CBS is prepared for more late nights/early mornings with comedianTaylor Tomlinson. The network has officially renewed her internet-based game showAfter Midnightfor a second season, which will begin airing during the 2024-25 television season. Conceived asan updated takeon the popular Comedy Central series@midnightwithChris Hardwick, the show began airing in January in the position originally occupied byThe Late Late Show with James Cordenafterhis stint on the network came to an end last year.
After Midnightfollowsa format similar to its predecessor, as a panel of comedians, actors, and other celebrity guests compete in internet and pop culture trivia games and discuss the wonders of social media and the World Wide Web as a wholewhile Tomlinson hosts. It includes some trappings of a talk show, including an added monologue where Tomlinson interacts with the audience, but most of the focus is on the games themselves. Segments featured on the show include Group Chat and Hashtag Wars, with some wacky prizes including a haunted doll, boxer shorts signed by Tom Brady, and the approval of Tomlinson’s father. So far, the show has pulled in some impressive names to compete, includingWhitney Cummings, Harvey Guillén, Natasha Leggero, Bianca Del Rio, Gillian Jacobs, Billy Eichner, W. Kamau Bell, Weird Al Yankovic,Utkarsh Ambudkar,Kevin Smith, and many more.
Viewership has been solid overall forAfter Midnight, with the premiere weekpulling in 819,000 viewers with three days of delayed viewing, not including Paramount+ numbers. CBS Entertainment PresidentAmy Reisenbachhas faith that Tomlinson, whohas been a fast-rising star in stand-up comedy, can continue to keep things rolling into Season 2 as well. “Taylor is a gifted comedian who brings a unique voice, energy, and plenty of rizz to late night," her official statement read. “I learned rizz is a real word thanks to the show. We’re excited for more of her daily smart takes about the dumbest things on the Internet.”
‘After Midnight’ Assembles Part of the Old ‘@midnight’ Team
CBS brought over several members of the original@midnightteam to help makeAfter Midnighta success. That includes showrunnerJack Martin, who reprises his duties for the show and executive produces alongside Tomlinson’s late-night predecessor,Stephen Colbert. The host ofThe Late Showis attached through his Spartina Industries banner, alongside its presidentCarrie Byalick,The Late Showexecutive producerTom Purcell, Colbert’s wifeEvelyn McGee Colbert, and his managerJames Dixon. Also attached as executive producers are Funny or Die’sJoe Farrell, Mike Farah, Whitney Hodack, andHenry R. Muñoz IIIand Serious Business’sJason U. Nadler.Jo Firestone, who has writing credits onJoe Perra Talks to YouandZiwe, isAfter Midnight’s head writer, whileSharon Everittdirects.
