CBS is set to find new comedic voices as “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” wraps up after almost 11 years on air.
Colbert’s tenure has faced ongoing criticism, particularly following reports of allegations concerning his show. The financials weren’t looking great either, with the program racking up $40 million in annual losses against a budget of $100 million. As the finale approaches on May 21, the reality of its end becomes more evident.
“There’s not enough laughter in the world.”
Reportedly, CBS isn’t wasting time in filling Colbert’s 11:35 p.m. slot, with plans for a new format starting on May 22.
giggling gang
Information from The Hill indicates that Colbert’s show will be succeeded by two half-hour segments featuring real comedians.
First up, the long-running show “Comics Unleashed” will shift to the earlier slot, moving from its current position. This show presents a lineup of comedians that includes both emerging talent and established names like Dennis Miller, Bert Kreischer, and Jon Lovitz.
Meanwhile, the 12:35 a.m. slot will welcome a revival of the 1968 classic “It’s Interesting,” where celebrities or comedians will field trivia questions while contestants guess the answers.
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nothing personal
CBS stated that the decision to cancel Colbert’s show was strictly economic, amid challenging late-night conditions.
The network claimed, “There is no connection whatsoever to the show’s performance, content or any issues at Paramount.”
This was affirmed by Paramount, the parent company of CBS News, which recently paid a $16 million settlement to former President Trump. The lawsuit alleged that the network misrepresented an interview with Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2024 campaign, as reported by The Guardian.
Colbert referred to the settlement as a “large bribe.”
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happy meal
Both new shows will be produced by comedian Byron Allen, known for his extensive work in television and film over the last couple of decades.
Allen expressed to The Hill that “Comics Unleashed” is a platform for comedians to genuinely “make people laugh,” and he expressed gratitude to CBS for reintegrating a two-hour comedy slot.
“The world doesn’t have enough laughter,” he emphasized.
The 64-year-old is also a member of the federal Film and Television Fund board of directors, which aims to provide support to active and retired members of the entertainment community.
In 2025, Variety reported that Allen reached a settlement with McDonald’s after he filed a $10 billion lawsuit alleging discrimination against Black-owned media in advertising spending.
