User Reviews

Most of these reviews are from the first week of shows, which isn't quite fair. As with almost all TV shows, After Midnight has improved as they find their rhythm.

Some of the initial complaints still hold; while Taylor has less forced laughter, she is too bound to the prompter. The show probably would pace better at 30 minutes.

However, depending on the guests, the show can be quite funny. I've seen several episodes now that have derailed in a fun way because the guests bounced off each other and went off script, making Taylor genuinely laugh and banter back.

Hopefully, like @Midnight, the guests best suited to the format will come back regularly and level up episodes overall. And as the producers watch the reactions to their tweaks, I'm confident the show will improve.

@ftermidnight is a reboot of @midnight. This takes a show that was 30 mins (really 20 mins) to being 60 (really 40 mins). The game show goes on too long. From forced laughter to exhaustion of every answer in the first 20 minutes gets points, there's a reason even non-comedy game shows limit it to 30 mins.

Taylor is a great comedian. With 40 minutes, there's time for a monologue + game show. Understand CBS went to this game show to cut costs vs James Corden's show, but it's only but so long before an hour long game show alone will lack the ratings to justify even drug or political ads. They cast a phenomenal host and the game show can work as part of the show. It needs a monologue upfront and the game show can replace the guest interviews other shows do.

The show is just now getting its sea legs, so nevermind the older reviews. Remember, the original iteration of @midnight started 10 years ago; we were all in a very different place and humor evolves.

Anyways, I love this new reboot. Taylor is amazing and if you think her laugh is fake or forced, you don't understand Taylor. Please move on... Yes, sometimes of the editing needs work, but it will get there 🤞

I enjoy the banter and the talk-show portion, oddly enough. The games are getting nuttier and I love it. Every episode has at least one laugh-until-you-cry moment and that makes it worthwhile for me.

I'm so glad they brought back this format. I was a huge @midnight fan and this is a very welcome continuation. Taylor's a great host. Much rather be watching this than any of the late night talk shows. It's an also a good way to keep up with what's happening on the internet as that's the the whole point of the show. I hope it continues to grow and find its voice because I think there's room for improvement in the segments (looking at you Emoji SOS). I wonder if we'll ever see Hardwick make an appearance. Probably not but one can only hope. I loved seeing Doug Benson and Paul F. Tompkins as they always make every show they're on just a little funnier.

I'll start by revealing my bias - I love Taylor Tomlinson, funny as all hell, super smart, and not at all difficult to look at. Ok, now to the show. I really like the rotating comedian format. You get to see many talented people in an unaccustomed format, displaying their wit rather than performing a pre-written routine. And I disagree that Taylor's responses are 'forced laughs'. She loves comedy, and I believe her laughter is genuine.

I'm an old dude, 70 next month, so I don't stay up until 12:37 am to watch the show. I watch it on the Paramount/CBS website. I thought I would use it as an occasional filler, but I have watched every show, and I plan to continue doing so.

The original.@midnight (2013-2017) was a brilliant experiment that combined up-to-the-second pop culture ephemera, stand-up comedy & improv. Host Chris Hardwick made it seem effortless. With this reboot, aptly named @fter midnight (begins at 12:30pm in many markets), new host Taylor Tomlinson tries her best to recapture the magic. In the premier episode, she seemed a bit too eager to respond with a loud chuckle to anything the three contestants said, but she did keep things moving and tossed in enough self-deprecating humor to smooth over some rough patches. Given time, I believe she can make the show her own. She also needs a better buzzer. The production has a snappy set, with a smartphone-like screen displaying videos, images and themed graphics. The production team also wisely chose to get the comic contestants out from behind their podiums for one segment. Breaking up the standard game show format is key to a project that proports to not be your average game show. As with its host, the show will need time to shake out some bugs. Here's hoping CBS is willing to invest that time.

The show was very scripted feeling. You have a bunch of amazing comedians on the show including the host, but it felt like she was just reading from a teleprompter the whole time. Give her the cards and turn them loose to be comedians. They are already funny people. You don't have to write their jokes for them.

I was really hoping for something like an American version of The Big Fat Quiz, but it just missed the mark. Who cares if they even make it through the whole game, just let it derail a bit.

Hopefully Taylor will get more comfortable after a few episodes because she is already naturally funny. She doesn't need to look at the camera every time she talks. We are watching to see the back and forth between her and the other comedians not her and the audience/camera.

I'm not sure why this show's rating is so low after a single episode. Give things time, people!

