CBS pushed back Tuesday against claims by Stephen Colbert that the network prohibited "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" from broadcasting an interview with Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico, stating the show was never barred from airing the segment on TV.
In a statement, CBS said: “The Late Show was not prohibited by CBS from broadcasting the interview with Rep. James Talarico. The show was provided legal guidance that the broadcast could trigger the FCC equal-time rule for two other candidates, including Rep. Jasmine Crockett, and presented options for how the equal time for other candidates could be fulfilled.”
The dispute stems from Monday night's episode, where Colbert, in his final season following the show's abrupt cancellation announcement last summer (with the series set to end in May 2026), told his studio audience that CBS lawyers had called and stated “in no uncertain terms” that Talarico could not appear on the broadcast. He further claimed he was initially instructed not to mention the issue on air, prompting him to defiantly discuss it anyway, criticize FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, and tie the decision to the agency's recent guidance narrowing exemptions for talk shows under the equal-time rule.
The equal-time rule requires broadcasters to provide equivalent opportunities to opposing candidates if airtime is granted to one during an election period. Historically, bona fide news interviews on talk shows have been exempt, but January 2026 FCC guidance under the Trump administration has questioned that carve-out for programs perceived as having partisan motivations, raising concerns about potential regulatory enforcement.
Colbert proceeded with the interview anyway, posting the full segment—covering topics like Christian nationalism, media consolidation, and Texas politics—to The Late Show's YouTube page, where it has garnered significant views as an online exclusive. He promoted it during the broadcast while addressing the controversy head-on.The incident highlights ongoing tensions between broadcasters and the FCC amid scrutiny of political content on late-night television.