CBS Backtracks After Stephen Colbert’s Michigan TV Appearance Goes Viral

If there was ever a sign that Stephen Colbert wasn’t quite ready to disappear after saying goodbye to “The Late Show,” this is probably it. Less than 24 hours after wrapping up his CBS run, Colbert randomly popped back up on a tiny Michigan public access TV show, and somehow it became one of the most talked-about things online.

Stephen Colbert Returned To Late Night Television in Monroe, Michigan

What started as a fun surprise for Michigan viewers quickly turned into a weird fight involving CBS copyright claims, YouTube takedowns, and fans wondering why the network was going after clips from a local access show in Monroe.

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Colbert returned to “Only in Monroe” on May 22, the same quirky public access program he guest-hosted back in 2015 right before taking over David Letterman’s chair at CBS. The callback alone was pretty great, but he went all out for the episode.

Michigan Public Access TV Suddenly Goes National

The show featured Michigan heavy hitters like Jack White and Jeff Daniels in studio, plus cameos from Eminem and Steve Buscemi. Colbert even joked that Michigan public access television was coming after his replacement, Byron Allen.

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The entire thing felt like classic Colbert, weird, self-aware, and completely random in the best possible way. But then the backlash started.

CBS Faces Backlash Over YouTube Takedowns of Michigan Public Access Broadcast

After clips from the episode hit YouTube, CBS reportedly sent copyright takedown notices to some channels sharing the show. Fans immediately questioned why the network would crack down on a goofy local access appearance that Colbert himself had clearly embraced.

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Now CBS appears to be walking things back, at least temporarily. In a statement to USA TODAY, the network said it routinely sends copyright notices involving CBS content and talent, but enforcement is being paused while the situation gets reviewed.

CBS Says The Monroe, Michigan Episode Was Produced by The Network Itself

CBS also clarified that the Monroe episode was actually produced by the network itself, which explains why the company stepped in to begin with. The episode is still available on YouTube through official channels connected to Colbert, “The Late Show,” and Monroe Community Media.

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Honestly, the whole thing somehow made the Monroe appearance even more Michigan. A tiny public access show turning into national entertainment drama within 24 hours feels very on brand.

The Monroe TV Joke Colbert Actually Predicted

The funniest part is that Colbert basically predicted this during his final “Late Show” monologue. While signing off from CBS, he joked that because his first show in 2015 originated from Monroe public access TV, that’s probably where people would see him next. Turns out he wasn’t kidding.