Byron Allen recently made headlines when his show was announced as the replacement for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Recently, he opened up about the situation, including his thoughts on The Late Show and sharing his own personal connection to late-night television. This even included what viewers could expect on the first night it takes over Colbert’s slot.
The Late Show With Stephen Colbert Will Air Its Last Episode On May 21, 2026
Allen is known for founding the Allen Media Group media company. Starting in 2006, he started hosting and producing the syndicated comedy series, Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen. The show features a roundtable format in which four comedians and the host share jokes and observations on pop culture.
In 2023, the show aired on CBS during its 12:35 AM late-night slot, returning in 2025. Recently, Allen’s show started making headlines after it was announced that it would be taking over for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
The news came out after CBS previously shared that the show that Colbert’s show would be coming to an end as they would be retiring The Late Show‘s format, which previously featured David Letterman as its host. Colbert’s series finale is scheduled for May 21, 2026.
Since the news came out that Colbert’s show would be ending, various figures have weighed in on the situation. Recently, Allen himself has opened up about his show taking over the late-night slot.
Byron Allen Also Shared A Touching Moment With Another Late-Night Host Early In His Career
Speaking with Variety, Allen expressed sympathy towards Colbert’s show. Describing the cancellation as “an unfortunate event,” he also praised Colbert, saying, “I really like Stephen Colbert. I think he is a magnificent human being.” He added, “He’s a super talent, I believe he is an American treasure.”
However, Allen still made a deal that won over CBS. Reportedly, the network was interested in Allen’s show as they would save money by not having to develop and produce a new late show. In fact, Allen’s company would be paying CBS, all the while filling the slot.
However, Allen also had a personal connection to the story. Allen’s show would debut on May 22, the date that Johnny Carson signed off from The Tonight Show. In 1979, Allen became the youngest comedian to ever perform on Carson’s show, pursuing a career in stand-up at the time.
Speaking with PBS, Allen shared, “I remember standing behind the curtain, joking with you know, the crew, and I had my back to the curtain. And all of a sudden, they stopped laughing and kidding with me… [Then there] was Johnny Carson. And he had gotten up from behind his desk… He said, ‘Hey, kid, don’t worry, you’re going to be great.”
Allen also teased what viewers can expect when the show takes over the late-night slot. He shared that he will “take a minute to share some thoughts about late night and what we’re doing,” presumably hoping to ease audiences into the change.
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John Witiw has been a writer since at least 2015. He’s covered a variety of topics, especially when it comes to film and television.
