The weekend buzzed with claims that Paramount was trying to "suppress" an episode of a public-access show hosted by Stephen Colbert, but CBS clarified the situation.
Paramount's Position on Colbert Episode
Paramount is not suppressing Stephen Colbert's surprise hosting of Only in Monroe on Monroe, Michigan's public-access TV. The social media uproar suggested suppression, but sources clarified this wasn't the case.
Details of Colbert's Appearance
Just a day after his final Late Show episode on CBS, Colbert hosted the Michigan-based show at 11:30 p.m. Surprise guests included Jack White, Jeff Daniels, Steve Buscemi, Eminem, and Byron Allen via FaceTime. Regular hosts Michelle Baumann and Kaye Lani Rae Rafko Wilson, a former Miss America, were also present.
CBS's Copyright Position
A CBS spokesperson stated, "Stephen Colbert’s return to Monroe in the Only in Monroe episode was financed and produced by CBS Studios and was posted on Stephen Colbert’s YouTube channel in collaboration with Monroe Community Media and The Late Show’s YouTube channels." CBS usually sends copyright notices to unauthorized websites, but for this episode, they have opted to pause enforcement pending further review.
Background on the Late Show Cancellation
The cancellation of the Late Show was announced in July 2025 amid Paramount and Skydance merger talks, officially citing financial reasons. However, some believe the cancellation was to appease President Donald Trump, who had sued Paramount over a 60 Minutes episode.
Colbert introduced his appearance by stating, "Since I was last here in Monroe, Michigan, I spent 11 years as the primary host of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on CBS, which came to an end last night. 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." This marks his second time hosting Only in Monroe since 2015.
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/paramount-denies-suppress-stephen-colbert-public-access-show-1236605374/
