CBS has announced that Byron Allen’s syndicated talk show Comics Unleashed and game show Funny You Should Ask will replace The Late Show with Stephen Colbert beginning May 22. The move follows Colbert’s show cancellation last July, which CBS attributed to financial reasons. Allen’s programs will air in a two-hour block, with Comics Unleashed occupying Colbert’s former 11:35 p.m. slot and Funny You Should Ask following at 12:37 a.m. The deal extends through the 2026-2027 television season.
Part 1: Immediate Action & Core Facts
CBS will replace The Late Show with Stephen Colbert with two programs from Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group: Comics Unleashed and Funny You Should Ask. The change takes effect May 22, with both shows airing back-to-back in a two-hour block. Allen’s company will pay for the airtime, a rare arrangement in late-night television.
Part 2: Deeper Dive & Context
Financial and Programming Shift
CBS cited financial losses as the reason for canceling Colbert’s show, with reports indicating it cost the network $100 million annually while generating a $40 million annual deficit. The decision to lease the slot to Allen’s programs marks a departure from traditional late-night models, where networks typically fund shows themselves. Allen’s Comics Unleashed originally aired from 2006 to 2016 and resumed production for the 2025-2026 season.
Industry Reactions
Entertainment journalist Matt Belloni described the move as a “pretty sad moment for late night,” suggesting it could signal broader changes in the industry. Allen, in a press release, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, emphasizing the importance of comedy in media.
Political Context
Colbert’s cancellation sparked controversy, with critics alleging political motivations, though CBS maintained the decision was purely financial. The network has not publicly addressed whether Allen’s shows will adopt a similar political tone to Colbert’s.
Long-Term Implications
The shift could influence other networks to explore similar leasing models for late-night programming. Allen’s success in securing the slot may encourage more independent producers to pursue similar deals.