Media entrepreneur and comedian Byron Allen says he approached CBS with a direct business proposal when the network weighed its future in late night television.
Allen recently revealed he pitched executives on a low-cost alternative after CBS decided to end “The Late Show” franchise following Stephen Colbert’s final run. The longtime host is exiting the network after more than a decade behind the desk.
Allen described the conversation as simple and financially driven.
“I told CBS, ‘You can save more than $100 million a year with me,’” Allen said during recent media appearances discussing the programming change. “That was my blunt pitch.”
CBS has said financial pressures played a major role in ending “The Late Show,” a franchise that began with David Letterman in 1993. Industry analysts have pointed to rising production costs and shrinking advertising revenue across late night television.
Beginning this month, Allen’s comedy series “Comics Unleashed” will move into the 11:35 p.m. slot previously occupied by Colbert. The move marks a major expansion for Allen Media Group and signals a different strategy for CBS late night programming.
A Different Direction for Late Night
Allen said his version of late night television will avoid politics and focus strictly on stand-up comedy and entertainment.
“There will be no politics,” Allen said. “No racism, no sexism, no antisemitism, no homophobia. We’re just going to laugh.”
The comedian has repeatedly emphasized that audiences are exhausted by division. He believes viewers want lighter programming at the end of the day.
“Our job is to bring people together,” Allen said. “Everybody can laugh together.”
That approach stands in sharp contrast to Colbert’s tenure. Colbert often built his monologues around political commentary and current events. His sharp criticism of political figures helped make him one of the most recognizable late-night hosts of the Trump era.
Allen, meanwhile, has built much of his television empire around lower-cost syndicated programming. His company produces courtroom shows, comedy panels and entertainment news series designed for broad national distribution.
Colbert Receives Praise From Allen
Despite taking over the time slot, Allen has spoken warmly about Colbert and his legacy at CBS.
“He’s an American treasure,” Allen said during one interview. “Stephen Colbert is one of the nicest people in this business.”
Allen also said Colbert personally congratulated him after the transition became public.
The programming shift arrives during a turbulent period for late-night television. Networks continue facing pressure from streaming services, digital creators and declining linear television audiences. Several major late-night programs have reduced production schedules or faced cancellation in recent years.
Still, Allen believes traditional television can remain profitable with leaner budgets and broader comedy appeal.
“People always want to laugh,” Allen said. “That will never go away.”