CBS has reversed its decision to enforce copyright claims on a viral talk show parody that Stephen Colbert posted to his YouTube channel the day after he hosted his final episode of The Late Show.
Colbert's Return to Public Access
Following the series finale of the Late Show on CBS, Colbert returned to screens with Only in Monroe, a public-access show in Monroe, Michigan. He had previously hinted that his next career move might involve appearing on local-access television in Michigan.
The episode featured several well-known Michigan natives, including Jack White and Jeff Daniels, with cameos from Eminem and Steve Buscemi. Colbert joked about his 11-year tenure on CBS, saying, "It's been an excruciating 23 hours without being on TV, so I am grateful to be able to be here on Monroe Community Media before they also get acquired by Paramount."
CBS's Initial Copyright Claims
After other YouTube users uploaded bootleg copies of the episode, CBS issued copyright claims, stating the broadcast "was financed and produced by CBS Studios." This sparked backlash on social media, with journalist Matthew Keys accusing CBS of suppressing copies despite the show being produced by a public access channel.
A CBS spokesperson initially defended the claims as part of regular practice, but the network soon backed down. "For this episode, we have decided to waive further enforcement of this standard industry practice until additional review," a spokesperson said.
Background of the Cancellation
Colbert's Late Show was cancelled last summer after he criticized a settlement between President Donald Trump and Paramount Global over a deceptively edited 60 Minutes interview. Colbert called the $16-million payout a "big fat bribe." CBS cited budgetary constraints, but a study by the Media Research Center noted Colbert made far more jokes about Trump than Biden or Harris.
Trump celebrated the cancellation, posting an AI video of himself tossing Colbert into a dumpster. Veteran TV reporter Bill Carter claimed Trump was "personally involved" in the show's demise.
