Stephen Colbert STUNS With Paramount Blow As New Channel Surges - The Damage Report

[Rhiannon12866]

Stephen Colbert stuns with the immediate launch and surge in popularity of his own YouTube channel following his finale of "The Late Show" featuring a clip where he takes a swipe at CBS parent company, Paramount, on a local access show. John Iadarola and Sharon Reed break it down on The Damage Report. - 05/27/2026.

[OKIsItJustMe]

1. The one show is... well, judge for yourself

https://www.npr.org/2026/05/25/nx-s1-5833860/colbert-only-in-monroe-viral-cbs-paramount

After Stephen Colbert's viral talk show parody, CBS backs down from copyright action
May 25, 2026 3:58 PM ET
Brian Mann

CBS and parent company Paramount have backed away from efforts to limit reposting of Stephen Colbert's mock appearance as host of a Michigan public access show called "Only In Monroe." Colbert posted the hour-long parody a day after being ousted from his nearly 11-year-long run at "The Late Show."

"It's been an excruciating 23 hours without being on TV," Colbert joked during the program. "So I am grateful to be here on Monroe Community Media, before they also get acquired by Paramount.”

The deadpan appearance, which featured rockstar Jack White as an even more deadpan sidekick, quickly went viral. The program was reposted widely on Youtube and other social media platforms, leading CBS to initially fire off copyright protection notices.

"Paramount is apparently trying to suppress copies of "Only in Monroe" from appearing on other social platforms by filing frivolous copyright notices," wrote long-time media reporter Matthew Keys Sunday on X.

Link to tweet

…

[Aussie105]

2. For some reason Colbert the smooth talking comedian reminds me of . . .

the current leader of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who started off as a funny guy before he realized he could serve his country better in politics.

Begs the question - will Colbert go into politics?

[Rhiannon12866]

3. Great comparison! I can see that myself.

And I don't know what Colbert's future plans are, but, like Zelenskyy, you never know!

[OKIsItJustMe]

4. It would be a new high for comedians in national office

Al Franken made it to Senator.

[Bayard]

5. Intelligence, empathy, and personable

Yes, I can see Colbert following in Franken's footsteps.

[some_of_us_are_sane]

6. The interview with Jeff Daniels at 47 minutes.....

made me HOWL! lol!!! THE WEIRDEST TACO SANDWICH I've ever seen! (I want to TRY IT!)