Stephen Colbert's 'Late Show' Replacement: How Byron Allen Is Stepping In

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYq0nS8mbcU

CBS is replacing Stephen Colbert’s late-night slot with Byron Allen’s Comics Unleashed beginning May 22, after The Late Show ends its run on May 21. Allen’s Funny You Should Ask will reportedly follow in the next time slot, creating a two-hour comedy block for the network.

How it works

CBS is not launching a brand-new late-night talk show from scratch. Instead, it’s moving in Allen’s existing shows, which are cheaper to run because they rely on syndicated comedy and don’t require the same production costs as a traditional host-driven late-night format.

Why CBS is doing it

The shift appears to be driven by cost savings and changing viewing habits, with late-night TV losing some of its audience to streaming and other on-demand options. Allen also has a long history in TV and comedy, and CBS is betting that his existing brands can fill the gap more efficiently than a full-scale replacement for Colbert.

What happens next

The Late Show With Stephen Colbert is set to finish its 11-year run in May, marking the end of a major era for CBS. Allen’s shows will then take over the time slots, making him the new face of CBS late-night programming.