Fri Jun 13 04:40:00 UTC 2025: ## ‘After Midnight’ Bids Farewell, Leaving a Void in Comedy Landscape

**Los Angeles, CA** – After Midnight, CBS’s late-night comedy panel show, airs its final episode tonight at 1:37 am, marking the end of an era for comedians and fans alike. The show, hosted by Taylor Tomlinson, was a reboot of Comedy Central’s “@midnight with Chris Hardwick” and quickly became a haven for stand-up comedians looking for a national platform.

LateNighter spoke with several comedians who regularly appeared on After Midnight, and they expressed sadness at its departure and appreciation for the show’s unique, supportive environment.

“It was like a McDonald’s play place for comedians,” Lisa Gilroy said. “It’s a little dirty and doesn’t have a ton of bells and whistles, but boy oh boy is it fun as hell.”

Paul F. Tompkins emphasized the lack of showcases for comics on television, making After Midnight all the more important. “There haven’t been any real showcases for comics on TV for a while now and soon there won’t be again. It’s sad! But it was really great while it lasted.”

Comedians lauded the show’s welcoming atmosphere and the freedom they were given to improvise and be themselves. Many credited host Taylor Tomlinson and head writer Jo Firestone with creating a supportive and collaborative environment.

“Taylor Tomlinson and Jo Firestone and the entire crew made TV show taping the most fun, most low pressure and inviting writing and performing experience I’ve ever had,” Maria Bamford shared.

Guy Branum praised the show’s ability to constantly evolve and find new ways to be funny, adding that it “never felt like a walking corpse.”

Kurt Braunohler highlighted After Midnight’s significance in promoting stand-up comedians. “It was the only show on network TV that regularly promoted stand-ups,” he said.

While the future of late-night comedy remains uncertain, After Midnight’s impact on the comedy community will be remembered for its support of comedians and its commitment to creating a fun and unpredictable viewing experience.

The series finale of After Midnight airs tonight at 1:37 am on CBS and will be available to stream on Paramount+ tomorrow.

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