Taylor Tomlinson interrupts late-night boys club with ‘After Midnight’
NEW YORK — Look at Taylor Tomlinson — thriving as she prepares to be the only gal hosting a late-night talk show when she joins CBS’ lineup in early 2024, right after Stephen Colbert.
The comedian, 29, will host “After Midnight” — inspired by the four-season game show “@midnight” — when it debuts in the 12:37 a.m. slot, 59-year-old Colbert announced Wednesday on “The Late Show.” The 10-time Emmy winner will also produce Tomlinson’s new gig.
“For this show coming up, we’ll need someone who’s, I don’t know, fun, likable, young, in touch with online trends and available every night of the week. So the search is on,” Colbert said before announcing Tomlinson’s role. “If anyone knows of anyone, please, do not be shy.”
Tomlinson, who’s currently on her “The Have it All” tour, raised her hand from the audience, as part of a skit.
“I was just thinking … I could do it,” she said. “Seems fun.”
“I love that idea. But this is professional TV, so we should probably focus group it. Guys, do you think she should?” Colbert asked the crowd, which burst into applause, as he welcomed Tomlinson up. “Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the newest late-night host, Taylor Tomlinson.”
“Thank you guys for clapping. That would have been so embarrassing,” she said. Tomlinson noted she’s excited to just have “a real job. … I’ve been doing stand-up since I was 16, which is not a job. And so … no job! I mean I worked at a buffet and a wax salon, like, not real — I didn’t have a job.”
Tomlinson’s new role was made available when James Corden took his final bow on “The Late Late Show” in April. A woman has not hosted a network late-night show since “A Little Late with Lilly Singh” last aired in 2021, after premiering on NBC in 2019.
In addition to her 2020 Netflix special, “Quarter-Life Crisis,” Tomlinson’s “Look At You” hit the streamer just last year.
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