Byron Allen to take over CBS late-night schedule

CBS announced on April 6 that Byron Allen’s shows 'Comics Unleashed' and 'Funny You Should Ask' will fill the network’s late-night slots after Stephen Colbert’s final 'Late Show' on May 21, with the new two-hour block starting May 22.

CBS announced on April 6 that two shows produced by Byron Allen will take over its late-night schedule after 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' ends its run on May 21. The network will run back-to-back half-hour episodes of 'Comics Unleashed' at 11:35 p.m., followed by the comedy game show 'Funny You Should Ask' at 12:37 a.m. The new schedule is set to begin on May 22. The move follows months of public interest after Colbert’s departure and reported discussions about the time slot. Key details: - The replacement block will begin May 22, the day after Stephen Colbert’s final 'Late Show' on May 21. - CBS will air two half-hour episodes of 'Comics Unleashed' at 11:35 p.m., followed by 'Funny You Should Ask' at 12:37 a.m. - Reports say Byron Allen purchased the airtime and that Allen Media Group will sell advertising for the shows, with the arrangement reported to run through the 2026-2027 television season. - Byron Allen founded Allen Media Group in 1993 and his company later purchased The Weather Channel in 2018, according to published profiles. - Allen was the youngest comedian to appear on Johnny Carson’s 'The Tonight Show' in 1979, has hosted NBC’s 'Real People', and has said he prefers non-political, family-friendly comedy on 'Comics Unleashed.' Summary: CBS will replace 'The Late Show' with a two-hour comedy block produced by Byron Allen beginning May 22, which changes the network’s late-night lineup after Colbert’s final episode on May 21. The reported commercial arrangement and the stated run through the 2026-2027 season clarify the near-term plan; further developments about programming beyond that season are undetermined at this time.