Overview
- Colbert guest‑hosted the Monroe, Michigan public‑access program Only in Monroe in a surprise hour‑long show that aired locally and was uploaded online.
- The broadcast was produced or financed by CBS Studios and posted to Stephen Colbert’s newly launched YouTube channel as the program’s official home.
- The episode featured high‑profile cameos from Jack White, Jeff Daniels, Steve Buscemi, Byron Allen via FaceTime, and a filmed appearance by Eminem that approved a staged set burning.
- CBS issued copyright takedown notices against third‑party YouTube uploads of the episode and then paused further enforcement after widespread public outcry and media attention.
- Colbert staged the Monroe return one day after his Late Show finale on May 21 and the stunt has sharpened discussion about his post‑Late Show direction, network decisions around the franchise, and the changing economics of late‑night distribution.