The world of late-night talk shows has seen a shift as Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen prepares to take over the coveted 11:35 p.m. time slot on May 22. Following this, viewers can also look forward to another series produced by Allen, a comedy game show titled Funny You Should Ask, at 12:35 a.m.
“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 shared in a statement. “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.”
Comics Unleashed initially premiered in 2006, with Funny You Should Ask, hosted by Jon Kelley, debuting in 2017. After a limited run on CBS from 2023 to 2024 following the end of The Late Late Show With James Cordon, Comics Unleashed returned to CBS to take over After Midnight With Taylor Tomlinson in the 2025-2026 season.
Allen’s upcoming collaboration with CBS is notable, as The Hollywood Reporter explained that he is purchasing airtime from the network in exchange for his company, Allen Media Network, being able to sell available advertising spots during Comics Unleashed and Funny You Should Ask.
In July 2025, CBS announced the end of the Late Show franchise, citing purely financial reasons for the decision. “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert will end its historic run in May 2026 at the end of the broadcast season,” CBS stated. “We consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and will retire The Late Show franchise at that time. We are proud that Stephen called CBS home. He and the broadcast will be remembered in the pantheon of greats that graced late-night television.”
During a taping at the Ed Sullivan Theater, Colbert addressed the cancellation, expressing both gratitude and acceptance. “It’s not just the end of our show, but it’s the end of The Late Show on CBS. I’m not being replaced. This is all just going away,” he shared with the audience. Colbert continued, reflecting on his time hosting the show and the joy it brought him.
As the late-night landscape continues to evolve, the arrival of Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen offers a fresh perspective on bringing laughter into viewers’ lives, proving that there can never be too much humor in the world.
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Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.