CBS Ends 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert', Replaces It with Byron Allen's 'Comics Unleashed'

The network is overhauling its late-night lineup, concluding Colbert's 11-year run and turning the 11:35 p.m. slot over to Allen's syndicated comedy series.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 11:54am

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A minimalist, abstract illustration featuring bold, jagged shapes and high-contrast colors, representing the shift from Stephen Colbert's late-night show to Byron Allen's new comedy series on CBS.As CBS reshapes its late-night lineup, the network's iconic 'Late Show' franchise gives way to a new era of comedy-focused programming.NYC Today

CBS has confirmed that 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' will air its final broadcast on May 21, ending an 11-year run. Starting May 22, Byron Allen's syndicated comedy series 'Comics Unleashed' will take over the 11:35 p.m. time slot, followed by his game show 'Funny You Should Ask' in the 12:30 a.m. hour. The network says the decision to end Colbert's show was financial and not tied to ratings or content.

Why it matters

The end of 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' marks the conclusion of the broader 'Late Show' franchise that has been a staple of late-night television for more than three decades. The move represents a significant shift in CBS's late-night strategy, as the network turns to a lower-cost programming model championed by media executive and comedian Byron Allen.

The details

CBS has confirmed that Colbert's final broadcast is scheduled for May 21, concluding an 11-year run that began in 2015 and marked the end of the broader 'Late Show' franchise. Starting May 22, Allen's syndicated comedy series 'Comics Unleashed' will take over the 11:35 p.m. time slot with back-to-back half-hour episodes, followed by his game show 'Funny You Should Ask' in the 12:30 a.m. hour. Unlike traditional late-night programming, the arrangement is structured as a 'time buy,' meaning Allen's company pays CBS for the airtime and handles production and advertising sales.

  • Colbert's final broadcast is scheduled for May 21, 2026.
  • Allen's 'Comics Unleashed' will take over the 11:35 p.m. time slot starting May 22, 2026.

The players

Stephen Colbert

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

Byron Allen

A media executive and comedian who is taking over the 11:35 p.m. time slot on CBS with his syndicated comedy series 'Comics Unleashed.'

CBS

The television network that is ending 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' and replacing it with Byron Allen's programming.

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The takeaway

The end of 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' marks a significant shift in CBS's late-night strategy, as the network moves away from the traditional late-night format in favor of a lower-cost programming model championed by Byron Allen. This change reflects the evolving landscape of late-night television and the network's efforts to adapt to changing viewer preferences and financial realities.