After more than a decade since its original incarnation, the late-night comedy game show "After Midnight" signed off for the final time early Friday morning, June 13, 2025, closing a unique chapter in television history. The show, a reboot of Comedy Central's @midnight hosted by Chris Hardwick from 2013 to 2017, was revived on CBS with comedian Taylor Tomlinson as host about seven years after the original series ended.
"After Midnight" carved out a distinct space in the late-night landscape, blending comedy and improvisational game show elements that celebrated stand-up comedians and their craft. It was a rare showcase for working comics on network television, offering a platform where spontaneity and genuine humor were encouraged over rigid formats. The series finale aired on CBS at 12:37 a.m. on June 12, 2025, before becoming available for streaming on Paramount+ the following day.
For many comedians, the show was more than just a gig. Paul F. Tompkins, who appeared 10 times and won five of those episodes, described the show as a heartfelt experience. "I was so flattered to be asked to do the new show," Tompkins said. "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." He praised the crew and writers for creating an environment where comedians could be spontaneous and truly themselves.
Lisa Gilroy, a four-time contestant and one-time winner, likened "After Midnight" to a "McDonald’s play place for comedians," a slightly rough-around-the-edges yet wildly fun space where comedians could play unsupervised and push boundaries. Guy Branum, who appeared seven times and won twice, highlighted the show's evolution and the creative freedom it fostered, recalling memorable moments like Booker Marianne Ways playfully slapping celebrity guests on air. "The show tried to make magic every night, and it frequently did," Branum said.
Marcella Arguello, a five-time contestant with two wins, emphasized the rarity of a television show that encouraged performers to be their full selves. "Comedy is subjective, and most audiences only want what’s best for themselves, when in reality what’s best for everyone is a wide array of comedic entertainment that gives you exactly what you’re not expecting!" she said. The show's supportive staff and crew were repeatedly praised for their exceptional work and adaptability.
Kurt Braunohler, who appeared eight times without a win, underscored the significance of "After Midnight" as the only network show regularly promoting stand-up comedians. "To be given a national stage to be funny on, that is such a cool thing for the comedy community. It will be missed," he said. Other comedians, including Maria Bamford and Chris Fleming, echoed similar sentiments about the show's welcoming, low-pressure atmosphere that allowed for improvisation and authentic humor.
Central to the show's charm was Taylor Tomlinson, who took over as host for the reboot and helmed 200 episodes. Tomlinson’s natural command of the stage and effortless comedic style won her widespread admiration from both fellow comedians and the production team. Paul F. Tompkins noted how quickly she felt at home hosting, while Lisa Gilroy described her as "a queen and the perfect person to have at the helm," balancing authority and chaos with equal parts energy and charm.
Tomlinson’s farewell on June 12, 2025, was a bittersweet moment. In her final monologue, she expressed both gratitude and disappointment. While she was deeply thankful for the opportunity and the incredible team behind the scenes, she revealed her dream that CBS would continue the show with a new host. "I really wanted CBS to replace me because I just think there are so many amazing comedians who would have done a great job with this show," she said. However, the network opted not to continue "After Midnight" after her departure, choosing instead to replace the 12:30 a.m. slot with "Comics Unleashed With Byron Allen," a program with a completely different format, starting in September 2025.
Tomlinson explained that her decision to step away was driven by a desire to return to her first passion: full-time stand-up comedy touring. "Hosting 'After Midnight' has genuinely been the experience of a lifetime," she said. "Though it was an extremely tough decision, I knew I had to return to stand-up touring full-time." She also praised the hard work of the show's staff, acknowledging the small budget compared to traditional late-night programs and the many roles the team had to juggle to keep the show running smoothly.
She highlighted the addition of a monologue segment late in the show's run, initially written by her friend Sophie Bottle and later expanded to a small team of writers. Tomlinson also gave a heartfelt shout-out to Percy Rustomji, the show's announcer and hype man, whom many fans and performers felt deserved his own show for his energetic and captivating performances.
The camaraderie and spirit behind "After Midnight" extended beyond the stage. Comedians recalled fond memories of the green room, the supportive writing staff, and the infectious energy Percy brought to the live audience. Chris Fleming, a five-time contestant, fondly remembered how the production team encouraged wild creativity and welcomed any whim, making the experience uniquely artist-friendly.
Despite its end, "After Midnight" leaves behind a legacy as a rare platform where comedians could shine on network TV without the usual constraints. It demonstrated the value of community, spontaneity, and respect for the craft, something that many comedians and fans alike will sorely miss.
As the curtain falls on "After Midnight," the comedy world bids farewell to a show that celebrated the unfiltered, the unexpected, and the hilarious in all its forms. It was a playground for comedians, a proving ground for talent, and a testament to the enduring power of laughter—even in the late-night hours.
