CBS has decided to outsource its late-night programming to media entrepreneur Byron Allen, aiming to cut costs associated with content production. Starting May 22, Allen’s shows “Comics Unleashed” and “Funny You Should Ask” will occupy the 11:35 p.m. and 12:35 a.m. slots, respectively, following the conclusion of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” on May 21. Colbert’s tenure, which lasted 11 years, followed the original host, David Letterman, and marked a significant period in CBS’s late-night history.
“Comics Unleashed” centres on Allen, who hosts alongside four comedians sharing material from their stand-up acts. The show has been broadcasting at 12:35 a.m. since June 2022, after “After Midnight With Taylor Tomlinson” ended. “Funny You Should Ask,” hosted by Jon Kelley, incorporates comics in a quiz format and has been in syndication since 2017, with Allen appearing as a panelist.
This transition to Allen’s shows is expected to yield substantial savings for CBS. Allen compensates CBS for the airtime and manages full production costs for his programs, while retaining most advertising revenue from the broadcasts. In August, Allen described the arrangement as financially advantageous, stating, “It’s not cheaper. It’s zero.”
Byron Allen’s shows are less costly to produce compared to the traditional late-night format, which typically includes high-profile hosts, live bands, and extensive writing teams. The economic pressures have affected late-night television broadly, with CBS citing rising costs and dwindling viewership as reasons for cancelling Colbert’s show, especially as streaming services have changed viewing habits.
The shift to Allen’s programmes is also notable for its lack of political content, a contrast to Colbert’s approach, which often targeted figures such as former President Trump. The upcoming programming strategy may therefore cater to a broader audience seeking non-political entertainment.
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