David Letterman Speaks Out on CBS Replacing 'Late Show' With 'Comics Unleashed' | THR News
Why It Matters
The change could improve CBS’s bottom line while redefining late‑night TV, signaling a move toward cost‑efficient, advertiser‑controlled programming.
Key Takeaways
- •CBS replaces Stephen Colbert's "Late Show" with Byron Allen's "Comics Unleashed"
- •Letterman criticizes network's cost‑cutting motive behind the change
- •"Comics Unleashed" will air 90‑120 minutes nightly, selling its own ads
- •Byron Allen also provides follow‑up show "Funny You Should Ask" at midnight
- •Analysts expect CBS to profit by outsourcing late‑night production to Allen
Summary
CBS announced it will drop Stephen Colbert’s “Late Show” and replace it with Byron Allen’s comedy panel series “Comics Unleashed” starting May 22, after the final episode of The Late Show airs on May 21. The move was highlighted by former Late Show host David Letterman on the Barbara Gains Show, where he voiced his skepticism.
Letterman suggested the decision is driven by cost‑saving motives, noting the network will charge Allen a “reasonable price” while allowing him to sell his own advertising. “Comics Unleashed” will run 90 minutes to two hours each night, a format that eliminates stand‑up monologues in favor of seated panel jokes, reducing production expenses.
Allen, who created the series 20 years ago, praised CBS’s confidence, saying the two‑hour comedy block and the follow‑up program “Funny You Should Ask” will bring more laughter. He will also handle ad sales, effectively buying the time slot from the network.
Industry observers see the shift as a gamble to boost late‑night profitability by outsourcing content creation. If successful, CBS could set a precedent for other networks to replace traditional talk‑show models with syndicated comedy packages, reshaping talent negotiations and ad revenue structures.
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