With The Late Show with Stephen Colbert preparing to sign off after an 11-year run, CBS has finalized its plan for the 11:35 p.m. hour. Things are set to sound very different after Stephen Colbert says goodbye in May.
The network is handing the coveted late-night slot to Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen, hosted by Byron Allen. Beginning with the 2026–2027 season, the long-running comedy panel series will move up from 12:35 a.m. to 11:35 p.m., expanding into a two-hour nightly block.
The transition will begin immediately after Colbert’s farewell on May 21. Comics Unleashed is set to debut in its new time slot on Friday, May 22, with the plan for CBS airing two back-to-back half-hour episodes each night.
First launched in September 2006, Comics Unleashed has remained in syndication for 18 consecutive seasons. It currently airs on CBS-owned stations in 14 markets.
During that time, some notable comedians have come through to share their material and join in the panel discussions. Saturday Night Live alumni such Jon Lovitz, Finesse Mitchell, Dean Edwards, Dennis Miller, Chris Kattan, and Norm MacDonald have appeared on the show. Other late-night TV talent including Chelsea Handler and Roy Wood, Jr. have also been on.
Joining the revamped lineup is Funny You Should Ask, hosted by Jon Kelley and produced by Allen. The comedy game show will also air in back-to-back half-hour episodes Monday through Friday starting May 22.
“I created and launchedComics Unleashed 20 years ago so my fellow comedians could have a platform to do what we all love – make people laugh,” said Allen. “I truly appreciate CBS’ confidence in me by picking up our two-hour comedy block of Comics Unleashed and Funny You Should Ask, because the world can never have enough laughter.”
The programming shift represents a notable departure from the political and topical comedy that defined Stephen Colbert’s tenure on CBS. Under Allen’s approach, Comics Unleashed has intentionally steered clear of heaveny-handed political humor. Allen has described the show has long instructed performers to avoid political material. The strategy keeps the series evergreen while also appealing to advertisers wary of politically charged content.
Considering how advertisers and corporate politics interfered with shows like The Late Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live! over the past year, Allen's approach may be the safest bet. CBS appears to be betting on broad, repeatable comedy formats that can attract a wider audience and generate consistent revenue through syndication. The network made it clear that late-night TV wasn't profitable, having shut down The Late Show, The Late Late Show with James Corden, and After Midnight in recent memory.
Fans unfamiliar with Comics Unleashed can get an idea of the show this week as new episodes continue to air following The Late Show on CBS. Guests this week include Shane Torres, Ashley Ray, and Meredith Casey.