Chuck Lorre Admits He's Taking a 'Big Swing' "Big Bang Theory" Spinoff: 'Will Be Revered or Reviled' (Exclusive) Desiree Anello, Scott HuverFebruary 17, 2026 at 11:25 PM 0 Chuck Lorre at Variety's FYC TV Fest in 2025; Kevin Sussman on 'The Big Bang Theory' Matt Winkelmeyer/Variety via Getty; Michael Yarish/CBS via Getty Chuck Lorre exclusively tells PEOPLE that his upcoming HBO Max sitcom, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, will be "revered or reviled" In the Big Bang Theory spinoff, Kevin Sussman will reprise his role as comic book store owner Stuart Bloom, who is "tasked with restoring reali...

- - Chuck Lorre Admits He's Taking a 'Big Swing' "Big Bang Theory" Spinoff: 'Will Be Revered or Reviled' (Exclusive)

Desiree Anello, Scott HuverFebruary 17, 2026 at 11:25 PM

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Chuck Lorre at Variety's FYC TV Fest in 2025; Kevin Sussman on 'The Big Bang Theory'

Matt Winkelmeyer/Variety via Getty; Michael Yarish/CBS via Getty

Chuck Lorre exclusively tells PEOPLE that his upcoming HBO Max sitcom, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, will be "revered or reviled"

In the Big Bang Theory spinoff, Kevin Sussman will reprise his role as comic book store owner Stuart Bloom, who is "tasked with restoring reality"

"I just wanted to do something that challenged me, that I was uncomfortable and in unfamiliar territory and the special effects stuff, the computer graphics, all those things," Lorre says

Chuck Lorre has big plans for the Big Bang Theory universe.

While speaking to PEOPLE at Project Angel Food's Grand Opening of the Chuck Lorre Family Foundation Kitchen & Campus, the "King of Sitcoms," 73, teases the iconic show's forthcoming spinoff, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe.

"I'm doing something right now for HBO Max called Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, and it's a science fiction action-adventure comedy," Lorre says. "We just finished principal photography and I'm pretty excited about it. It's a big swing."

"I think it will be revered or reviled," he adds. "I'm not sure which."

Chuck Lorre at Project Angel Food's opening of The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation Kitchen & Campus

Tommaso Boddi/Getty

The sitcom will follow comic book store owner Stuart Bloom (Kevin Sussman) after he is "tasked with restoring reality after he breaks a device built by Sheldon (Jim Parsons) and Leonard (Johnny Galecki), accidentally bringing about a multiverse Armageddon," per the official logline.

Along with Sussman, Lauren Lapkus, Brian Posehn and John Ross Bowie will be returning to the Big Bang Theory universe to reprise their roles.

Kevin Sussman on 'The Big Bang Theory'

Monty Brinton/CBS/Getty

"It was fun because Lauren Lapkus and Brian Posehn and John Ross Bowie fill out the cast and they were all supporting players on the Big Bang Theory," Lorre explains. "Now they're the leads, and it's just kind of cool."

As for what inspired Lorre to bring the alternate-universe versions of these characters back to life? He tells PEOPLE that he wanted to push his creative limits beyond the typical sitcom formula he's used in the past.

"I just wanted to do something that challenged me, that I was uncomfortable and in unfamiliar territory and the special effects stuff, the computer graphics, all those things," Lorre continues. "Most of my career has been two people sit on a couch and talk."

"That's my career," he says. "But that's the extent of production, and I wanted to try and do something with all the extraordinary computer graphics available now and see if it could be funny."

— sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Lauren Lapkus and Kevin Sussman on 'The Big Bang Theory'

Michael Yarish/CBS/Getty

While striving toward something "extraordinary," Lorre will continue to work alongside the original series co-creator, Bill Prady. The pair will serve as executive producers with Zak Penn.

"I'm certain that joy will come through the screen," Prady wrote in a statement. "Putting characters we loved from The Big Bang Theory into a complex science fiction story with the kind of mythology that those characters love while maintaining the comedic elements is incredibly satisfying."

