Get ready for a behind-the-scenes look at the controversial end of a late-night show!
Taylor Tomlinson, a stand-up comedian and former host of After Midnight, is shedding light on the 'muddy' timeline surrounding the show's cancellation. And it's a story that challenges the official narrative presented by CBS.
In a recent interview with Hollywood Reporter, Tomlinson clarified that her decision to leave the show was not as straightforward as it seemed. She explained, "It wasn't a simple 'no, thank you' to a renewal offer. The situation was much more complex."
Tomlinson revealed that she had initially hoped to balance hosting duties with her stand-up career, but the workload eventually became overwhelming. She described her departure as the toughest professional decision she's ever made.
"I was touring, doing press, and hosting the show. On top of that, I had some health issues. It became clear that I couldn't sustain both," she said.
Here's where it gets interesting: when CBS announced the show's cancellation in March 2025, they also revealed that After Midnight had already been renewed for another season - a fact that was never publicly announced. This created the impression that Tomlinson had rejected a confirmed third season, leading to the show's demise.
But Tomlinson's comments suggest otherwise. She explained that her decision to leave came before she was even aware of the renewal, making the situation far less clear-cut.
After Midnight, a panel-based show that followed The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, ran for two seasons and was seen as a cost-effective alternative to traditional late-night talk shows. It had gained traction, especially among younger viewers, but its future was abruptly cut short.
Tomlinson emphasized that her departure was not due to any dissatisfaction with the show itself. She praised the writers' room and the team, saying, "I couldn't have asked for a better group to work with."
She even suggested that CBS could have easily replaced her with another host, noting that many comedians would have excelled in the role. However, the network opted to end the franchise instead.
The cancellation of After Midnight took on new significance when, just a month later, CBS announced the end of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Network executives hinted that the loss of After Midnight prompted a reevaluation of their late-night strategy.
In her interview, Tomlinson expressed surprise at Colbert's cancellation and challenged the industry's assumptions about talk programming. "People love to talk and listen to others talk. Just look at the popularity of podcasts and now Netflix specials!"
She believed that After Midnight's panel format offered a fresh take on late-night TV and provided a valuable platform for comedians. The success of similar shows in the UK supported her view.
Reflecting on the subsequent cancellation of The Late Show, Tomlinson said, "When Colbert's show ended, I was shocked. It made me wonder how much longer After Midnight could have survived, even if I had stayed."
Tomlinson's first late-night appearance since After Midnight's end was on ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live!, not CBS with her 'TV Dad,' Stephen Colbert. A surprising move, indeed!
So, what do you think? Was CBS's decision to cancel After Midnight justified? Or do you agree with Tomlinson's assessment that it could have been saved with a simple host change? Let's discuss in the comments!
