Pratik S
After two seasons, CBS has officially pulled the plug on Taylor Tomlinson’s late-night game show, After Midnight. The talk show, which aired in the 12:30 a.m. slot following James Corden’s departure from The Late Late Show, is set to air its final episode in June 2025. While the show was renewed for a third season, Tomlinson has decided to step away to focus on her stand-up comedy career.
Why Was After Midnight Cancelled?
The cancellation of After Midnight comes as a surprise to many, given that CBS had already greenlit the third season. However, the real reason behind the show’s end is Taylor Tomlinson’s decision to return to full-time stand-up comedy.
“Hosting After Midnight has genuinely been the experience of a lifetime, and I’ll be forever grateful for the opportunity to be part of this incredible journey,” Tomlinson said in a heartfelt statement. “Though it was an extremely tough decision, I knew I had to return to my first passion and go back to stand-up touring full-time.”
Her departure leaves CBS without a host, making the network rethink the future of the 12:30 a.m. time slot.
Stephen Colbert and CBS React to the Cancellation
Stephen Colbert, who served as an executive producer of the show, expressed his gratitude to CBS and After Midnight’s team.
“While we were excited and grateful for our third season to start in the fall, we respect Taylor’s decision to return to stand-up full-time,” Colbert said.
He also praised the entire After Midnight crew for their hard work and dedication.
What Was After Midnight About?
Inspired by Comedy Central’s game show @midnight, After Midnight featured Tomlinson leading a panel of comedians through a series of quirky games, social media-inspired quizzes, and comedy challenges. Unlike traditional late-night shows, which followed a desk-and-couch format, After Midnight aimed for a more interactive, unscripted style.
While the show had its moments of charm, it faced mixed reviews from critics. Some praised Tomlinson’s energy and charisma, while others felt the show’s format did not allow her to shine.
Why After Midnight Struggled to Make an Impact
Despite being CBS’s attempt to bring fresh energy to late-night television, After Midnight struggled to build a loyal audience. The format, though different, did not resonate well with mainstream viewers.
Kelly Lawler, a TV critic for USA TODAY, described the show as “half-baked cable timeslot filler.” She further criticized CBS for giving its first female late-night host a “crummy, cheap format.”
“On the outside, it seems forward-thinking, breaking free from the desk-and-couch format. But what it really does is restrict Tomlinson,” Lawler wrote in her review.
What’s Next for Taylor Tomlinson?
With After Midnight coming to an end, Taylor Tomlinson is fully focusing on her stand-up comedy career. She is currently headlining her Save Me Tour, which kicked off on January 30, 2025. Tomlinson will be performing in multiple cities, including San Antonio, where she is set to take the stage this Friday.
Tomlinson has already gained a strong fanbase through her Netflix comedy specials Quarter-Life Crisis and Look at You. Given her talent and sharp wit, her return to stand-up will likely be well-received by fans.
Will CBS Replace After Midnight?
With After Midnight ending, CBS now faces a major decision about its 12:30 a.m. slot. The network could either:
- Introduce a new host with a revamped format
- Bring back a traditional talk show structure
- Experiment with a completely new late-night concept
While CBS has not officially announced what’s next, it will be interesting to see how they handle the transition.
After Midnight may not have lasted long, but it served as a stepping stone for Taylor Tomlinson, marking her as one of the few female hosts in late-night television history. While the show had its flaws, Tomlinson’s charisma and comedic timing were undeniable.
As she moves back to her stand-up roots, fans can expect even bigger things from her in the future. Meanwhile, CBS will have to figure out how to fill the late-night void left behind.
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