What Happened
The late-night show “After Midnight,” hosted by comedian Taylor Tomlinson, aired its final episode on June 12, 2025, marking the end of its two-season run on CBS. The show was a reboot of the original “At Midnight,” which aired on Comedy Central from 2013 to 2017. Tomlinson, who took over as host when the show was revived in 2022, announced her departure to return to her stand-up comedy career, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to host a late-night show. CBS has decided not to continue the program, opting instead to replace it with “Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen,” a show with a different format.
In her farewell monologue, Tomlinson reflected on her experience, stating that hosting the show was a dream come true but also a significant challenge. She highlighted the hard work of the show’s staff and crew, emphasizing the collaborative environment that allowed for creativity and spontaneity. Tomlinson expressed disappointment that CBS did not choose to replace her with another host, as she believed many talented comedians could have taken on the role.
Key Details
- Final Episode: “After Midnight” aired its last episode on June 12, 2025.
- Host: Taylor Tomlinson served as the host for the show’s two-season run.
- Replacement Show: CBS will replace “After Midnight” with “Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen” starting in September 2025.
- Tomlinson’s Departure: She decided to step away from hosting to focus on her stand-up career, stating it was not sustainable for her to continue with the show.
- Production Team: Tomlinson praised the show’s staff, noting their dedication and the collaborative atmosphere that contributed to the show’s unique style.
Multiple Perspectives
Tomlinson’s decision to leave “After Midnight” has garnered mixed reactions. Many in the comedy community expressed their appreciation for the show, highlighting its role as a platform for lesser-known comedians. Comedians who appeared on the show have praised Tomlinson for her hosting skills and the supportive environment she fostered. For instance, Guy Branum noted her authority and charm, while Maria Bamford described her as a “queen” who ran a fun and supportive show.
Conversely, Tomlinson’s admission that she hoped CBS would replace her as host has raised questions about the network’s commitment to nurturing new comedic talent in the late-night landscape. Some commentators have pointed out that the decision to end the show rather than find a new host may reflect broader challenges within the late-night television format, particularly in an era where traditional late-night programming faces stiff competition from streaming services and digital platforms.
Context & Background
“After Midnight” was a revival of “At Midnight,” which had a successful run on Comedy Central and was known for its unique format that allowed comedians to riff on current events. The reboot aimed to capture that spirit while providing a platform for a diverse range of comedic voices. Tomlinson’s tenure as host was notable for its emphasis on collaboration and spontaneity, which resonated with both the performers and the audience.
The late-night television landscape has been evolving, with many shows adapting to changing viewer preferences and the rise of social media. Tomlinson’s departure and the show’s cancellation highlight the challenges that late-night programming faces in maintaining audience engagement and relevance. As networks experiment with different formats and hosts, the future of traditional late-night shows remains uncertain.
What We Don’t Know Yet
While Tomlinson has expressed her desire to return to stand-up comedy, the specifics of her future projects remain unclear. Additionally, it is uncertain how CBS will approach its late-night programming strategy moving forward, particularly in light of the changing media landscape. The decision to replace “After Midnight” with a different format raises questions about the network’s commitment to showcasing stand-up comedians and whether other shows will fill the niche that “After Midnight” occupied.
Furthermore, the long-term implications of Tomlinson’s departure on her career trajectory and the broader comedy community are yet to be fully understood. As the late-night landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how networks adapt and what new opportunities arise for comedians in the future.
