Comics Unleashed With Byron Allen to Replace The Late Show on CBS
- CBS has announced a significant shift in its late-night programming schedule, replacing The Late Show with Stephen Colbert with Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen.
- The move follows the network's decision to cancel The Late Show, a program that had been on the air for more than 10 years.
- Beginning May 22, 2026, Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen will occupy the 11:35 p.m.
CBS has announced a significant shift in its late-night programming schedule, replacing The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
with Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen
. The transition will take place on May 22, 2026, immediately following the final broadcast of Colbert’s program on May 21, 2026.
The move follows the network’s decision to cancel The Late Show
, a program that had been on the air for more than 10 years. CBS cited a financial decision as the reason for the cancellation.
New Late-Night Programming Structure
Beginning May 22, 2026, Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen
will occupy the 11:35 p.m. ET / 10:35 p.m. CT timeslot. The program is described as a hybrid between a traditional late-night show and a comedy showcase, featuring Allen and other comedians sharing stories and jokes.
The network will also introduce a second Allen Media-produced program as part of a two-hour comedy block. The comedy game show Funny You Should Ask
will air immediately following Comics Unleashed
at 12:35 a.m. ET / 11:35 p.m. CT.
This arrangement is based on a time-buy agreement for the 2026 to 2027 season. Under this deal, Allen is purchasing the airtime from CBS, and his company, Allen Media Group, will be responsible for selling the available advertising spots.
Industry Context and Reactions
Byron Allen, the founder, chairman, and CEO of Allen Media Group, stated that he created Comics Unleashed
20 years ago to provide a platform for comedians. He noted that the show has featured artists early in their careers, including Roy Wood Jr. And Kevin Hart.
David Letterman, who hosted The Late Show
from 1993 to 2015 before Colbert took over in 2015, commented on the transition via his podcast. Letterman characterized the move as a financial strategy for the network, suggesting that CBS is opting to make money rather than spend it by selling the time slot to Allen.
Letterman described the format of Comics Unleashed
as seated standup
, noting that the show utilizes a panel format.
Background on the Transition
The shift comes after a period of instability in late-night television. Comics Unleashed
had previously been airing in a later time slot during the current season and had also occupied that position during the writers’ and actors’ strikes of 2023.
The cancellation of The Late Show
has drawn scrutiny from critics, some of whom have alleged that the decision was influenced by political considerations regarding President Donald Trump and a planned merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media.
the transition follows a public disagreement between Stephen Colbert and CBS News regarding the airing of an interview with Texas Democrat James Talarico.
While the current agreement with Byron Allen is signed for the 2026 to 2027 season, reports indicate that CBS is already exploring other ideas for the vacated time slot once that deal expires.