CBS is set to overhaul its late-night lineup this spring, handing over its flagship 11:35 p.m. time slot to media entrepreneur Byron Allen following the conclusion of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
The network confirmed that The Late Show will end its 10-year run on May 21, marking the close of an era that began in 1993 with David Letterman and continued under Colbert as one of late night’s most-watched and politically influential programs.
Beginning May 22, CBS will air Comics Unleashed With Byron Allen at 11:35 p.m., followed by Allen’s comedy game show Funny You Should Ask at 12:35 a.m. The move creates a two-hour comedy block produced by Allen Media Group and signals a notable shift in the network’s late-night strategy.
Unlike traditional network programming, the new lineup operates under a “time buy” model, in which Allen purchases the airtime and sells advertising independently. The arrangement is expected to make the late-night block profitable for CBS, even as the network transitions away from its long-running talk show format.
Allen, who has openly expressed interest in the coveted 11:35 slot, framed the move as both a personal milestone and an opportunity to expand comedy’s reach.
“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,” Allen said in a statement. “I truly appreciate CBS’ confidence in me by picking up our two-hour comedy block… because the world can never have enough laughter.”
Comics Unleashed, hosted by Allen, features a rotating panel of comedians performing short sets based on topical prompts, blending elements of a talk show and stand-up showcase. Funny You Should Ask, hosted by Jon Kelley, is a comedy-driven game show in which contestants answer trivia questions with help from a panel of comedians.
The programming shift also reflects broader changes in the economics of late-night television. While The Late Show remained a ratings leader, its production costs and evolving viewing habits have challenged the traditional model. By contrast, the time-buy structure transfers financial risk to the content producer while guaranteeing revenue for the network.
Financial terms of the agreement have not been disclosed, and it remains unclear how much Allen Media Group is paying for the expanded time slot. However, industry observers note that such deals allow networks to monetize late-night hours more predictably, even if audience size declines.
Allen’s expanded presence on CBS underscores his growing influence in television and his long-standing ambition to occupy one of late night’s most visible platforms. The deal also positions Allen Media Group as a key player in reshaping how late-night content is produced, distributed and monetized.
As CBS prepares for its first post-Colbert era in decades, the shift signals not only a programming change but a broader transformation in the business of late-night television—one driven as much by economics as by entertainment.