The late-night landscape is shifting dramatically. Stephen Colbert’s reign on CBS is coming to an end, with his final episode scheduled for May 21st. A new era is about to dawn in the coveted 11:35 p.m. timeslot.
The network has sold the slot to Byron Allen, a comedian and the CEO of Allen Media Group. Allen’s strategy isn’t a single show, but a comedy block: two half-hour episodes of his long-running series, *Comics Unleashed*, will fill the space through the 2026-2027 television season.
*Comics Unleashed* isn’t new to CBS. The show originally aired over 200 episodes between 2006 and 2016, and recently resumed production for the 2025-2026 season. Allen already leases late-night time from CBS for his comedy game show, *Funny You Should Ask*, and will continue to do so.
Allen views this as a return to the roots of comedy. He created *Comics Unleashed* two decades ago to provide a platform for comedians, and believes the world desperately needs more laughter. His vision for the timeslot is simple: pure, unadulterated humor.
The move came swiftly after CBS announced *The Late Show’s* conclusion. Allen immediately expressed his interest, stating his hand was “already up” when the opportunity arose. He acted decisively to secure the prime time slot.
This change could signal a significant departure in tone. Colbert became known for his pointed political commentary, particularly his critiques of former President Donald Trump. Allen, however, is aiming for something different.
Allen has explicitly stated his desire for “family-friendly” comedy, free from political jabs. He’s instructed comedians to aim for timelessness, comparing the desired style to the enduring appeal of *I Love Lucy*. The goal is to be funny, accessible, and appealing to a broad audience.
As Colbert prepares to sign off, he’s already charting his next creative adventure. He’s collaborating with his son to co-write a new *Lord of the Rings* movie. The film will delve into six chapters from *The Fellowship of the Ring* that were omitted from Peter Jackson’s acclaimed adaptation.
This new project represents a fascinating shift for Colbert, moving from the immediacy of late-night satire to the expansive world of Middle-earth. It’s a testament to his diverse talents and a promising new chapter in his career.
