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Byron Allen Steps into Late Night TV Spotlight
23 May
Summary
- Byron Allen officially took over the 11:35 p.m. ET slot on CBS.
- He hosted 'Comics Unleashed' as the successor to Stephen Colbert.
- Allen thanked pioneers like Johnny Carson and current partners at CBS.

Byron Allen has officially assumed the coveted 11:35 p.m. ET time slot on CBS, stepping into the role previously held by Stephen Colbert. Allen, whose show 'Comics Unleashed' was named the successor in April, addressed the significant transition at the start of his broadcast on Friday.
He began by paying homage to late-night television "pioneers," including Stephen Colbert, Bill Maher, Conan O'Brien, and his "childhood hero," Johnny Carson. Allen also extended his gratitude to CBS, Google, YouTube, and sponsor Procter and Gamble, concluding with a heartfelt thanks to the audience for supporting his passion for making people laugh.
This marks a new chapter following Colbert's final broadcast on Thursday, May 22, 2026. Colbert's farewell included numerous celebrity appearances and musical performances. The decision to end 'The Late Show' was announced by CBS last summer, with the final air date set for May 21, 2026, a move that sparked considerable public outcry among fans and industry figures alike.