CBS Suspends Takedown Notices on Bootleg YouTube Uploads of Stephen Colbert’s ‘Only in Monroe’ Public Access Show After Outcry

May 24, 2026 5:27pm PT CBS Suspends Takedown Notices on Bootleg YouTube Uploads of Stephen Colbert’s ‘Only in Monroe’ Public Access Show After Outcry

By Michael Schneider

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Michael Schneider

Variety Editor at Large

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Yes, it’s true, Paramount/CBS had been issuing takedown notices to YouTube users who were uploading bootleg copies of Stephen Colbert‘s recent return to hosting an episode of the public access series “Only in Monroe.” But the reason wasn’t as nefarious as one might think: It’s simply because the show is copyrighted and it already has a home — Colbert’s brand new YouTube channel.

However, given the outcry over the notices, CBS said it will stand down and stop any further action on takedowns, at least for now.

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