Stephen Colbert ends ‘The Late Show’ after 11 years
Stephen Colbert has canceled CBS’s “The Late Show” after 11 years, ending the series that started with David Letterman.
CBS has dropped a copyright claim regarding Stephen Colbert’s surprise appearance on Local Access TV, at least for now.
On May 22, the comedian made an unexpected return to the Michigan-based local access show “Only in Monroe” after leaving “The Late Show.” He previously guest-hosted the show before taking over David Letterman’s CBS spot in 2015.
However, after Colbert’s appearance on “Only in Monroe,” CBS sent copyright notices to YouTube channels that shared the episode, sparking backlash.
The network is currently suspending the takedown notice pending further review, it said in a statement to USA TODAY.
“As is our normal practice, we send copyright notices to unauthorized websites that feature copyrighted content from our network/studio talent, including CBS and Stephen Colbert,” the company said in a statement. The network said it would waive enforcement until it has time for further review.
The company also added that Colbert’s return to “Online in Monroe” was produced by CBS. This episode was posted on Colbert’s YouTube channel, “The Late Show,” and Monroe Community Media.
Stephen Colbert jokes about ‘excruciating’ hours after final ‘Late Show’ episode
Colbert first appeared as a guest on “Only in Monroe” in 2015. He was between gigs at the time. He had just finished “The Colbert Report” and hadn’t started “The Late Show.”
Less than a day after he last left The Late Show, he surprised fans with his return to Monroe.
“Since I was last here in Monroe, Michigan, I have been the main host of CBS’ The Late Show with Stephen Colbert for 11 years, which ended last night,” Colbert said at the beginning of the broadcast. “The 23 hours I was not on TV were excruciating.”
For this episode, Colbert enlisted the help of several notable Michigan natives, including studio guests Jack White and Jeff Daniels, as well as cameos from Eminem and Steve Buscemi.
He called his “Late Show” successor, Byron Allen, and jokingly warned him, “Michigan public access is coming for you.”
Although his Local Access stunt seemed unexpected, the comedian actually hinted at the move in his final monologue on “The Late Show” the night before.
“Technically, our first show back in July 2015 was for an audience of 12 people out of the Public Access Bureau in Monroe, Michigan,” he told the audience. “And with the way show business is these days, that’s probably where you’ll see me next.”
Contributor: Anthony Thompson
Melina Khan is USA TODAY’s national trends reporter. X Keep up with her at @melinakh and on Instagram @bymelinakhan.
