The network transitions to a two-hour comedy block featuring Allen's shows starting May 22.
Category: U.S. News
In a bold move, CBS has announced that comedian-turned-media mogul Byron Allen will replace "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" beginning May 22, 2026. The network revealed on Monday that it will air back-to-back episodes of Allen’s "Comics Unleashed" at 11:35 p.m. ET, followed by his comedy game show "Funny You Should Ask" at 12:35 a.m.
Colbert’s show, which has been a staple of CBS’s late-night lineup since 2015, will conclude its 11-year run on May 21. CBS's decision to cancel the popular program was primarily driven by financial concerns, a sentiment echoed by network executives last July when they announced their exit from the late-night talk show arena.
"I created and launched 'Comics Unleashed' 20 years ago so my fellow comedians could have a platform to do what we all love – make people laugh," Allen said in a statement. "I truly appreciate CBS’ confidence in me by picking up our two-hour comedy block because the world can never have enough laughter." Allen's show originally debuted in September 2006 and has featured a variety of comedians, including Sebastian Maniscalco and Tiffany Haddish.
The transition marks a major shift for CBS, which will now earn revenue through a time buy agreement with Allen Media Group, rather than producing its own late-night content. This arrangement allows Allen to pay CBS for the airtime, giving him control over advertising sales. CBS insiders believe this change could lead to profitability in the late-night space for the first time.
Byron Allen's career spans 50 years, starting at the young age of 14 when he began performing at the Comedy Store. He made history as the youngest comedian to appear on "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson" at 18. Over the years, Allen has built a media empire, founding Allen Media Group, which owns The Weather Channel and has recently acquired an 11 percent stake in Starz for $25 million.
With the upcoming programming shift, CBS will transition from producing its own late-night talk show to airing Allen's shows, a move that has raised eyebrows among media watchers. Colbert's departure comes as CBS seeks a more cost-effective solution in a challenging television climate.
After announcing the cancellation of Colbert's show, CBS executives stated that the decision was purely financial and not a reflection of the show's performance. "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" had consistently held high ratings among its late-night competitors, making the cancellation surprising to many.
Allen's "Comics Unleashed" is known for its unique format, featuring comedians performing stand-up rather than engaging in the topical monologues and celebrity interviews that characterized Colbert's show. This shift in content style raises questions about how CBS's late-night audience will adapt.
As Allen prepares to take the reins, he has been vocal about his ambitions. At New York Advertising Week in October 2025, he expressed his desire to fill the late-night void left by Colbert, stating, "If they’re looking for a show, my hand is already up. Fifty years, I’ve been waiting for this moment. I’m investing millions and millions of dollars to prove myself." His persistence has evidently paid off, with CBS's decision to entrust him with the coveted time slot.
The programming change is set to redefine CBS's late-night offerings. The network will air two back-to-back episodes of "Comics Unleashed" at 11:35 p.m., followed by "Funny You Should Ask," a comedic game show hosted by Jon Kelley. This new format, which emphasizes comedy over interviews, could attract a different audience demographic.
As the final episode of Colbert's show approaches, fans and critics alike are left to ponder the implications of this transition. Will Allen's approach resonate with viewers accustomed to the traditional late-night format? as ratings will serve as a barometer for success in this new era of CBS late-night television.
As CBS takes this leap into a new chapter, Allen's vision for late-night comedy will be put to the test. The premiere of "Comics Unleashed" is set for May 22, 2026, marking a new beginning for both Allen and the network.