Byron Allen’s “Comics Unleashed” Takes Over CBS Late‑Night Slot After Colbert’s Exit

Byron Allen’s “Comics Unleashed” will inherit the 11:35 p.m. Eastern slot on CBS starting May 22, the night after Stephen Colbert’s final broadcast of “The Late Show.” CBS announced a time‑buy agreement in which Allen’s production company will lease the post‑local‑news hour for the 2026‑27 season, also taking the 12:37 a.m. “Funny You Should Ask” slot.

The move marks the network’s first wholesale outsourcing of its late‑night schedule since the early 1990s. Allen, who built a multibillion‑dollar media empire, will provide a comedy‑centric, largely evergreen format that costs considerably less than a traditional host‑driven talk show with a live band and writing staff.

Industry analysts view the deal as a cost‑cutting strategy as CBS confronts declining ad revenue and audience fragmentation. For Allen, the exposure of a network‑wide timeslot offers a chance to scale his brand beyond the syndicated market where “Comics Unleashed” already airs in over 100 stations.

The transition will be watched closely for its impact on late‑night ratings, advertiser confidence, and the broader debate over whether network television can survive by selling time to independent producers.