A media mogul's bold move: Byron Allen eyes Stephen Colbert's coveted CBS slot!
With Stephen Colbert's Late Show contract winding down, the media landscape is abuzz with speculation. Enter Byron Allen, a comedian-turned-mogul with a vision. He already hosts Comics Unleashed on CBS at the late-night hour of 12:30 a.m., but his sights are set on the prime 11:30 p.m. slot, currently occupied by Colbert.
"If they're looking for a show, I'm all in," Allen declared at Advertising Week New York. His dream, he revealed, is to host the iconic Tonight Show, and he's been patiently waiting for this opportunity for five decades.
Allen's journey with CBS began when he brought Comics Unleashed, a stand-up comedy series featuring a mix of established and emerging talent, to the network after James Corden's departure from The Late Late Show. His company ran a successful 19-week trial, and when CBS's After Midnight ended, Allen's show returned to the slot, this time with a unique twist: two half-hour episodes, one new and one classic.
"I told them, you'll never beat this show mathematically," Allen recalled. "Why spend $35 million on a late-night show? I'll produce it for you, and you can save that money for other ventures."
But Comics Unleashed isn't your typical stand-up show. Allen has a unique vision for his brand of comedy. "No topical humor, no political jokes, and absolutely no racism, homophobia, or antisemitism," he told Bill Carter, the LateNighter columnist. "In television, it's not about being the funniest; it's about being the most likable."
While CBS hasn't revealed its plans for the 11:30 slot post-Colbert, the question remains: Will Allen's pitch resonate with the decision-makers at Paramount? And here's where it gets controversial... Do you think Allen's vision aligns with the network's future direction? Share your thoughts in the comments!
