CBS has quickly reversed its decision to issue copyright takedown notices against websites that shared footage of Stephen Colbert's surprise return to late-night television, following a massive public backlash. The network had initially demanded the removal of videos from third-party platforms after Colbert's unexpected appearance on a local public access show in Michigan.
Colbert's Surprise Return
Just 24 hours after his final episode of The Late Show, Colbert delighted fans by hosting Only in Monroe, the same local access program in Monroe, Michigan, that he had commandeered for a single night 11 years ago before his CBS stint began. The episode featured musician Jack White, a skit from actor Steve Buscemi, and a cameo from Eminem. Short clips and full uploads quickly appeared online, even before Colbert launched his own official YouTube channel.
Copyright Notices Issued and Withdrawn
Media outlet The Desk was among those hit with a copyright infringement notice after its upload garnered over 700,000 views. Under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, content owners can request takedowns of unauthorized posts. Matthew Keys, founder and editor of The Desk, criticized Paramount, CBS's parent company, for filing what he called frivolous copyright notices, noting that the show was produced by a public access TV channel and did not use Paramount's intellectual property.
Following the backlash, CBS issued a statement to Variety explaining that it was waiving the notices while reviewing the situation. A CBS spokesperson said: '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. 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.'
Colbert's Final Show and Future
Colbert's official YouTube channel has since posted the episode, which has received more than 400,000 views. In his final appearance on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, the 62-year-old referenced his 2015 stint on the Michigan public-access program, joking: 'Technically our first show in July of 2015 was from a public access station in Monroe, Michigan, for an audience of 12 people. Show business being what it is these days, that’s probably where you’ll see me next.' He also took a swipe at Paramount, quipping: 'It’s been an excruciating 23 hours without being on TV, so I am grateful to be able to be here on Monroe Community Media before they also get acquired by Paramount.'
The final episode of The Late Show attracted 6.74 million viewers, making it the most-watched weeknight episode during the show's 11-year run. The Independent has contacted CBS for further comment.
