In a surprising turn of events, CBS has announced that it will replace The Late Show with Comics Unleashed, effective May 22, 2026. This decision comes as The Late Show with Stephen Colbert prepares to air its final episode on May 21, 2026, after a successful run since Colbert took over from David Letterman in 2015.
Comics Unleashed, which has previously aired in the 12:35 a.m. slot, will now occupy the coveted 11:35 p.m. timeslot, featuring a format centered around comedians discussing humorous topics. The show, created by Byron Allen, will also include another program, Funny You Should Ask, which will air at 12:35 a.m., creating a two-hour programming block.
David Letterman, who hosted The Late Show for over two decades from 1993 to 2015, expressed his discontent with CBS’s decision, stating, “They don’t want to spend any money, so they’re going to make money.” This remark underscores the financial motivations behind the network’s programming choices.
Letterman further described Comics Unleashed as a panel show where comics engage in discussions rather than traditional stand-up, saying, “The show is a pretty good idea. It’s all panel. Nobody’s doing any stand-up, except they’re seated doing stand-up.” This format aims to provide a platform for comedians to showcase their talents, including notable names like Sebastian Maniscalco and Tiffany Haddish.
Byron Allen, the producer of Comics Unleashed, emphasized the show’s purpose, stating, “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.” His commitment to comedy remains evident as he transitions the show to a more prominent timeslot.
As CBS embarks on this new chapter, the network has confirmed that Allen Media Group will handle the advertising sales for Comics Unleashed. The time buy deal for the show is secured through the 2026-2027 TV season, indicating CBS’s long-term commitment to this programming shift.
This change marks a significant moment in the history of The Late Show franchise, which has been a staple of late-night television for 33 years. Letterman’s departure in 2015 paved the way for Colbert, whose tenure has now come to an end.
Reactions to the announcement have been mixed, with some fans expressing disappointment over the cancellation of Colbert’s show. Letterman himself criticized CBS for their handling of the situation, calling it “pure cowardice.” His comments reflect a broader concern about the direction of late-night television and the emphasis on cost-cutting measures.
As the final episode of The Late Show approaches, viewers are left to ponder the implications of this transition and what it means for the future of late-night entertainment.
