Paramount Global’s CBS will start airing “Comics Unleased with Byron Allen” later this fall as the network’s replacement for its canceled game show-inspired comedy talk show “After Midnight.”
Comics Unleashed already airs on 14 CBS-owned local TV stations across the country, including some CBS stations that aired the panel-driven talk show in the slot following “After Midnight.” Most CBS-owned independent stations air the show in broadcast syndication as well.
The first night for Comics Unleashed on CBS stations and affiliates is Tuesday, September 23, when it will debut after “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” which airs one hour prior on Monday. The show will initially occupy the full hour-long slot, with back-to-back episodes in September. It wasn’t clear if the show will continue in that format during the 2025-2026 TV season, or if CBS will air only one half-hour program after some time.
It is the second time CBS has leaned on Comics Unleashed to fill the slot following the Late Show. The network took the same approach in 2023 when “The Late Late Show with James Corden” ended its run; then, Comics Unleashed aired from September 2023 to mid-January 2024 before “After Midnight” was announced.
Its run on CBS may be longer this time around, with the network less eager to launch another late night talk show at a time when those programs have pulled in a historically low linear TV audience. Acquiring Comics Unleashed allows CBS to fill the 12:30 a.m. slot without having to shoulder the burdensome expenses that typically associate themselves with late night programming.
For Allen, it is a major nod of recognition for one of his programs.
“Comics Unleashed is a true passion for me, simply because this world can never have enough laughter,” Allen said in a statement. “I created this show so that the best comedians can all come together and help bring non-stop laughter.”
Some of the comedians that have appeared on Comics Unleashed during its TV run include Whitney Cummings, Adam Carolla, Kevin Hart, Chelsea Handler, Katt Williams, Jon Lovitz, Tom Papa, Gabriel Iglesias and Roy Wood, Jr.
