Byron Allen Seeks Stephen Colbert’s CBS Slot with ‘Comics Unleashed’
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Los Angeles, CA – October 9, 2025, 09:15 PST – Media mogul Byron Allen is positioning his comedy showcase, Comics Unleashed
, to fill the coveted 11:35 p.m.Eastern time slot on CBS, currently occupied by The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
as Colbert prepares to step down.Allen’s offer presents a significant cost savings for the network, perhaps avoiding a $35-$40 million investment in a new show.
The move comes as CBS navigates a turbulent period in late-night programming. Following the departure of James Corden in 2023 and Taylor Tomlinson’s brief stint with After Midnight
which ended in early 2025, the network is seeking a stable and financially sound solution. Allen’s proposal leverages the existing library of Comics Unleashed
episodes and the potential for continued production of new content,offering a readily available and proven alternative.
A History of Cost-Effectiveness
Allen initially pitched Comics Unleashed
as a temporary solution in the 12:35 a.m. slot after Corden’s departure, serving as a stopgap
until After midnight
premiered in January 2024. A 19-week test run in the fall of 2023 demonstrated the show’s appeal,prompting Allen to renew his offer when Tomlinson left CBS. He asserts that Comics Unleashed
is mathematically superior to launching a brand-new program.
The series, which originally ran in syndication from 2006 to 2016, boasts a significant archive of over 233 episodes.Production of new episodes resumed for the 2025-2026 television season. To date, approximately 260 episodes have been produced, featuring performances from over 620 comedians.
my whole thing was, ‘hey, we have a big possibility here,’
Allen stated. ‘Why would you spend $35 million on a television show at that hour? Let me provide you the show,and I will happily produce the show,and you can save that 35,40 million,whatever it is,and put it elsewhere.’
Comics unleashed
currently airs in a unique format: a new episode followed by a rerun from it’s extensive library. Allen emphasizes the show’s evergreen
nature, deliberately avoiding topical or political humor to ensure broad appeal and longevity. He also maintains strict content standards, excluding racist, sexist, anti-Semitic, or homophobic material.
Did You Know? Byron Allen launched Allen Media Group 30 years ago, initially focusing on syndicated programming before expanding into television stations, lifestyle channels, and digital platforms like The Grio and HBCU Go.
CBS’s Options
CBS is also considering other options, including expanding local news programming by an additional half-hour and filling the midnight hour with reruns.However, Allen’s offer provides a ready-made solution with a proven track record and strong advertising support.
| Timeline | Event |
|---|---|
| 2006-2016 | Comics UnleashedSyndication |
| 2023 | James Corden Departs The Late Late Show |
| Fall 2023 | Comics UnleashedTest Run (12:35 AM) |
| Jan 2024 | After MidnightPremieres |
| early 2025 | Taylor Tomlinson Departs After Midnight |
| 2025-2026 | New Comics UnleashedEpisodes |
Pro Tip: The success of comics Unleashed
hinges on its broad appeal and avoidance of controversial topics,making it an attractive option for advertisers seeking a safe and inclusive habitat.
Allen Media group is currently in the process of divesting its television station chain, potentially freeing up resources to further invest in programming like Comics Unleashed
.
What impact will Stephen Colbert’s departure have on the late-night landscape? Do you think a comedy showcase like Comics Unleashed
is the right fit for CBS at 11:35 p.m.?
I said, ‘look, mathematically, you’ll never beat the show.’– Byron Allen
Evergreen Context: The Evolution of late Night
The late-night television landscape has undergone significant changes in recent decades. Traditionally dominated by established hosts like Johnny Carson and Jay Leno, the genre has seen increased competition from cable and streaming services. The rise of digital platforms has also fragmented audiences, forcing networks to adapt and innovate to maintain viewership. The search for a triumphant late-night formula continues, with networks experimenting with different formats and talent. The cost of producing high-profile late-night shows has also become a major factor, making cost-effective alternatives like Comics Unleashed
increasingly appealing.
Frequently Asked Questions about ‘Comics Unleashed’
- What is
Comics Unleashed
? It’s a comedy showcase featuring stand-up performances from a diverse range of comedians. - How many episodes of
Comics Unleashed
have been produced? Approximately 260 episodes have been produced, featuring over 620 comedians. - Why is Byron allen pitching
Comics Unleashed
to CBS? To fill the late-night time slot vacated by Stephen Colbert in a cost-effective manner. - What is the format of the current
Comics Unleashed
broadcast? It airs as two half-hour episodes nightly, with one new episode and one rerun. - What kind of humor does
Comics Unleashed
feature? The show deliberately avoids topical or political humor, focusing on universally relatable material.
We hope you enjoyed this update on the potential future of CBS late night! Please share this article with your friends and colleagues, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more breaking news and insightful analysis.