Penn added, "I couldn't be more honored to be working with these amazing people."

All 12 seasons of The Big Bang Theory are available to stream on HBO Max.

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Chuck Lorre Admits He's Taking a 'Big Swing' “Big Bang Theory” Spinoff: ‘Will Be Revered or Reviled’ (Exclusive)

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Lindsay Wagner Says "The Bionic Woman "Has 'Subliminal Messaging' for Audiences, and 50 Years Later She Knows It Worked Victoria EdelFebruary 17, 2026 at 11:24 PM 0 Lindsay Wagner in 'The Bionic Woman' Everett Lindsay Wagner opened up about starring on The Bionic Woman in honor of its 50th anniversary Wagner said that she and the writers purposely put 'subliminal messaging' in the scifi series to influence the audience who watched it Now, adults who grew up on the show tell her how much her character, Jaime Sommers, means to them Lindsay Wagner know that her hit TV show The Bionic Woman left a...

- - Lindsay Wagner Says "The Bionic Woman "Has 'Subliminal Messaging' for Audiences, and 50 Years Later She Knows It Worked

Victoria EdelFebruary 17, 2026 at 11:24 PM

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Lindsay Wagner in 'The Bionic Woman'

Everett

Lindsay Wagner opened up about starring on The Bionic Woman in honor of its 50th anniversary

Wagner said that she and the writers purposely put 'subliminal messaging' in the sci-fi series to influence the audience who watched it

Now, adults who grew up on the show tell her how much her character, Jaime Sommers, means to them

Lindsay Wagner know that her hit TV show The Bionic Woman left a major impact on fans.

Wagner, 76, opened up about the legacy of her TV series, which premiered 50 years ago in 1976, in a Feb. 13 interview with Women's World. Wagner played Jaime Sommers, a superhuman with bionic powers, in the series, which was a spin-off of the series The Six Million Dollar Man, which starred Lee Majors.

Wagner said that she hears from a lot of fans about how Jaime shaped them and explained that they hoped to influence the audience like that back when they made the show. "We did a lot of subliminal teaching," she told the outlet. "Just by the way Jaime was, by the choices we made for her, how she responded to certain situations, how she treated people and what she learned about herself. I didn't want to do just an action show. I wasn't interested in that. I didn't want to be a guy in a skirt running around bashing people."

Lindsay Wagner in 'The Bionic Woman'

Getty

Wagner said she had it written into her contract that she would collaborate on story and character development. "When they agreed to that, and I realized [creator and executive producer] Kenny Johnson had an open mind, it was wonderful," she said. "Nobody really had experience writing stories around a woman in that kind of powerful situation. My goal was to share what felt real to me as a woman."

After the writers finished a script, Wagner and Johnson, now 83, would go over it together. "Scene by scene, I'd give my thoughts — what felt right, what didn't — and he'd go back and figure out how to make it work. That just wasn't normal, and I give him a lot of credit for that," she said.

They purposefully wanted to flight back against "very defined" ideas of what a man's and woman's roles were. "We wanted to show that strength and sensitivity could exist in one person. Both men and women have the ability to be strong — physically, psychologically and emotionally. And we also have the ability to be sensitive. Those things don't have to be separate," she explained.

Now, all these years later, she's even more aware of how they succeeded in impacting the audience as she meets adults who loved the show. "Women would come up to me as adults and they'd say, 'Your show gave me the sense that I could just go do what I wanted to do,' " she said. But men too have also told her about similar feelings.

Lindsay Wagner in February 2020

Steve Granitz/WireImage

"That sense of balance within ourselves as human beings — that's what we were striving for," she told Women's World. "And when people reflect that back to you decades later, you realize it really did happen. People tell me the show meant everything to them when they were growing up. When they had a lot of family problems, Jaime became their escape. She was strong, she was kind and she showed up for people." She joked that when she meets fans at events, her biggest challenge is "not to spend the day crying."

"One woman told me that Jaime influenced her decision to become an engineer at NASA. Those are the moments that really stay with you," she said.

