Byron Allen Takes Over CBS Late-Night Slot

Big news in the television world! Media entrepreneur Byron Allen is set to make a major move, striking a deal with CBS to lease the network’s entire late-night timeslot. This strategic acquisition comes right after the conclusion of Stephen Colbert’s decade-long run as host of “The Late Show.”

A New Era for Late Night

Starting May 22nd, the 11:35 p.m. ET slot, immediately following local news, will be programmed by Allen Media Group. The plan is to air back-to-back episodes of Allen’s popular comedy showcase, “Comics Unleashed,” which will be shifted an hour later. Additionally, Allen has secured the 12:37 a.m. hour for his comedy game show, “Funny You Should Ask.”

This move marks a significant expansion for Allen, who has long been a proponent of providing platforms for comedians. “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 stated. He expressed his gratitude to CBS for their confidence in his programming.

A Long-Awaited Opportunity

Allen, the founder, chairman, and CEO of Allen Media Group, has a history with this specific timeslot. He previously utilized the 12:37 a.m. slot through a time-buy agreement, airing “Comics Unleashed” during gaps in CBS’s schedule, including after “The Late Late Show With James Corden” and following the conclusion of “After Midnight” in January 2024. He returned to the slot again in September 2025.

The deal comes as “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” airs its final episode on May 21st, concluding a franchise that began with David Letterman in 1993. Allen has openly expressed his ambition for this opportunity, stating at New York’s Advertising Week last October that he had been “waiting for this moment” for 50 years and was prepared to invest “millions and millions of dollars” to prove himself in the late-night space.

A Strategic Business Move

While CBS might anticipate a dip in ratings following the departure of “The Late Show,” which was long the top-rated program in late night, the network stands to benefit financially. Through this time-buy model, Allen pays for the slot and handles his own advertising sales, generating revenue for CBS. This arrangement allows the network to maintain a presence in late night while offsetting potential viewership losses.

This landmark deal signifies a bold step for Byron Allen and a significant shift for CBS’s late-night programming. It’s a testament to Allen’s long-term vision and his belief in the enduring power of comedy.