Byron Allen is set to realize his long-held ambition of hosting a late-night television show this Friday, as his nearly two-decade-old program, “Comics Unleashed,” will take over the time slot previously occupied by “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,” which concludes its run on Thursday.
CBS had already been broadcasting “Comics Unleashed” in a later evening slot, but now the show, produced by Allen’s media company, will air two consecutive episodes at 11:35 p.m. ET from Monday to Friday. Additionally, “Funny You Should Ask,” another game show from Allen’s production team, will transition to the 12:37 a.m. ET time slot.
The network announced in July its decision to end “The Late Show,” attributing the move to financial considerations in a challenging late-night landscape.
During an interview on “CBS Mornings” this Wednesday, Allen revealed that he had offered to air “Comics Unleashed” on CBS at no expense, especially since the network was already directing programming to affiliates owned by his company during late-night hours. Allen has remained a significant figure in a transforming media landscape, acquiring assets such as The Weather Channel, the streaming service Local Now, and shares in BuzzFeed, along with affiliations to CBS, ABC, NBC, and Fox.
“In the end, you’re providing me with an audience at 1:30 in the morning for my CBS affiliates across the nation,” Allen stated. “I suggested, ‘save your budget.’
He characterized the cancellation of “The Late Show” as a “very unfortunate occurrence” and expressed his goal to retain the late-night viewer base.
“I have great admiration for Stephen Colbert. I really enjoy his work,” Allen commented. “Once the decision was made, I recognized that this was not merely show business; it is business in show.”
Allen’s passion for late-night television was ignited during his childhood. His mother worked at NBC, and he would often hear Johnny Carson’s performances while waiting for her after tours.
At the age of 14, Allen began his journey in stand-up comedy. He has crafted jokes for notable figures such as Johnny Walker, David Letterman, and Jay Leno. His appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” at 18 paved the way for his role as a co-host on “Real People.”
“From the moment I witnessed Johnny Carson, 51 years ago, I declared, ‘this is the path I will choose: to make people laugh,’” Allen reflected.
Coincidentally, Allen’s debut on the network will fall exactly 34 years after Carson’s retirement from his legendary position.
However, Allen emphasized that his new show will steer clear of political discussions.
“The aim is simple: come and enjoy, laugh together,” he stated. “I aspire to unite people through the power of comedy.”
