In a significant programming shift, CBS has announced that it will replace The Late Show with Comics Unleashed, hosted by Byron Allen, starting May 22, 2026. This change comes as The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is set to air its final episode on May 21, 2026, marking the end of an era for the franchise.

David Letterman, who originally hosted The Late Show for over two decades from 1993 to 2015, criticized CBS for its decision, stating, “They don’t want to spend any money, so they’re going to make money.” This move is seen as a cost-cutting measure by the network.

Comics Unleashed, which has been airing at 12:35 a.m., will now take over the coveted 11:35 p.m. timeslot. The show features a panel format where comedians discuss humorous topics, a concept Letterman described as “a pretty good idea.” The show includes notable comedians such as Sebastian Maniscalco, Tiffany Haddish, Gabriel Iglesias, Cedric the Entertainer, and Nate Bargatze.

Byron Allen, who created Comics Unleashed 20 years ago, expressed his excitement about the transition, stating, “I created and launched Comics Unleashed so my fellow comedians could have a platform to do what we all love — make people laugh.” The time buy deal for Comics Unleashed is secured through the 2026-2027 TV season.

In addition to Comics Unleashed, Allen will also produce another show, Funny You Should Ask, which will air at 12:35 a.m., creating a two-hour programming block dedicated to comedy.

The Late Show franchise has been a staple of late-night television for 33 years, and this replacement marks a pivotal change in CBS’s late-night lineup. Letterman has openly criticized how CBS handled the cancellation of The Late Show, calling it “pure cowardice.”

As CBS makes this transition, the network aims to revitalize its late-night offerings while navigating the challenges of a competitive television landscape. The immediate future of late-night television is set to shift dramatically with this new programming direction.