I never saw the original version of this show, so i went into it blind. It is sort of a tv version of Wait Wait Don't Tell Me, though not as smooth, intellectual, or funny. Yet.

Taylor is engaging when she feels like she is being herself. When she sticks to the script, it feels less natural, as would be expected from a first day host. I hope the powers behind the show recognize this and don't try to force her into a mold.

The editing is where the show suffers most. It feels rushed and the places where bits were cut are jarringly obvious, and not just because the scores fluctuate.

In the end, i can say i laughed out loud quite a few times. It was a light, enjoyable watch and I'm very curious how it will evolve over time.

For being a "late night show" it's different and unique and pretty tongue in cheek. It's not really covering any new ground, but what it does do is take this comedic game show formula and make it work pretty well so far (just after first episode). The guests were hilarious and Taylor uses her comedic charm that we have seen in her Netflix specials and incorporates it well within what she is trying to do.

The only thing is that with this being a late night local broadcast show, the main people watching it are going to be older people and with the show focusing on trends with TikTok, memes and more, it more than likely won't work for them. Maybe it will gain an audience when the episodes air on Paramount + or maybe from TikTok clips and YouTube edits showing off the best and funniest moments.

I'm not sure how long the show will last, but it has the potential to at least last a few years, maybe more.

There are a lot of very funny, very talented people involved in this show and yet, somehow, it's still extremely bad. I really wanted to like this because many of the people involved (including Tomlinson) are quite funny. I was hoping this would be like some of the really great British panel shows (things like 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, Would I Lie To You? Etc) but it's genuinely difficult to sit through this painfully unfunny show. The jokes feel scripted, the laughter feels forced, nothing about this feels organic and fun - the way a good panel show *should* feel - and the whole thing just doesn't justify its existence at all. I cannot imagine this will last more than one season.

I liked this show a lot. Taylor is hilarious as she is adorable. The premise is interesting and I laughed a lot while watching this show. I thought the comedians on so far have been great, kind of making them preform like this for this long is hilarious to see them just come up with things on the spot. I loved it/

I do think the show is in it's early stages but really does show potential to break the late night mold. It is silly and I love that they are using topical internet videos and content.

I think this show could use some guests that aren't comedians, but I know they want to be funny from the get so that's alright too. I would love to see more of this show.

I have seen some bad reviews but mostly people are cringy and want to hate on anything. I don't know, I liked it.

It was a good idea, and a format that has worked before - get a bunch of comedians together in a game show setting, which allows them to freestyle.

Some of the best examples are British, like the legendary "Mock The Week" or "Have I Got News For You".

Unfortunately this version of the concept is lacking in many areas.

First of all Taylor Tomlinson is just too "nice" (in a rather annoying "American housewife" kind of way).

It's clear she desperately wants her first show to be a hit, but when that translates into forcefully laughing at stuff that isn't really funny, it comes across as disingenuous and fake.

She needs to get savage with it (including with her guests), like the hosts of the aforementioned British shows, if she wants the show to go beyond 1 season and wants the comedians performing on the show to bring their A-game.

Secondly many of the comedians cast are just not good enough at thinking on their feet, which results in far too many jokes that fall completely flat, despite the host and audience trying their best at immitating a laugh track, while the audience at home are thinking "why are they laughing so hard?".

The casters should focus on casting comedians that are quick witted - they are usually the ones that handle hecklers the best when doing stand up.

Third I am hugely annoyed by the points system (which I grant is probably JUST me :D).

Why give the players 100 points for a good "joke" - instead of just giving them 1? What's the point to someone getting "1700" points instead of "17", for making 17 good jokes?

So this show used to exist, and TBH I didn't understand why it was cancelled (unless rumblings about a certain host were happening behind the scenes?!) The format is a flexible potentially anarchic way to have comedians, improv bods, satirists, quick witted actors do some light touch political parody and social (media) commentary nightly without having too much of the 'writers room' problems much 'merican comedy has (a lotta yank comedy thinks it better than it is, too much thinking not enough laughing - you're clowns guys n gals) It is also a place for younger, greener, riskier performers to cut their teeth, practice their brand or show another side of themselves without too big an audience to worry about.

The first eps aren't great but its bedding in nicely and Taylor is gaining her confidence in the role.

There is, however, some learning to be had; fake laughing from hosts and out-of-shot production members no no nooooooo -better to look embarrased/make a joke of a failed punch-line/chastise the audiences' lack of taste/give derogatory points - than make out its all equally good or funny, make the unfunny part of the joke riiiiigggght.

Chaos is better than precision for a show like this.