The Bionic Woman ran for three seasons, from 1976 to 1978. Wagner won the Emmy for outstanding lead actress in a dramatic role in 1977, the first win for a person in a science fiction series. There were also three spin-off TV movies, and the series found even more fans in syndication.

Wagner continued to act in the decades after the show ended, with her most recent appearances coming on shows including Fuller House and Grey's Anatomy.

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Lindsay Wagner Says “The Bionic Woman ”Has ‘Subliminal Messaging’ for Audiences, and 50 Years Later She Knows It Worked

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New Photo - Anderson Cooper Reveals Why He's Leaving '60 Minutes' — Plus, When Is His Final Show?

Anderson Cooper Reveals Why He's Leaving '60 Minutes' — Plus, When Is His Final Show? Martin HolmesFebruary 17, 2026 at 7:04 PM 483 Anderson Cooper 60 Minutes YouTube Anderson Cooper has addressed his exit from CBS' 60 Minutes, explaining he wants to spend more time with his children. As first reported by the online news site Breaker, Cooper will be departing 60 Minutes at the end of the current broadcast season, which ends in May. The veteran journalist has served as a correspondent on the longrunning news program for two decades, in addition to hosting Anderson Cooper 360° on CNN.

- - Anderson Cooper Reveals Why He's Leaving '60 Minutes' — Plus, When Is His Final Show?

Martin HolmesFebruary 17, 2026 at 7:04 PM

483

Anderson Cooper - 60 Minutes YouTube

Anderson Cooper has addressed his exit from CBS' 60 Minutes, explaining he wants to spend more time with his children.

As first reported by the online news site Breaker, Cooper will be departing 60 Minutes at the end of the current broadcast season, which ends in May. The veteran journalist has served as a correspondent on the long-running news program for two decades, in addition to hosting Anderson Cooper 360° on CNN.

"Being a correspondent at 60 Minutes has been one of the great honors of my career," Cooper said in a statement, per the . "I got to tell amazing stories, and work with some of the best producers, editors and camera crew in the business."

He continued, "For nearly 20 years, I've been able to balance my jobs at CNN and CBS, but I have little kids now, and I want to spend as much time with them as possible, while they still want to spend time with me."

Cooper has two sons born by surrogate, Wyatt Morgan Cooper (5) and Sebastian Luke Maisani-Cooper (4), whom he co-parents with his ex-partner, Benjamin Maisani.

The decision to step away from 60 Minutes comes amid behind-the-scenes drama at CBS News. The network has seen several changes since Bari Weiss was appointed editor-in-chief in October 2025, including firings, hirings, and promotions.

60 Minutes, in particular, has been at the center of the drama. The show's long-time executive producer, Bill Owens, left in April 2025, stating, "It has become clear that I would not be allowed to run the show as I have always run it." This came amid CBS's parent company, Paramount, seeking to merge with Skydance, which required government approval.

In December, 60 Minutes made headlines again after Weiss pulled a report from correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi on the El Salvador mega-prison CECOT due to a lack of an on-camera response from the White House. While the report later aired in January, Alfonsi criticized Weiss' initial decision as politically motivated.

Paramount also settled a lawsuit with Donald Trump after the president sued CBS and 60 Minutes for what he claimed was a biased interview with his 2024 presidential election opponent, Kamala Harris.

Cooper's spokesperson told the AP that he had no further comment when asked whether his exit was related to Weiss' leadership. However, according to Oliver Darcy's Status newsletter, one source said Cooper wasn't aligned with the "rightward direction" of CBS News under Weiss and Paramount CEO David Ellison.

"He wasn't comfortable with the direction the show was taking under Bari, and is in a position where he doesn't have to put up with it," the source claimed.

In January, Status reported that Weiss was stalling one of Cooper's 60 Minutes reports on the Trump administration accepting certain South African refugees.

"We're grateful to [Cooper] for dedicating so much of his life to this broadcast, and understand the importance of spending more time with family," CBS said in a statement. "60 Minutes will be here if he ever wants to return."

