Taylor Tomlinson’s After Midnight Gets Canceled at CBS After 2 Seasons; Networks To Cease 12:30 AM Broadcast

CBS has chosen to terminate After Midnight, the late-night comedy discussion series led by Taylor Tomlinson, following its second season. The network will also cease airing programming at 12:30 AM, indicating a major shift in their late-night schedule. Tomlinson, an emerging stand-up comedian, has opted to leave the show to concentrate on her primary interest: touring.

Although CBS secretly ordered another season of After Midnight at midnight, they eventually decided to end the show’s run. Tomlinson was thankful for her time as host, labeling it an “once-in-a-lifetime experience.” Yet, she acknowledged that going back to extensive stand-up touring was a challenging yet essential choice.

Tomlinson expressed his gratitude towards CBS, Stephen Colbert, the team behind After Midnight, as well as the entire staff and crew, for the affection, encouragement, and priceless moments they’ve shared with him.

After Midnight showcased a changing lineup of famous personalities, mostly comedians, who conversed about current events influenced by popular culture and social media. During its broadcast, the program underwent some adjustments to its format, introducing typical late-night features like a monologue and occasional political commentary.

In its second term, J.D. Amato came aboard as co-executive producer with Jack Martin on Desus & Mero, taking over from Eric Pierce. The series, based in Los Angeles, encountered production hurdles too, such as a brief halt during the wildfires that occurred earlier this year.

CBS’s choice to vacate the 12:30 AM time slot signifies the conclusion of almost a 30-year tradition. The Late Late Show, which used to air there, first went on-air in 1995 with Tom Snyder as host, then Craig Kilborn, Craig Ferguson, and most recently James Corden. Under Corden, the show achieved significant digital popularity through popular segments like Carpool Karaoke.

The cancellation of After Midnight symbolizes wider issues plaguing the late-night entertainment sector. Over time, various hosts like Conan O’Brien, Samantha Bee, Charlamagne Tha God, Desus & Mero, and others have left their positions. Even veterans such as Jimmy Kimmel have expressed concerns about the viability of network television late-night shows in the future. Moreover, financial difficulties have necessitated cost-cutting measures, with The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon trimming its schedule and Late Night with Seth Meyers dismissing its live band to adapt.

Changes made in programming aren’t confined solely to coding adjustments. Even in the Emmy Awards for late-night programs, we’ve noticed a decrease in nominations, resulting in less shows being eligible to occupy their usual nominee positions.

Stephen Colbert, one of the executive producers of “After Midnight,” acknowledged Taylor Tomlinson’s choice as she goes back to stand-up comedy full-time, expressing gratitude for the time the show spent on air. He stated, “Although we were eager and thankful for our third season to kick off in the fall, we understand and respect Taylor’s desire to focus fully on her stand-up again.” “After Midnight” is a production of CBS Studios, Stephen Colbert’s Spartina Industries, and Funny Or Die.

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2025-03-27 10:52