Byron Allen’s show “Comics Unleashed” is taking over the late-night time slot on CBS, starting this Friday, after “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” ends its run. The nearly 20-year-old show will air two back-to-back episodes at 11:35 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. This move comes after CBS announced the retirement of “The Late Show” due to financial reasons.
Allen’s media company produces “Comics Unleashed,” and he has offered to air the show at no cost to CBS, as the network already broadcasts to his affiliates during nighttime hours. Allen has maintained a prominent role in the industry, acquiring several media outlets, including The Weather Channel and stakes in BuzzFeed.
Comics Unleashed on CBS
“Comics Unleashed” will fill the time slot left by “The Late Show,” with Allen aiming to hold on to the late-night audience. He has expressed his admiration for Stephen Colbert and has stated that there will be no politics on his show, focusing instead on bringing people together through comedy.
Allen’s love for late-night television began at a young age, with his mother giving tours at NBC, where he would watch Johnny Carson perform. He started doing stand-up comedy at 14 and has written jokes for several notable comedians, including Johnny Walker, David Letterman, and Jay Leno.
What’s Next for Late Night TV
The cancellation of “The Late Show” has significant implications for the late-night TV landscape, with Allen’s “Comics Unleashed” stepping in to fill the gap. As the media industry continues to evolve, Allen’s move to late-night TV on CBS marks a new chapter in his career, with a focus on entertaining audiences without politics.
The shift in late-night TV programming reflects the changing viewer habits and preferences, with Allen’s show aiming to provide a fresh and comedic perspective. As the TV landscape continues to change, Allen’s “Comics Unleashed” is poised to become a new staple in late-night entertainment, bringing people together through laughter and comedy.
