How Colbert’s Replacement Is Helping Tank the Rest of CBS
The Daily Beast • • entertainment
Key Points:
- CBS replaced Stephen Colbert's late-night show with Byron Allen's Comics Unleashed, which has experienced a 64% drop in ratings compared to Colbert's final episodes, raising concerns about the impact on the network's overall programming.
- Media experts note that popular late-night shows like Colbert's traditionally boost viewership for subsequent morning shows and late local news, suggesting CBS may face broader audience declines due to the cancellation.
- CBS defended the change, highlighting a new "time buy" model with Byron Allen that turned a $40 million annual loss into a $15 million profit, emphasizing cost savings over ratings.
- Industry insiders argue that the traditional benefits of late-night lead-ins are less relevant in the streaming era, and CBS continues to benefit from live sports, though major events like the NBA and Stanley Cup Finals are airing on rival network ABC.
- Byron Allen acknowledged lower ratings expectations and stated he is not trying to replace Colbert but to serve Comics Unleashed's existing audience, emphasizing his distinct approach and appeal.