Stephen Colbert’s “Only in Monroe” Return Sparks Copyright Controversy

In a move that captured the attention of both late-night television enthusiasts and media industry analysts, Stephen Colbert made a surprise return to the airwaves last Friday. Appearing on the public access program Only in Monroe, the former CBS host delivered a parody episode that quickly became a focal point of digital discourse and a brief legal skirmish with his former network.

A Public Access Parody

Colbert, who previously hosted the Monroe, Mich.-based program, used his return to deliver a satirical hour-long broadcast. The episode, which was produced in collaboration with Monroe Community Media and the YouTube channels associated with The Late Show, featured a lineup of guests including Jeff Daniels, Steve Buscemi, Jack White, and Eminem. The broadcast concluded with an unconventional segment where Colbert, Daniels, and White destroyed the show’s set with hammers before setting it ablaze.

The host opened the program with a pointed remark regarding the media landscape, stating, “It’s been an excruciating 23 hours without being on TV, so I am grateful to be able to be here on Monroe Community before they also get acquired by Paramount.”

The Copyright Dispute

Following the broadcast, which was shared on Colbert’s official YouTube page and circulated widely on social media, the project encountered unexpected friction. Journalist Matthew Keys reported receiving a copyright notice from Paramount Global regarding the content.

CBS, the network that served as the home for The Late Show With Stephen Colbert for over a decade, initially claimed the episode was “financed and produced by CBS Studios.” In a statement, the network described the copyright strikes as “standard industry practice” regarding the reposting of its content. However, the network later walked back the enforcement, announcing that it would “waive further enforcement of this standard industry practice until additional review.”

Transitions in Late Night

The incident arrives in the wake of significant changes at CBS. In July 2025, the network announced the cancellation of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert after 11 seasons and more than 1,800 episodes. At the time, CBS chief executive George Cheeks characterized the cancellation as “purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night,” noting that the decision was not related to the show’s performance or content.

Colbert’s tenure at the Ed Sullivan Theater concluded shortly after the network settled a lawsuit filed by President Trump for $16 million. The time slot previously occupied by The Late Show has since transitioned to Byron Allen’s syndicated program, Comics Unleashed.

Looking Ahead

Despite his departure from late-night television, Colbert remains active in the entertainment industry. In March, he revealed plans to co-write a new Lord of the Rings film alongside his son, Peter McGee. While this project is slated for production by New Line and Warner Bros. Discovery, industry observers continue to monitor potential corporate shifts, including ongoing reports regarding Paramount Skydance’s interest in acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery and its properties.

Key Takeaways

• Surprise Appearance: Stephen Colbert returned to the public access show Only in Monroe for a parody episode featuring several high-profile guests.
• Copyright Tensions: CBS initially issued copyright notices for the episode but later suspended enforcement following public attention.
• Late Night Landscape: The episode aired months after the conclusion of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, which ended its 11-season run in 2025.
• Future Projects: Colbert is currently moving into film production, with a Lord of the Rings project currently in development.