Something needed to change and finally it appears it did.
For years, many Americans watched late-night television transform from lighthearted entertainment into a nightly stream of political attacks against President Donald Trump and his supporters. Now, that era appears to be coming to an end.
Media entrepreneur Byron Allen says his hit comedy show, Comics Unleashed, will leave politics out entirely when it takes over Stephen Colbert’s former Friday night slot on CBS.
For viewers who are tired of partisan lectures disguised as comedy, Allen’s approach could mark the beginning of a welcome return to real entertainment.
Byron Allen Makes a Bold Promise
In an interview with CNN host Michael Smerconish, Allen explained exactly what audiences can expect.
Allen explained that his goal for Comics Unleashed is to stay away from political discussions and current events altogether. He said the show is designed to avoid material that could be viewed as racist, sexist, antisemitic, or homophobic, with one simple objective: deliver clean, respectful humor that makes people laugh without offending the audience.
That simple formula—clean comedy focused on laughter—could resonate strongly with older Americans who remember when television was meant to entertain rather than divide.
No Political Agenda, Just Laughs
When asked whether viewers would search for hidden political messages in the show, Allen made it clear that politics will play no role.
“I don’t care who you vote for,” he said. “You’re going to vote who you’re going to vote for, no matter what I say. I’m here to make you laugh.”
Allen compared his strategy to the well-known business philosophy often associated with basketball legend Michael Jordan: appeal to everyone, regardless of politics.
His message is straightforward—comedy should unite Americans, not deepen divisions.
Stephen Colbert’s Politically Charged Legacy
Colbert took over The Late Show with Stephen Colbert from David Letterman in 2015.
During his 11-year run, Colbert became known for delivering frequent monologues targeting Trump, conservatives, and Republican policies. While some viewers enjoyed the political humor, many others felt late-night television had become increasingly one-sided.
CBS announced that Colbert’s final episode will air on May 21, 2026.
Comics Unleashed Takes Over
Beginning May 22, CBS will air Comics Unleashed Monday through Friday, featuring two back-to-back half-hour episodes. Allen’s syndicated game show Funny You Should Ask will follow.
Allen said he created Comics Unleashed more than 20 years ago to provide stand-up comedians with a national platform.
“The world can never have enough laughter,” he said.
Byron Allen Praises Colbert
Despite taking a dramatically different approach, Allen has spoken positively about Colbert.
In an interview with Variety, Allen described Colbert as “a magnificent human being” and “an American treasure.”
Even so, the programming shift represents a major change in direction for CBS and late-night television.
Why This Could Be a Big Win for Viewers
Many Americans—especially viewers over 50—have grown frustrated with the constant politicization of entertainment.
Allen’s decision to focus solely on humor may attract audiences who want to relax, laugh, and enjoy television without being bombarded by partisan commentary.
At a time when the nation remains deeply divided, a comedy show that avoids politics altogether could prove to be exactly what millions of viewers have been waiting for.
Final Thoughts
Byron Allen’s commitment to keeping politics off the stage may signal a turning point for late-night television.
As Stephen Colbert exits after years of anti-Trump monologues, Allen is betting that Americans are ready for a more traditional kind of comedy—one built on universal humor rather than political messaging.
For conservatives and anyone tired of ideological entertainment, this could be the last laugh—and perhaps the most satisfying one yet.