Cooper will continue to host his show on CNN and will remain on 60 Minutes for the rest of the current season, with his final episode expected to air in May.

60 Minutes, Sundays, 7/6 c, CBS

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New Photo - Kate Middleton Had Her 'Heart Set' on a Different Name for Prince George, New Book Reveals

Kate Middleton Had Her 'Heart Set' on a Different Name for Prince George, New Book Reveals Janine HenniFebruary 17, 2026 at 11:27 PM 0 Kate Middleton and Prince George during a tea party for WWII veterans at Buckingham Palace to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 5, 2025 JORDAN PETTITT/POOL/AFP via Getty Kate Middleton and Prince William were faced with a major decision about what to name Prince George Royal editor Russell Myers writes in the upcoming book William and Catherine, The Monarchy's New Era: The Inside Story that the couple struggled to come up with a name before comi...

- - Kate Middleton Had Her 'Heart Set' on a Different Name for Prince George, New Book Reveals

Janine HenniFebruary 17, 2026 at 11:27 PM

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Kate Middleton and Prince George during a tea party for WWII veterans at Buckingham Palace to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 5, 2025

JORDAN PETTITT/POOL/AFP via Getty

Kate Middleton and Prince William were faced with a major decision about what to name Prince George

Royal editor Russell Myers writes in the upcoming book William and Catherine, The Monarchy's New Era: The Inside Story that the couple struggled to come up with a name before coming up with a short list

Princess Kate "had her heart set" on another name, Myers writes

Kate Middleton and Prince William went back and forth about what to name their first child, Prince George.

The Prince and Princess of Wales became parents when George, now 12, was born in July 2013, and his name choice carried extra weight as a future heir to the throne.

In the upcoming book William and Catherine, The Monarchy's New Era: The Inside Story, out March 10, Russell Myers writes that Princess Kate, 44, and Prince William, 43, "spent hours" researching names for their first baby. The royal couple did not learn their child's sex before birth, the BBC reported, and the biography claims that they struggled to agree on names.

According to excerpts published in The Mirror on Feb. 17, Kate was keen on Alexander or Alexandra, while William wanted to include a tribute to his late mother, Princess Diana, if they had a girl.

Kate Middleton and Prince William leave The Lindo Wing of St. Mary's Hospital with newborn Prince George on July 23, 2013.

Chris Jackson/Getty

"Catherine had her heart set on Alexander for a boy or Alexandra (also Queen Elizabeth's middle name) for a girl. William had privately voiced his preference for having a girl, and was keen to incorporate a tribute to his late mother, most likely in the form of a middle name," Myers writes in William and Catherine.

Kate reportedly ran name ideas by some of her close friends who were also moms, and a pal gave her and William a name book for inspiration.

"The couple had been given a book of baby names by a close friend, which they spent hours thumbing through — they often ended up in fits of laughter after one or the other had presented a more left-field suggestion," Myers writes.

Having fun with the process, the author says that Prince William would surprise his press team by suggesting unexpected names. Myers writes that William would begin meetings by asking, "What do you think about Rodney for a boy, or maybe Graham?" and pause for a response before erupting in laughter.

According to the author, William eventually chose two top boy names: George and Louis.

Prince William, Prince George, Prince Louis, Kate Middleton and Princess Charlotte on the balcony of Buckingham Palace on May 5, 2025.

Neil Mockford/GC Images

The royal family expanded when William and Kate's first child, a son, was born on July 22, 2013, and they named him George Alexander Louis. George may be a tribute to Queen Elizabeth's beloved father, who was King George VI, who helped lead Britain through World War II and died unexpectedly at age 54 in 1952 following health complications.

The couple's second child, daughter Charlotte Elizabeth Diana, arrived on May 2, 2015, and they became a family of five when son Louis Arthur Charles was born on April 23, 2018. Louis' name may be a tribute to Lord Louis Mountbatten, Prince Philip's beloved uncle and father figure, who was assassinated by an IRA bomb in 1979.

The future King Charles was also close to Lord Mountbatten, his godfather, and named his first son William Arthur Philip Louis, with the middle name of Louis interpreted as an homage.

