Byron Allen marked Comics Unleashed’s arrival in CBS’ 11:35 p.m. timeslot Friday night by paying tribute to Stephen Colbert, Johnny Carson—and Procter & Gamble.
“Tonight is a big night, and I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge some of the late-night pioneers I’ve admired over the years,” Allen said from the Comics Unleashed set.
He then rattled off a list that spanned generations of late-night television: “Steve Allen, Jack Paar, David Letterman, Jay Leno, Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Joan Rivers, Arsenio Hall, Bill Maher, Chelsea Handler, John Oliver, Conan O’Brien, Seth Meyers, Jon Stewart, Samantha Bee, Trevor Noah, and the great Stephen Colbert.”
Allen reserved his most personal comments for Carson, whom he called “my personal favorite and a childhood hero.”
Allen recalled meeting Carson when he was 14, then appearing on The Tonight Show at 18—an appearance he said “changed my life forever.”
“Mr. Johnny Carson,” Allen said.
The remarks came during a new episode of Comics Unleashed, Allen’s syndicated comedy showcase, which has now moved into the CBS slot long occupied by The Late Late Show.
But notably, Allen did not address the milestone from within the episode itself. Instead, his comments aired during the show’s first commercial break.
That made the placement feel especially apropos. Allen is not only hosting the show; through Allen Media Group, he is also selling the ad time for its CBS run. And just before thanking the audience “for allowing us to do what we love: make you laugh,” Allen’s message shifted into sponsor-thank-you territory.
“I’d also like to thank our incredible partners at CBS, Google, YouTube and one of our sponsors, Procter & Gamble,” Allen said.
“Because this world can never have enough laughter,” Allen concluded. “Thank you.”
The message was followed by a commercial for a P&G product: Head & Shoulders.
Watch Allen’s complete opening night message at the top of this post.
Forgot Craig Ferguson (on CBS for nearly 10 years)
Tom Snyder too.
Oh hell no… I hope that Colbert supporters and those that honor free speech boycott this show. There’s no way that I would watch it. I hope the ratings for this time slot on CBS plummet.
Am I the only person who sees him doing a Stepin Fetchit routine here? Allen yet again thinks he’s just made it easier for the Ellisons.
“Allen yet again thinks he’s won…”
Byron needs to face directly into the camera, not down his nose at it, it looks weird. It is no offense to Byron’s talent, however, that I will not be watching this or any content from Paramount Skydance, who will remain on my dirt list until or unless they get their noses out of Trump’s sinkhole with a dramatic public apology for the damage they have done to America’s constitutional rights.
We do NOT need you. CBS viewers understand what is happening at the network. I am happy for Byron, and yes, he has “won.”….the first round. LOL
wtf even is this
It’s a glorified infomercial paid for by a man who is cos playing as a late night host…
I liked it. BUT …seems like a copy of the Greg Gutfeld show.
“Comics Unleashed” has been in productin since 2006. Byron did it first.
How many times do we have to teach you this lesson old man? You. Are. Not. Johnny. Carson!