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April 6, 2026, 8:59 p.m. ET
CBS announced on April 6 that two shows produced by Byron Allen will take over its late-night schedule after “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” ends its run on May 21.
The network will air back-to-back half-hour episodes of “Comics Unleashed” in “The Late Show’s” 11:35 p.m. time slot. They will be followed by episodes of the comedy game show “Funny You Should Ask,” in the 12:37 a.m. time slot, the network announced.
The new schedule will begin on May 22.
“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 said 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.”
Allen had been lobbying for the slot since Colbert’s ouster was announced in July of 2025, according to Variety. “If they’re looking for a show, my hand is already up,” he said during an interview at New York’s Advertising Week in October. “Fifty years, I’ve been waiting for this moment. Definitely, I’m going for it.”
Allen purchased the time to air “Comics Unleashed” and “Funny You Should Ask” from CBS, with Allen Media Group selling advertising on the shows, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Variety reports that the deal is through the 2026-2027 television season.
Here’s what to know about Byron Allen.
Bryon Allen’s early life
He was born on April 22, 1961, in Detroit, according to Allen’s IMDB page, and his family moved to Los Angeles when he was 7 years old, CSQ Magazine reported.
Allen was the youngest comedian to appear on Johnny Carson’s “The Tonight Show” when he made his debut in 1979. He was a host on NBC’s “Real People,” an early reality show, and attended film school at the University of Southern California, according to CSQ Magazine.
What has Bryon Allen produced?
Allen founded what would become Allen Media Group in 1993, according to the CSQ profile. The company purchased The Weather Channel in 2018.
Allen is listed as an executive producer on multiple courtroom shows, according to IMDB, including “Justice for the People with Judge Milian,” “Mathis Court with Judge Mathis” and “America’s Court with Judge Ross,” among others.
IMDB also lists Allen as an executive producer for “The Grio Awards,” “Byron Allen Presents the Comedy and Music Superfest” and “Who Wants to Date a Comedian.”
What has Byron Allen said about ‘Comics Unleashed?’
Allen told The Los Angeles Times in 2025 that he wants comedians to bring non-political material to “Comics Unleashed,” which currently airs during the 12:37 a.m. timeslot.
“I tell the comedians we’re shooting ‘I Love Lucy,'” Allen said. “Something that’s evergreen. So I don’t want to hear any political humor. Just be funny, family-friendly, and advertiser-friendly.”
The comedy talk show, which premiered in syndication in 2006, is hosted by Allen and features a rotating panel of comedians performing their material.
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https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2026/04/06/byron-allen-cbs-late-night/89490128007/
James Powel,Brendan Morrow
Almontather Rassoul
