Stephen Colbert Criticizes CBS Over Unaired Interview

The late-night host pushed back against the network's statement regarding its decision not to air an interview with a Democratic Senate candidate.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Stephen Colbert took issue with a statement from CBS regarding the network's decision not to air an interview he conducted with Texas state Rep. James Talarico, who is running for U.S. Senate. Colbert claimed CBS was worried about possible legal action from the Trump administration, but the network said it provided guidance on how to fulfill equal-time requirements for other candidates. In a lengthy monologue, Colbert criticized CBS' response, saying the network's lawyers approved his original script and that he was given specific language to use when addressing the equal-time issue.

Why it matters

The dispute between Colbert and CBS highlights the ongoing tensions between media companies and the FCC under the Trump administration, which has sought to crack down on what it sees as liberal bias in the mainstream media. The FCC's equal-time rule has been used as a tool to pressure networks, raising concerns about the chilling effect on free expression.

The details

Colbert said CBS had advised him not to air the interview with Talarico due to concerns about possible legal action from the Trump administration. In response, CBS said it provided guidance on how to fulfill the FCC's equal-time rule for other candidates, including Talarico's primary opponent, Rep. Jasmine Crockett. Colbert said he was aware of the equal-time requirements and noted that Crockett had already appeared on his show twice. He also said CBS' lawyers had approved his original script and provided specific language for him to use when addressing the equal-time issue.

  • On February 18, 2026, Colbert addressed the issue on his show.

The players

Stephen Colbert

The host of The Late Show on CBS, who is parting ways with the network in May 2026.

James Talarico

A Texas state representative who is running for U.S. Senate.

Jasmine Crockett

A Texas state representative and Talarico's primary opponent for the Democratic nomination for the Texas Senate race.

Brendan Carr

The chairman of the FCC, who has sought to crack down on what he sees as liberal bias in the mainstream media.

Anna M. Gomez

The lone Democratic commissioner on the FCC, who criticized the agency's actions as an attempt to censor and control speech.

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What they’re saying

“Now this is a surprisingly small piece of paper, considering how many butts it's trying to cover.”

— Stephen Colbert, Host, The Late Show (The Late Show)

“The FCC has no lawful authority to pressure broadcasters for political purposes or to create a climate that chills free expression. CBS is fully protected under the First Amendment to determine what interviews it airs, which makes its decision to yield to political pressure all the more disappointing.”

— Anna M. Gomez, FCC Commissioner (NBC News)

What’s next

The FCC's actions and the ongoing tensions between media companies and the Trump administration will likely continue to be a focus of attention and debate in the coming months.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the delicate balance between media freedom, political pressure, and regulatory oversight, and the potential for chilling effects on free expression when corporate interests capitulate to government influence.