CBS Taps Byron Allen's Comedy Shows to Replace 'The Late Show'

Allen's programs 'Comics Unleashed' and 'Funny You Should Ask' will take over the 11:35 p.m. and 12:35 a.m. time slots after Stephen Colbert's 11-year run ends.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 3:56am

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A striking abstract composition of bold, angular shapes in red and white, conceptually representing the shift in late night television programming.As the late night TV landscape evolves, CBS embraces a more economical, comedy-driven approach with the arrival of Byron Allen's programs.Los Angeles Today

CBS is outsourcing its late night hours to media mogul Byron Allen in a move aimed at reducing programming costs. The Paramount-owned network announced that Allen's programs 'Comics Unleashed' and 'Funny You Should Ask' will take over the 11:35 p.m. and 12:35 a.m. time slots after 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' ends its 11-year run on May 21.

Why it matters

The move to Allen's shows, which are significantly less expensive to produce than traditional late night formats, signals CBS's efforts to cut costs in the face of declining ratings and the shift to streaming. Colbert's show was also a target of criticism from former President Trump, leading some to speculate the cancellation was to appease regulators during Paramount's acquisition.

The details

Allen's 'Comics Unleashed,' a talk show featuring the comedian and four other stand-up comics, has been airing in the 12:35 a.m. hour since last June. It will now get the earlier 11:35 p.m. slot starting in September. 'Funny You Should Ask,' also hosted by Allen, features comics in a quiz show format and has been running in syndication since 2017. Allen's shows are designed to be evergreen with fewer topical references, allowing for repeat airings.

  • CBS canceled 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' in July 2026.
  • Colbert's final show will air on May 21, 2026.
  • Allen's 'Comics Unleashed' will take over the 11:35 p.m. time slot starting in September 2026.

The players

Byron Allen

A media mogul who owns a TV station group and the Weather Channel. He was a stand-up comic before becoming a program producer.

Stephen Colbert

The host of 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' on CBS, which is ending an 11-year run in May 2026.

David Letterman

The original host of 'The Late Show' when it launched on CBS in 1993, becoming the network's first successful late night show.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. President who frequently criticized late night hosts, including Stephen Colbert.

Skydance Media

The company that acquired Paramount during the time of Colbert's show cancellation.

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What they’re saying

“It's not cheaper. It's zero.”

— Byron Allen, Media Mogul

What’s next

CBS has not announced any further changes to its late night programming lineup beyond the transition to Byron Allen's shows in September 2026.

The takeaway

CBS's decision to replace 'The Late Show' with Byron Allen's more cost-effective comedy programs reflects the network's efforts to adapt to the changing late night landscape and streaming-driven viewership shifts, while also potentially avoiding political controversies that plagued Colbert's tenure.