Not everything needs a fecking graphic or if you must make the digital board part of joke... coz the screen isn't captivating by itself.

The guests and episodes that have been the best are the most free - (serious, self absorbed comics need not apply) and many of the contestants who've been the best are 'older' confident, non-stand up types, these comedians/comic actors (several of whom did the ol' show) get the schtick... and they can be as wild as they like (the show is clearly editted it so at least that way you'll capture the energy and enuf content to pick from)

Hopefully the dhow will continue and they'll settle into more regular 'games'/tropes (at the beginning its was a new thing every 30 secs) Best when they have a stable of known games that the audience and players know may come round like hashtags wars, for the win (and FFS you gorra swallow your pride and use twitter too cmon!) Eventually (halleloooooo) there was first Brit player t'other night... there's loadsa Limeys out there so get em booked (we've loads of free wheeling comedy on our TV so they're used to similar stuff - might help loosen up your domestics if they're on set)

EDIT the big sporty night spesh - Wayne Brady, Kevin Smith and Maria - great bookings. You don't necessaryily need yunguns on this show, you need follk who don't give a feck and are happy to improvise and be foolish, whatever their age and background.

The guests are critical to the number of laughs. Still great show. Makes me laugh. Something different so that make me happy. The host is sharp and keeps things rolling. Hopefully the show can continue to get guests that are creative and funny. Unscripted comedy can be brilliant and tv has very little of it. Too bad Robin Williams is no longer with us he would own this format. So very good s new show. Too bad the review has to be so long. I just wanted to write a quick review but was required to write a mini-essay. Still not long enough so I will keep blabbing when all I wanted to say was I really like Afyetmidnight.

This version pales in comparison to @midnight, its progenitor. The pacing is sluggish and the jokes seem too scripted.

I wanted to like this show. Truly. The host and the guests are all very funny in their own rights. I see glimmers of their talents in any given episode, but they seem never to shine. It all comes down to spontaneity, or at least the appearance of it.

The editing is, at least in part, at fault. Padding the episodes out to an hour long may contribute to the feeling of awkward pauses and seemingly forced laughter. Paring it to a half hour format might do wonders.

Let the comics do what they're best at. Making us laugh.

My new favorite show!! Taylor is such a natural at hosting this fun and relevant comedy game show. It is so creative and introduces us to new comedians each night in a light-hearted and funny way. I love that the show is always changing and there are new games every night. Being in the studio audience is even better, it feels like hanging out with a bunch of comedian friends and so fun to see the hilarious interactions between Taylor and the comedian panelists.

This feels like the only broadcast TV shows actually made by and for millennials/gen z. Love to see someone who looks like me, a 30 year old woman, in late night and not doing the same boring talk show that we see all the other men late night show hosts doing every night. "The Talk Show portion" feels more like a mockery of talk shows and it's so refreshing honestly. The whole show feels way more authentic overall than other broadcast shows, I hope that aspect doesn't change as it gets more popular. Nice work CBS on the female representation!

I was not a big fan of James Corden, but at least his show had some interesting highlights. This show is not funny, interesting, or smart. I've watched Taylor's stand up before and she is great, but watching her fake laugh at terrible one liners that her guests provide is nauseating. I forced myself to watch at least 2 full episodes, and I mean that I had to force myself. The urge to turn myself away from the show was so strong until I could not take it anymore and gave up. Also, it does not help that it is right after Colbert's show which is very interesting, intelligent and funny. Really hope they reinvent the show so that it can show Taylor's comedic promise.

I wish the stale reviews would drop off, because this show was struggling at first, but has improved steadily ever since its debut. I agree in the first couple of weeks it was rough, but I've really enjoyed watching it settle into a funny groove.

I also love seeing the @midnight alumni show up. And I *also* really enjoy the hysterically funny LGBTQ participants. It all works.

My least-favourite part might be the "talk show portion", and I suspect it's also Taylor's least-favourite as well!

Nutshell: skip the naysayers' reviews and give this show a shot. I'd say 2 weeks' worth of episodes will be sufficient to decide.

I watched the premiere episode of this new replacement for the slot after The Late Show and, in my opinion, it was a total failure. (A pseudo-"game show" with made up points? That was more successfully done with "Whose Line Is It Anyway?") The lines in After Midnight all seemed scripted. Any sense of genuine laughter or surprise seemed forced and rehearsed. And while Taylor Tomlinson may be a gifted stand-up, here she just seems so "plastic" and fake. I don't buy her at all the way she plays the host.

