npr.org 14 days ago URGENCY: 5/10

Colbert's Viral Show Forces CBS to Back Down

Stephen Colbert's parody show 'Only In Monroe' went viral, prompting CBS to retract its copyright claims. Discover how this unexpected twist unfolded after Colbert's exit from 'The Late Show'.

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Colbert's Viral Show Forces CBS to Back Down

Colbert's Bold Move

After being ousted from his long-standing role on 'The Late Show', Stephen Colbert took to local cable access with a parody titled 'Only In Monroe'. This unexpected shift not only showcased Colbert's humor but also highlighted the stark contrast between mainstream television and local media.

The episode quickly gained traction online, leading to CBS initially attempting to suppress its spread through copyright notices. However, after public backlash, CBS decided to waive further enforcement, allowing the parody to flourish across social media platforms.

  • Key Highlights:
  • Colbert's humor contrasted his previous high-profile role.
  • The episode featured quirky local content, including bigfoot discussions.
  • CBS's initial copyright actions were met with criticism from media observers.
This incident raises questions about copyright practices in the digital age and the power of viral content to challenge corporate decisions.