The Conversation (0)
Stephen Colbert reacts to Detroit native taking over 'Late Show' slot
USA Today - News / VideoElephant
Byron Allen's Comics Unleashed was recently announced as the replacement for The Late Show With Stephen Colbert on CBS, taking over the 11.35pm slot later in May.
But who is he exactly?
Allen is a 65-year-old businessman, comedian and producer. He's the founder and CEO of Allen Media Group and host of Comics Unleashed.
Allen started to pursue a career in standup comedy, reportedly becoming the youngest comedian ever to perform on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson aged 18.
He then went into TV, with early credits including co-hosting Real People on NBC, co-writing and co-starring in CBS TV film Case Closed and hosting The Byron Allen Show.
Allen then established a production company called CF Entertainment in 1993. It was later renamed Entertainment Studios before it then became a production subsidiary company as part of Allen Media Group.
Bryon Allen's Comics Unleashed will replace The Late Show With Stephen Colbert later in May / ETIENNE LAURENT / AFP via Getty Images
Allen started hosting Entertainers With Byron Allen in 2000 before he started hosting Comics Unleashed in 2006.
Comics Unleashed, the show replacing The Late Show, has panels of comedians performing stand-up routines and discussing topics in a talk-show format. It's less intensively produced and cheaper to make than The Late Show which may be one of the reasons why it was more attractive to CBS bosses.
Through the 2010s, Allen went into sitcom scripting for The First Family and Mr Box Office before focusing more of his efforts on expanding Allen Media Group.
He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2021.
Elsewhere:
- When is the final episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert?
- CBS reveals how it will replace Stephen Colbert in late-night schedule
How to join the Indy100's free WhatsApp channel
Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter
Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the Indy100 rankings.
Top 100