Last, at one hour long, this show DRAGS, which is deadly for a so-called comedy show. If After Midnight continues eons its early episodes, it definitely needs to be trimmed down to 30 minutes.

After Midnight may have looked good on paper, but it is a disaster on screen. Not worth watching. Just bring back Craig Ferguson and give him his old gig again.

I was so optimistic. Taylor is absolutely hysterical - as a stand-up comedian.

I find it incredulous that a group of industry people watched a pilot and thought, "This is perfect for a late night spot." This was not remotely funny, interesting, or entertaining (Sorry, Taylor). Five minutes in, I turned off the TV. Not a single laugh or even a chuckle.

Why "3 stars"? With some talented writers and a format re-vamp, this could serve as a great platform for Taylor. In theory, targeting social media is a fun idea. It is rife with humorous material.

When It was announced that a "female" would host a late night show, I expected originality and something different from the line-up of male dominated "talk shows". This is as far from that as possible.

What a sad waste of talent. She deserves better.

What to say first? Boring. Rarely funny. Unoriginal, outdated concept. Disappointing and embarrassing effort. Desperate programing. Poor replacement for either Trevor Noah or the Colbert Report who preceded this lame production. Why did it take so long to produce this garbage? Two teenagers in their parents' garage could have done better, or at least no worse. Or perhaps that's what actually transpired? Comedians appearing on this show are committing professional suicide. The only reason for CBS to keep this show is that it must be incredibly cheap to produce. Please, please, CBS, cancel this sophomoric insult and replace it with something that doesn't hurt my brain... and as soon as possible!!! As a thinking human being, I will expect an apology and some remedial psychological counseling for ever being subjected to this show.

I am always interested in seeing new comedy shows and new TV series format(s) but I instantly felt as if I was being bamboozled when the canned laughter kicked in immediately which is what occurred during the Pilot episode of After Midnight.

I would classify this as an attempt at Improv comedy with a splash of the Game Show host Taylor Tomlinson reading scripted Improv attempts for three (3) stand up comedians competing against one another and the host Taylor Tomlinson being the three (3) competitors Judge and Jury.

Taylor Tomlinson seems to be able to articulate well but after each and every response by any one of the three (3) competitors Taylor Tomlinson breaks out into a belly laugh and the canned laughter overcomes all sound. Quite frankly neither the proposed visual screen skits, nor any of the three (3) stand up comedian's responses are very funny.

There is one noticeable positive comment I can make though about CBS's After Midnight show. This new CBS TV series does compete head on with the worse show in TV history which is NBC's Late Night with Seth Meyers. Viewers now have an alternative nightly boring TV series to help us fall asleep with before their show even ends each night.

I give After Midnight an IMDb rating of 3 out of 10 which happens to be a few notches higher than I have awarded to Late Night with Seth Meyers. So, let these two (2) Neilsen rating bottom feeders compete for the lowest TV ratings each night and hopefully they will knock each other out and we will then be mercifully provided with some new alternative late night hosts.

Who came up with this format for a 12:00 a.m. Program? Why? This program has no substance whatsoever. It is not funny. I can't find the humor in it! When I watch it, I sit and shake my head. I tried to give it a couple chances thinking that it would get better. Unfortunately, it has not. I actually fail to see the purpose of the entire show. Having this show on for 60 minutes, is a waste of air time. I watch it when I have misplaced the remote and don't feel like getting up to manually turn the channel. There must be more hard work, thought and more consumer reviews before airing these types of shows. Watching this is painful!watching this is painful!

Calling all masochists. If you enjoy a cringe-worthy unfunny comedy then this show is for you. It's a shame that this abomination is associated with Steven Colbert since he is a funny guy.

You would be better off sitting in your living room with some friends if you want to experience enjoyable banter about internet memes and whatnot.

I really doubt that this show will last past the first season so maybe they can replace it with something that is genuinely funny. But, for now, I have removed this from my Tivo onepass schedule.

As a side note - it was interesting to see the display of the review of the show from USA Today aired on the beginning of episode 2 saying that the show was basically "meh"

This show is so bad that it's really hard to watch. It's like watching a car wreck happen and you just have to turn away. If you are going for mean spirited comedy, at least make sure your material is funny. In addition to not being funny, It's not original either. The fake game show format is done much better by SNL. They could have spent more money on the set, boring! I am not familiar with the host. Other reviewers seem to like her. I have only seen her in this show and she strikes me as pretty ordinary. Nothing about her performance or personality stands out. I don't think this show can be saved.