Stephen Colbert reacts to CBS' replacement for 'The Late Show'

Key Points:

• Stephen Colbert sent a congratulatory note to Byron Allen after CBS announced that Allen's show "Comics Unleashed" will replace "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" in the 11:35 p.m. time slot, following the show's cancellation in July 2025 due to financial reasons.
• CBS is leasing the time slot to Allen, whose show has been airing after Colbert's, with Allen covering production costs, making the arrangement immediately profitable for the network; CBS is also exploring other late-night programming ideas.
• Colbert described Byron Allen as fascinating and acknowledged Allen's history as the youngest comic to perform on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson," but said he has no comment on CBS's decision to replace "The Late Show" with a non-traditional late-night show.
• In the same interview, Colbert revealed his long-time desire to have Pope Leo XIV as a guest on his show and discussed his upcoming project: co-writing a new "Lord of the Rings" film script with his son and Philippa Boyens, addressing concerns from fans about his involvement by emphasizing his commitment to the craft.
• Colbert expressed confidence in the new "Lord of the Rings" project, highlighting his collaboration with Boyens and his focus on creating a dramatic work rather than mere fandom, despite some fans' skepticism about his hiring.