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CBS is preparing for a major shift in its late night lineup as The Late Show With Stephen Colbert approaches its final broadcast. After more than three decades of the Late Show franchise, the network has confirmed that the program will officially come to an end in May 2026. This marks the conclusion of an era that has defined late night television for generations.
The final episode will air on May 22, closing out Stephen Colbert’s 11 year run as host. Beginning the following night, CBS will introduce a new format to its late night schedule. Taking over the 11 35 p.m. slot is Comics Unleashed With Byron Allen, hosted by Byron Allen. The show will be followed by Funny You Should Ask at 12 35 a.m., creating a two hour block focused entirely on comedy.
Allen expressed enthusiasm about the transition, noting that he originally launched Comics Unleashed two decades ago to give comedians a space to share their work and connect with audiences. His renewed partnership with CBS reflects a shared belief that humor continues to play an important role in entertainment, especially in challenging times. The show has previously featured well known comedians such as Tiffany Haddish, Cedric the Entertainer, Gabriel Iglesias, and Nate Bargatze.
Comics Unleashed is not entirely new to CBS audiences. It aired in a limited capacity between 2023 and 2024, following the end of The Late Late Show with James Corden. During that time, it relied on a mix of reruns and previously unaired material. The show later returned with new episodes for the 2025 to 2026 season, replacing After Midnight With Taylor Tomlinson.
One unique aspect of Allen’s agreement with CBS is the business model behind it. Rather than a traditional network production deal, Allen is purchasing airtime and taking control of advertising sales through his company. This arrangement gives him greater flexibility while also reducing financial risk for the network.
CBS has made it clear that the decision to end the Late Show franchise is rooted in financial considerations rather than performance issues. In a statement, the network described Colbert as irreplaceable and emphasized that the show’s conclusion is not tied to its ratings or content. Instead, it reflects broader challenges facing late night television in a changing media landscape.
During a taping at the Ed Sullivan Theater, Colbert addressed the news directly, acknowledging the emotional reaction from his audience. He emphasized that not only is his show ending, but the entire Late Show franchise is being retired. While he expressed gratitude for his time on air, he also admitted that he wishes the role could continue in some form.
As CBS transitions into this new phase, the move signals a shift away from traditional late night formats toward a more flexible and cost conscious approach. While the end of The Late Show marks the closing of a historic chapter, the introduction of comedy driven programming suggests the network is still committed to keeping audiences entertained late into the night.
