CBS backs off effort to stop sharing of Colbert’s surprise ‘Only in Monroe’ segment amid backlash
NBC News • • entertainment
Key Points:
- CBS issued copyright takedown notices for a recent “Only in Monroe” episode featuring Stephen Colbert but paused enforcement after online backlash and further review.
- The episode marked Colbert’s return to late-night TV on a public access show in Monroe, Michigan, where he first appeared before his “Late Show” debut in 2015.
- Critics accused CBS’ parent company, Paramount, of suppressing the episode despite it being produced by a public access channel, prompting Paramount to rescind the copyright claims.
- CBS clarified the episode was financed and produced by CBS Studios and posted on Colbert’s YouTube channel in collaboration with Monroe Community Media and “The Late Show” channels.
- The controversy follows CBS’s July announcement to cancel “The Late Show,” which drew criticism amid claims of political pressure and financial challenges in the late-night market.