The End of an Era – The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, a late-night staple for over a decade, will officially sign off on May 21. But with the show’s cancellation just weeks away, CBS has already revealed who will fill Colbert’s coveted 11:35pm timeslot.
Starting May 22, Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen will take over the hour, followed by the comedy game show Funny You Should Ask at 12:35am.
For loyal night-time viewers, this transition may feel like déjà vu. Comics Unleashed has already been a fixture in the later hours, even airing during the 2023 writer and actor strikes.
Byron Allen, the visionary behind Comics Unleashed, expressed his excitement: “I created this show 20 years ago to give my fellow comedians a platform to do what we love – make people laugh. CBS’s confidence in us by picking up our two-hour comedy block shows they agree the world can never have enough laughter.”
The Comedy Shift
The new late-night programming block will feature a mix of stand-up comedians performing hilarious short sets on a variety of topics, as Byron Allen continues to dominate with his comedic empire.
“I’ve been waiting for 50 years for this moment,” Byron said. “If they’re looking for a show, my hand is already up.” And clearly, he’s been preparing for it—snatching up both the 11:35pm and 12:35am timeslots, the latter for Funny You Should Ask, a game show that tests contestants’ trivia knowledge with comedic commentary.
The decision to end The Late Show has sparked controversy, with some fans fearing the future of late-night television. CBS explained the move was purely financial, not a reflection on Colbert’s performance. But Stephen, ever the outspoken figure, hinted at his frustration with CBS earlier, calling out the network over its $16 million settlement with the White House.
The End of Colbert’s Reign
Stephen Colbert, the beloved host of The Late Show since 2015, will bow out after 11 years in the role. Known for his biting political commentary and fearless stance against the Trump administration, Colbert has been a late-night king.
Before his iconic run at The Late Show, Colbert took over The Colbert Report in 2005, which ran for nine successful years. His return to late-night in 2015, replacing David Letterman, marked a new chapter for the franchise.
Goodbye, Colbert
With the cancellation announcement, many fans are left wondering: What’s next for late-night television? While Stephen’s future remains unclear, one thing is for sure—the late-night landscape is about to look very different.
As we await the final moments of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, fans are already wondering if Byron Allen’s comedic takeover can fill the massive shoes left behind. But one thing’s certain: the laughter doesn’t stop here.
Stay tuned for more updates on the evolution of late-night television!