Myers explores the Prince and Princess of Wales' love story, life in the royal spotlight and future vision in William and Catherine, which will be published next month.

"William and Catherine: The Monarchy's New Era: The Inside Story" by Russell Myers.

Pegasus Books

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/O2B42Hyh1FSbo4XJMbfiwA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/aol_people_articles_471/72ca4bf0b22b0ef27fc2ebeb02120624>"William and Catherine: The Monarchy's New Era: The Inside Story" by Russell Myers.

Pegasus Books

" src=https://ift.tt/U7Gp4te class=caas-img>"William and Catherine: The Monarchy's New Era: The Inside Story" by Russell Myers.

Pegasus Books

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Excerpts of the text published so far by The Mirror, which Myers edits, include the claims that William wanted the now ex-Prince Andrew banished from royal life years before King Charles stripped his royal title in 2025, how Kate and William told their children about her cancer diagnosis in 2024 and why Kate was less interested than William in trying to bring Prince Harry back into the royal fold when he and Meghan Markle announced their intention to step back from their royal roles in 2020.

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Kate Middleton Had Her 'Heart Set' on a Different Name for Prince George, New Book Reveals

Kate Middleton Had Her 'Heart Set' on a Different Name for Prince George, New Book Reveals Janine HenniFebruary...
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New Photo - Alfonso Ribeiro's Wife Shares How Their Kids Lifted Their Spirits Following James Van Der Beek's Death

Alfonso Ribeiro's Wife Shares How Their Kids Lifted Their Spirits Following James Van Der Beek's Death Kayla GrantFebruary 17, 2026 at 10:22 PM 0 Alfonso Ribeiro and James Van Der Beek; Alfonso Ribeiro's Instagram Story Alfonso Ribeiro/Instagram; Angela Ribeiro/Instagram Alfonso Ribeiro's kids made him something special to uplift his and his wife's spirits after the death of their close friend, James Van Der Beek The actor's wife Angela shared a snap of the homemade sweet treat their kids baked for their parents The Dawson's Creek star died at 48 on Wednesday, Feb.

- - Alfonso Ribeiro's Wife Shares How Their Kids Lifted Their Spirits Following James Van Der Beek's Death

Kayla GrantFebruary 17, 2026 at 10:22 PM

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Alfonso Ribeiro and James Van Der Beek; Alfonso Ribeiro's Instagram Story

Alfonso Ribeiro/Instagram; Angela Ribeiro/Instagram

Alfonso Ribeiro's kids made him something special to uplift his and his wife's spirits after the death of their close friend, James Van Der Beek

The actor's wife Angela shared a snap of the homemade sweet treat their kids baked for their parents

The Dawson's Creek star died at 48 on Wednesday, Feb. 11, following a journey with cancer

Alfonso Ribeiro's kids are supporting their parents during a difficult time.

On Monday, Feb. 16, Ribiero's wife Angela shared a snap of the homemade cake that their children baked for them following the death of their close friend, James Van Der Beek. Angela praised their kids for all the work they did to uplift their spirits.

"Not the easiest week…but our kids made us this beautiful cake to lift our spirits today. Kids just know. 🤍," Angela wrote over the picture.

Ribiero, 54, who's also the godfather of Van Der Beek's daughter, Gwendolyn, 7, is dad to daughter Ava Sue, 6, and sons Anders Reyn, 10, and Alfonso "AJ" Lincoln, 12, as well as adult daughter Sienna, 23, from a previous relationship.

After news broke that the Dawson's Creek star had died on Wednesday, Feb. 11, following a journey with stage 3 colorectal cancer, Ribeiro shared a lengthy tribute to Van Der Beek.

"I'm so broken right now with the passing of my friend @vanderjames today," the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star began his post. "He was my true friend brother and life guide."

Further down in his caption, Ribeiro said Van Der Beek and his wife Kimberly forever changed his life and added that he would always be there for their six kids.

