CBS has announced that Byron Allen’s programs will occupy the network’s late-night time slots following the end of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” this May. The transition will occur after Colbert’s 11-year tenure, which culminates on May 21, marking the close of an era that began with David Letterman’s launch of “The Late Show” in 1993.

Starting in September, Allen’s “Comics Unleashed” will move into the 11:35 p.m. Eastern slot, taking over the hour previously held by Colbert’s show. The program currently airs at 12:35 a.m., a schedule it has maintained since June when it replaced “After Midnight With Taylor Tomlinson.” Alongside “Comics Unleashed,” Allen’s “Funny You Should Ask” will fill the 12:35 a.m. hour. The latter show, which features comedians answering quiz-style questions, has been in syndication since 2017.

Both programs are considerably less costly to produce compared to traditional late-night formats, which often rely on high-profile hosts, live musical acts, and extensive writing teams. “Comics Unleashed” takes a unique approach by featuring Allen alongside four guest comedians who present stand-up material, much of which the performers bring themselves. This format reduces production expenses and creates content that is largely evergreen, minimizing topical references to allow for reruns.

Byron Allen, who transitioned from stand-up comedy to becoming a media executive owning both a television station group and the Weather Channel, continues to contribute material for his shows. Many comedians who appear on “Comics Unleashed” have noted the exposure benefits the platform provides, bolstering their careers.

CBS’s decision to replace “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” stems from the program’s declining ratings and the broader challenges facing late-night television amid shifting viewer habits. The rise of streaming platforms has significantly affected appointment viewing, leading networks to reconsider expensive productions. CBS cited the high costs associated with Colbert’s show as a key factor in the cancellation announced in July.

The network’s move to Byron Allen’s programs reflects a strategic pivot toward more cost-effective programming during late-night hours, as traditional formats contend with evolving audience preferences and economic pressures within the television industry.