CBS is once again shaking up its late-night TV schedule, this time by ending its show After Midnight. The network announced that the show, which airs at 12:35 a.m., will wrap up later this year after two seasons. What’s surprising is that it was recently renewed for a third season, but host Taylor Tomlinson has decided to shift her focus back to stand-up comedy and touring.
The finale will air in June, but CBS has indicated it won’t fill the 12:35 a.m. slot with a new show next season. There’s no word yet on whether they will keep the time slot or hand it back to local stations.
Tomlinson shared her thoughts on the decision, saying, “Hosting After Midnight has genuinely been the experience of a lifetime.” She expressed gratitude towards CBS, Stephen Colbert, and the entire crew for their support. Despite the difficult choice, she felt the pull back to her stand-up roots was strong.
Colbert also expressed his appreciation for the show and the team behind it, acknowledging Tomlinson’s big decision to return to touring.
After Midnight premiered in January 2024, stepping into the late-night landscape after The Late Late Show With James Corden concluded. The show is similar to Comedy Central’s @midnight, featuring a panel of comedians tackling games and discussing current pop culture and internet stories. So far this season, it has attracted around 700,000 viewers weekly.
Interestingly, the late-night landscape has changed significantly in recent years. A survey by Statista reveals that in 2022, 55% of Americans still preferred traditional TV for late-night shows, but streaming options are increasingly gaining ground. Audiences are looking for fresh and engaging content, which presents a challenge for networks like CBS.
As the world of late-night continues to evolve, it will be intriguing to see how CBS adjusts its lineup moving forward, especially in response to changing viewer preferences. Tomlinson’s return to stand-up could also reflect a growing trend among comedians seeking to connect more personally with audiences through live performances.
For more on late-night television trends and viewer statistics, check out this article by Pew Research Center.
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