CBS is getting ready to let it all hang out after 12 a.m.
The Paramount Global network said it will launch its newest late-night entry, now titled “After Midnight,” in early 2024. And while a host has yet to be named for the program, an array of producers and top writers are already in place.
“After Midnight” will serve as an updated version of “@midnight,” an ersatz game show that focused on the latest trending topics served up on digital and social media. The program, which followed “The Daily Show” and “The Colbert Report” from October 2013 to August 2017, relied heavily on a coterie of guest comedians, who would interact with host Chris Hardwick. CBS executives are said to have narrowed their list of potential talent down to a few and are doing due diligence on each.
The show, which will take over the 12:37 a.m. time slot previously occupied by James Corden’s “The Late Late Show.” It is seen as way for CBS to maintain its late-night portfolio without having to spend the millions required to produce a show that includes a top-shelf host and band.
Jack Martin, showrunner on all four seasons of “@midnight, and Eric Pierce will serve as co-showrunners and executive producers. Comedian and writer Jo Firestone will be co-executive producer and head writer. Alexx Wells will also serve as co-executive producer.
The series is executive produced by Stephen Colbert; Carrie Byalick, president of Spartina Industries; Tom Purcell, an executive producer at “The Late Show”; Evelyn McGee Colbert; and James Dixon of Dixon Talent. The Spartina team is joined by executive producers Joe Farrell, Mike Farah, Whitney Hodack and Henry R. Muñoz III from Funny Or Die. Jason U. Nadler of Serious Business, who co-created “@midnight,” is also an executive producer.
“We are thrilled to be reunited with our friends at Funny Or Die,” said Stephen Colbert, in a statement. “My hope is that, every night, ‘After Midnight’ will be just as ridiculous as the internet is every day. Plus, the original ‘@midnight’ aired after ‘The Colbert Report,’ so welcoming this new show to 12:30 feels like coming home.”
A host and premiere date for the series will be announced at a later time.
