Stephen Colbert Disputes CBS Account of Blocked James Talarico Interview

Stephen Colbert publicly criticized CBS and its legal team, disputing the network’s statement regarding a blocked interview with Texas State Representative James Talarico, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate. The controversy centers on concerns about violating Federal Communications Commission (FCC) equal-time rules.

The Blocked Interview and CBS’s Explanation

Colbert revealed on “The Late Show” that CBS lawyers prevented him from airing an interview with Talarico, citing potential issues with the FCC’s equal-time rule. This rule requires broadcasters to provide equal opportunities for opposing candidates in political campaigns. CBS subsequently released a statement claiming the network hadn’t prohibited the interview but had provided legal guidance on fulfilling equal-time obligations for other candidates, including Representative Jasmine Crockett.

Colbert dismissed CBS’s statement as “crap,” even staging a visual protest on air by disposing of the statement in a dog waste bag. He asserted that CBS preemptively adhered to potential FCC regulations even before the FCC officially altered its stance on the talk show exception.

FCC Scrutiny and Equal-Time Rules

The situation arose after FCC Chair Brendan Carr signaled a potential enforcement of equal-time regulations for TV talk shows, which have historically been exempt. Colbert argued that CBS unnecessarily complied with these potential changes, effectively censoring the interview with Talarico. He highlighted that his script had been fully vetted and approved by CBS lawyers, including specific language addressing the equal-time concerns.

Colbert’s Disappointment and YouTube Release

Even as expressing disappointment with CBS’s decision, Colbert stated he didn’t seek an adversarial relationship with the network, especially as “The Late Show” is set to conclude in May. Despite the on-air block, the interview with Talarico was released on YouTube, where FCC regulations do not apply, and has garnered millions of views. YouTube

Recent Escalation of FCC and Late-Night TV Tensions

This incident is the latest in a series of tensions between late-night hosts and the FCC. Previously, ABC briefly suspended Jimmy Kimmel’s show last summer amid similar concerns about FCC regulations. CNBC

The interview with James Talarico took place as early voting began in Texas’ primary elections on February 17, 2026. AP News