The replacement for Stephen Colbert’s “The Late Show” time slot has finally been announced as the show wraps up next month.
Beginning on May 22, Byron Allen’s “Comics Unleashed” will air in the late-night comedy slot. The show is described as “a rapid-fire roundtable of stand-up’s funniest comics and rising stars—before they hit it big.”
“From hysterical takes on pop culture to side-splitting stories about everyday life, Comics Unleashed is pure, unfiltered comedy gold. Whether you’re reliving classic bits or discovering your next favorite comedian, this show is guaranteed to keep you laughing!” the YouTube description reads.
The show mixes familiar names in the business with new up-and-comers who want their shot at making it as comedians. Recent episodes include names such as Pauly Shore, Jon Lovitz, Tom Arnold, Dax Shepard, Loni Love, and Jamie Kennedy.
“As part of the arrangement, Allen pays CBS to lease the late-night time slot. The benefit for CBS, ITK hears, is that the network will generate profit as part of the time-buy agreement, which covers the 2026-2027 TV season,” The Hill reported. “The Allen Media Group CEO had previously been airing “Comics Unleashed” on CBS in the 12:37 p.m. spot; another Allen show, “Funny You Should Ask,” will air in that time slot following Colbert’s exit.”
“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,” reads a statement from Allen. “I truly appreciate CBS’s confidence in me by picking up our two-hour comedy block of ‘Comics Unleashed’ and ‘Funny You Should Ask,’ because the world can never have enough laughter.”
CBS announced the decision to pull the plug on “The Late Show” last July, claiming it was all about the money.
“This is purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night. It is not related in any way to the show’s performance, content, or other matters happening at Paramount,” the company explained.
X users reacted:
Come on — bring back After Midnight with a new host if Taylor doesn’t want to do it
— Steve Maser (@stevemaser) April 6, 2026
Ed Sullivan is rolling over in his grave.
— Justin Drawbaugh (@jdraw8) April 6, 2026
What a dumb move. I suspect either Kimmel or Fallon to now dominate in the 11:35 time slot with their respective shows once Colbert leaves. CBS is run by morons.
— Adam Stabelli (@GothamAdam) April 6, 2026
Its brainless inane shows like this that will shepard in the final days of network TV. Happy rating decline. Advertising execs would run ads on CSPAN as opposed to this crap if they had half a brain and valued their jobs.
— Kevin Santulis
(@KSantulis) April 7, 2026
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