CBS has stopped issuing takedown notices to YouTube videos featuring Stephen Colbert. But the reason isn’t related to the finale of The Late Show.
CBS suspends takedowns of videos of Stephen Colbert’s return to TV
Following The Late Show finale, Stephen Colbert briefly returned to TV as a guest host of Only in Monroe, using the opportunity to subtly take a dig at CBS over the cancellation during his segment. Since then, CBS started issuing takedown notices to YouTube accounts uploading clips from the show, citing copyright infringement as the basis for the removals.
The footage of Colbert’s guest-hosting segment in Only in Monroe is produced by CBS, with its official home being the host’s newly launched YouTube channel, making the takedowns technically valid. However, following fan backlash over the situation, given CBS and Colbert’s recent history, the network has ceased blocking any new videos regarding the incident.
“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,” said a CBS spokesperson (via Variety).
“As is our regular practice, we send copyright notices to unauthorized websites that post copyrighted content from CBS and our network/studio talent such as Stephen Colbert. However, for this episode, we have decided to waive further enforcement of this standard industry practice until additional review.”
Despite rampant fan speculation, CBS maintains that Colbert was not fired from The Late Show. Instead, the network cancelled the entire show as a “financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night”. Colbert had already announced his departure from the show in July 2025.
Following The Late Show’s cancellation, Colbert will be busy writing a Lord of the Rings project alongside his son, Peter.
Originally reported by Rahul Majumdar on ComingSoon.net.
