CBS Nixes Talarico Interview on Colbert's Show

Attorneys cited FCC equal time rules, prompting Colbert to criticize the agency's chairman

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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CBS attorneys told The Late Show host Stephen Colbert that he could not air a pre-recorded interview with Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico, citing the FCC's equal time rule for political candidates. Colbert responded by blaming FCC Chairman Brendan Carr for the decision and accusing the agency of hypocrisy and trying to silence critics of former President Donald Trump.

Why it matters

The FCC's equal time rule has long been a source of controversy, with some arguing it unfairly restricts free speech while others say it helps ensure fair political coverage. Colbert's criticism highlights the ongoing tensions between late-night comedy shows and regulators over the boundaries of political discourse on television.

The details

Colbert announced on his show that CBS attorneys had prohibited him from airing the pre-recorded interview with Talarico, a Texas state representative running for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate. Instead, Colbert's staff posted the interview on YouTube, where the FCC's equal time rule does not apply. Colbert accused FCC Chairman Brendan Carr of hypocrisy for wanting to end the equal time exemption for late-night shows, while also suggesting the Trump administration wants to silence critics of the former president on TV.

  • On Monday, February 17, 2026, Colbert announced on his show that CBS would not air the Talarico interview.
  • In January 2026, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr called Colbert and similar late-night shows "fake news" and suggested they should be subject to the equal time rule.

The players

Stephen Colbert

The host of The Late Show on CBS, who was prohibited from airing an interview with a U.S. Senate candidate due to FCC equal time rules.

James Talarico

A Texas state representative running for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate, whose interview with Colbert was not allowed to air on CBS.

Brendan Carr

The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, who Colbert accused of hypocrisy and trying to silence critics of former President Donald Trump.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president, whom Colbert accused of wanting to silence critics on television.

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What they’re saying

“Because my network clearly doesn't want me to talk about this, let's talk about this.”

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

“[President] Donald Trump's administration wants to silence anyone who says anything bad about Trump on TV because all Trump does is watch TV. He's like a toddler with too much screen time, he gets cranky and then drops a load in his diaper.”

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

What’s next

The FCC is expected to announce the results of its investigation into Talarico's recent appearance on ABC's The View in the coming weeks, which could further impact the equal time rules and late-night television coverage of political candidates.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between free speech, political discourse, and broadcast regulations, as well as the challenges faced by late-night comedy shows in navigating the complex web of FCC rules and restrictions around political coverage.