Behind-the-Scenes Twist: Byron Allen Secures Stephen Colbert’s CBS Spot Post-Exit

Byron Allen, after expressing interest in late-night TV for years, is set to take over the 11:35 p.m. slot on CBS starting May 22. Following Stephen Colbert's departure, Allen's show "Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen" will lead into his game show "Funny You Should Ask" at midnight, giving him control over CBS's late-night block.

Allen's shows will fill the slots that have long defined late night on CBS, marking his full control over the network's programming during those hours. This opportunity comes after Allen recently settled a $10 billion racial discrimination lawsuit against McDonald's, accusing the company of neglecting Black-owned media in their advertising budgets.

The lawsuit alleged that Allen Media Group's outlets were marginalized in advertising buys despite owning major properties like The Weather Channel and TheGrio. The case was resolved before trial with McDonald's agreeing to purchase ads from Allen's media properties at market value, denying any wrongdoing.

Allen, who began his career in stand-up comedy at 14, became the youngest comedian to perform on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson at 18. Over the years, he quietly scaled his Allen Media Group into a multibillion-dollar portfolio by acquiring overlooked assets.

Unlike the typical late-night host trajectory, Allen's path to programming late night on CBS was not through auditions but through his established position in the industry. He had publicly expressed interest in hosting a late-night show well before the opportunity arose, signaling his readiness.

By securing the late-night slot on CBS, Allen is not only a part of late night television but also a key figure in shaping its programming, a significant departure from the conventional route to late-night success.