Byron Allen Takes Over CBS Late Night as Stephen Colbert Departs
Byron Allen is set to take over CBS’s late-night landscape as “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” wraps up its run on May 21, 2026. CBS has opted for a time buy strategy, selling its 11:35 p.m. ET slot to Allen’s production company. This move will reposition his show, “Comics Unleashed,” to air back-to-back episodes in the newly acquired timeslot starting May 22, 2026.
Time Buy Agreement Details
The deal extends through the 2026-2027 television season. In addition to “Comics Unleashed,” Allen will continue airing the comedy game show “Funny You Should Ask” at 12:37 a.m. ET. This slot was previously rented by Allen during the transitional period following the end of “The Late Late Show With James Corden” in early 2024.
- Final Episode of “The Late Show”: May 21, 2026
- Allen’s New Programming Start Date: May 22, 2026
- Slot Leasing Duration: Through the 2026-2027 TV season
Allen’s Vision for Comedy
Byron Allen, founder of Allen Media Group, stated that he created “Comics Unleashed” to provide a platform for comedians. His focus remains on delivering humor to audiences. “I truly appreciate CBS’ confidence in me,” he added.
The financial specifics of the time buy agreement between Allen and CBS remain undisclosed. The move marks a shift for CBS, which will benefit from leasing previously costly airspace without producing original content. This strategy also raises questions about the potential impact on ratings as CBS forgoes a long-standing staple of late-night television.
Viewer Engagement and Programming History
Both “Comics Unleashed” and “Funny You Should Ask” will continue to be considered national programming despite being time buys. Show executives have expressed confidence in maintaining CBS’s late-night presence.
- Comics Unleashed History: Originally aired 233 episodes from 2006 to 2016.
- Funny You Should Ask Premiere: September 2017 as a first-run strip.
CBS’s Shift in Late Night Programming
The transition reflects CBS’s decision to pivot away from late-night talk shows. The network previously hinted at a possible return to reruns or expanded local news programming. Speculation regarding the motivations behind this shift includes financial considerations and the impact of political controversies surrounding “The Late Show.”
Colbert’s departure, announced in July 2025, was positioned as a purely financial move by CBS amid a challenging late-night landscape. This announcement was met with skepticism, particularly in light of other events surrounding network ownership changes.
The future of CBS’s late-night programming now rests in the hands of Byron Allen, who is ready to infuse his comedic vision into the late-night landscape.
