Byron Allen Bids for Stephen Colbert’s CBS Timeslot

Media mogul Byron Allen has publicly declared his interest in taking over Stephen Colbert’s prime 11:30 p.m. timeslot on CBS. Colbert is set to depart The Late Show in May next year. Allen made the announcement during a conversation at Advertising Week New York.

He currently hosts Comics Unleashed on CBS at 12:30 a.m. Allen stated his long-held ambition is to host a major late-night program. According to Reuters, this move would mark a significant shift in the network’s late-night strategy.

A Fifty-Year Dream for Late-Night Television

Allen expressed his readiness for the role with great conviction. “Let me be clear… if they are looking for a show, my hand is already up,” he told columnist Bill Carter. He added that hosting the Tonight Show has been a dream for fifty years.

His connection to the legacy of late-night is personal. Allen made his national television debut on Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show. This history gives his bid a layer of authenticity and experience.

Strategic Business Sense Behind the Bid

Allen’s pitch to CBS is rooted in financial logic. He brought Comics Unleashed to the network as a time-buy deal. This arrangement saves CBS the high cost of producing a traditional talk show.

He previously argued against spending $35 million on a show for the late time slot. Allen believes his model is mathematically unbeatable for the network. This allows CBS to allocate its budget to other programming needs.

His show follows a specific comedic formula designed for broad appeal. Comics Unleashed features evergreen stand-up comedy with no topical or political humor. Allen’s philosophy is that on television, being likable is more important than being the funniest.

CBS has not announced its plans for the 11:30 p.m. slot yet. The network has confirmed it will not simply reboot The Late Show with a new host. Whether Allen’s business-savvy proposal wins over Paramount executives remains the central question.

The potential takeover of Stephen Colbert’s slot by Byron Allen represents a fundamental change in the late-night landscape. His unique blend of comedic history and sharp business acumen makes him a formidable contender. The final decision on the future of this coveted late-night timeslot is now highly anticipated.

Dropping this nugget your way

Q1: Who is Byron Allen?

Byron Allen is a comedian who became a media mogul. He started his career on television with an appearance on Johnny Carson’s *The Tonight Show*. He now owns a media company and hosts *Comics Unleashed*.

Q2: What is *Comics Unleashed*?

It is a stand-up comedy series hosted by Byron Allen on CBS. The show features both established and up-and-coming comedians. It deliberately avoids topical and political humor to remain evergreen.

Q3: When is Stephen Colbert leaving?

Stephen Colbert is scheduled to depart *The Late Show* in May of next year. This gives the network several months to plan its next move. His exit creates a major vacancy in the late-night television schedule.

Q4: What is a “time-buy” deal?

A time-buy is when a producer pays a network for airtime instead of the network paying for the show. This is the business model Allen uses for *Comics Unleashed*. It can be a more cost-effective option for broadcasters.

Q5: Has CBS chosen a replacement yet?

No, CBS has not announced who will replace Stephen Colbert. The network has only stated it will not simply continue *The Late Show* with a new host. The selection process for the 11:30 p.m. timeslot is ongoing.