remains an essential part of culture.
Previously, Allen filled this time slot during the interim periods between other late-night shows, first during the transition from “The Late Late Show With James Corden” and subsequently when the comedy game show concluded its previous run in September 2025. “Comics Unleashed” originally aired as a syndicated series from 2006 to 2016, with new episodes slated for the 2025-26 television season. Meanwhile, “Funny You Should Ask,” which features host Jon Kelley, has been entertaining audiences since its debut in 2017.
The decision to replace “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” follows CBS’s announcement last July regarding the cancellation of the program, which was characterized as a “purely financial decision.” This move occurred shortly after Colbert critiqued parent company Paramount’s financial dealings, including a controversial settlement involving Donald Trump. Notably, “The Late Show” garnered its first Primetime Emmy within a month of its cancellation, highlighting the show’s critical acclaim despite its operational challenges.
As CBS embarks on this new chapter, the upcoming comedic block under Byron Allen presents an intriguing opportunity for both the network and audiences who seek laughter in the late-night landscape. Media News Source will continue to monitor developments in this evolving scenario within the entertainment industry.
