CBS Confirms Two Comedy Series Will Take Over ‘Late Show’ Timeslot After Cancellation

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Although CBS is ending Stephen Colbert’s run on The Late Show in May, the network still plans to feature comedy programming. Colbert surprised viewers last July when he announced the show’s cancellation. While some speculated the decision stemmed from his increasingly critical commentary on former President Donald Trump – which began when he took over from David Letterman in 2015 – CBS maintained it was a financial decision. There’s likely truth to that, but the timing of Trump’s public criticisms of Colbert, combined with Paramount’s attempt to gain approval from the Trump administration for a merger with Skydance, led many to question the network’s motives.

After Stephen Colbert leaves CBS on May 22nd, the 11:35 PM timeslot will be filled by Comics Unleashed With Byron Allen. This comedy show has been a regular part of late-night programming on CBS stations for years, with reruns airing since its debut in 2006. Hosted by 64-year-old comedian Byron Allen, the show features a monologue followed by a panel discussion with rising comedians performing bits from their routines.

After the comedy showcase Comics Unleashed, CBS will air Funny You Should Ask, a game show with host Jon Kelley. Creator Jeff Allen explained that he started Comics Unleashed twenty years ago to give comedians a place to perform. He expressed his gratitude to CBS for supporting both Comics Unleashed and Funny You Should Ask, adding that ‘the world can never have enough laughter.’

The recent changes suggest that cost was a major factor in CBS’s decision to end Stephen Colbert’s run on The Late Show. According to The New York Times, the show, known for its traditional style, employed around 200 people and cost approximately $100 million annually to produce. While The Late Show still had the largest audience of any network late-night program (excluding Fox News’ Gutfeld!), it was reportedly losing $40 million each year, and its viewership was aging as overall TV ratings fell.

Unlike other producers, Allen has a unique deal with CBS. His company, Allen Media Group, buys airtime directly from the network, allowing him to broadcast his shows and sell advertising himself. This benefits CBS by shifting the cost of production to Allen. Additionally, the show avoids potential controversy because Allen instructs comedians to avoid sensitive or political topics. As he explained to the Los Angeles Times, he wants a show like I Love Lucy – something timeless, funny, and suitable for all audiences and advertisers.

When Stephen Colbert announced the end of his Late Show to his audience last year, he expressed sadness that the show wouldn’t launch another comedian’s career. He said it was a wonderful opportunity and that he hoped someone else would get the chance to host it in the future.

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2026-04-07 21:32