CBS didn't waste anytime filling its 11:35 p.m. timeslot with a replacement show. But host Byron Allen wants viewers to understand one thing clearly: Comics Unleashed is not trying to become the next The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
During an appearance on NPR’s Newsmakers, Allen pushed back on any attempt to build a narrative that his comedy series is being positioned as a replacement for Stephen Colbert following the end of The Late Show. Allen indicated he's not trying to fill the void left behind by Colbert, nor does he need to capture the Late Show's viewership because Comics Unleashed has a 20-year history of audience-building.
Allen also reiterated that anyone expecting Comics Unleashed to cover the same ground as The Late Show should change their expectations. In fact, Allen has positioned Comics Unleashed as almost the exact opposite kind of show.
Unlike traditional late-night programs built around celebrity interviews, desk monologues, and sketches, Comics Unleashed follows a much simpler structure. Allen opens with a brief monologue before moderating a panel of four stand-up comedians who riff on different topics and stories.
Such panel shows are nothing new, and previous examples often waded into politics. However, Allen wants Comics Unleashed to intentionally steer clear of politics. That way, the show has a timeless feel and potentially a much broader appeal.
At the same time, Allen knows there's an audience out there who expects more of what Colbert brought to CBS. “Not everybody’s gonna love me,” he said. “But there is that one or two percent that would be like ‘hell yeah, I’m rolling with you’ and I learned that at an early age, and by the way, that simple lesson made me a billionaire.”
That mindset appears central to how Allen views the future of comedy programming. Rather than trying to mimic the cultural relevance that hosts like Colbert or Jimmy Kimmel often achieved through political commentary, Allen seems more interested in carving out a loyal audience that simply wants comedy without politics.
Still, Allen rejected the idea that his approach is somehow being dictated by CBS or parent company Paramount in response to Colbert’s exit. “I want to be clear,” Allen said. “I have absolutely not had any conversations with anybody at CBS or Paramount about what to say or not to say, politics or no boundaries.”
That clarification is significant given the existing speculation surrounding The Late Show’s cancellation. Some critics and fans have argued that networks are becoming increasingly uncomfortable with overt political comedy, especially after years of tension surrounding coverage of Donald Trump.
Allen argued there is still plenty of political comedy available even without Colbert on television. Hosts like Kimmel, Seth Meyers, John Oliver, and Jon Stewart remain on the air (for now) and bring the same energy as Colbert's Late Show.
Time will tell if Allen's bet lands in his favor. For now, Colbert's departure remains too fresh for many of his fans to get over the Late Show's end and accept anything new. At least now, there's another option for the late-night audiences willing to take a break from political comedy.
Add us as a preferred source on Google