"I will always hold my role as Gwen's Goddie daddy as one of the most important roles of my life," said Ribeiro, referring to Van Der Beek's daughter Gwendolyn. "I love you James and know I have a guardian angel watching over me. Being able to say goodbye this weekend will always live with me. RIP my brother. RIP."

The next day, Ribeiro took to Instagram to share an intimate moment between him and Van Der Beek. The post featured a photo of Ribeiro holding the late actor's head close to his as they lay in bed together.

"This was taken by @vanderkimberly just a few minutes before I said my last goodbye," Ribeiro wrote, referring to the late actor's wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, as the photographer. "My last moment was making him laugh one last time. I really miss him already."

Alfonso Ribeiro and his family Alfonso Ribeiro/instagram

Kimberly, who shares six children — Gwendolyn, Olivia, 15, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9½, and sons Joshua, 13, and Jeremiah, 4 — with Van Der Beek, first announced her husband's death in an Instagram post on Feb. 11.

"Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning," she wrote. "He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend."

Kimberly also shared a link to a GoFundMe supporting her family on her Instagram Stories on Wednesday. The GoFundMe, started by a friend of the family, notes that Kimberly "and the children are facing an uncertain future."

"The costs of James's medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds," the GoFundMe read. "They are working hard to stay in their home and to ensure the children can continue their education and maintain some stability during this incredibly difficult time. The support of friends, family, and the wider community will make a world of difference as they navigate the road ahead."

Any donations will cover "essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children's education. Every donation, no matter the size, will help Kimberly and her family find hope and security as they rebuild their lives."

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Alfonso Ribeiro's Wife Shares How Their Kids Lifted Their Spirits Following James Van Der Beek's Death

Alfonso Ribeiro's Wife Shares How Their Kids Lifted Their Spirits Following James Van Der Beek's Death Ka...
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New Photo - Stephen Colbert Slams CBS On-Air for Banning Interview With Democrat Candidate

Stephen Colbert Slams CBS OnAir for Banning Interview With Democrat Candidate Martin HolmesFebruary 17, 2026 at 8:01 PM 248 Stephen Colbert The Late Show YouTube Stephen Colbert didn't hold back on Monday's (February 16) Late Show as he blasted his CBS bosses and FCC chairman Brendan Carr for banning his interview with Texas Democratic state representative James Talarico. At the top of the show, the latenight host introduced his house band and hyped the lineup of guests for Monday's show, which included The Last Thing He Told Me star Jennifer Garner.

- - Stephen Colbert Slams CBS On-Air for Banning Interview With Democrat Candidate

Martin HolmesFebruary 17, 2026 at 8:01 PM

248

Stephen Colbert - The Late Show YouTube

Stephen Colbert didn't hold back on Monday's (February 16) Late Show as he blasted his CBS bosses and FCC chairman Brendan Carr for banning his interview with Texas Democratic state representative James Talarico.

At the top of the show, the late-night host introduced his house band and hyped the line-up of guests for Monday's show, which included The Last Thing He Told Me star Jennifer Garner. He then told his audience, "You know who is not one of my guests tonight? That's Texas state representative James Talarico."

Colbert went on to explain, "He was supposed to be here, but we were told in no uncertain terms by our network's lawyers, who called us directly, that we could not have him on the broadcast."

As the studio audience booed, the comedian added, "Then, I was told, in some uncertain terms, that not only could I not have him on, I could not mention me not having him on. And because my network clearly does not want us to talk about this… Let's talk about this."

Colbert, who will broadcast the final episode of The Late Show in May, revealed the scrapped interview was the result of new guidance from FCC Chair Carr, who suggested that late-night shows follow the "equal time" rule. This rule requires broadcasters to provide equal time to each political candidate running for office.

There has long been an exception for news and talk-show interviews with politicians. However, as Colbert pointed out, Carr's latest guidelines said he was thinking about dropping the exception for late-night talk shows because "some of them are motivated by partisan purposes."

"Well, FCC you," Colbert retorted. "I think you are motivated by partisan purposes yourself. Sir, you smelt it because you dealt it. Let's call this what it is: 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."

The host said the two people most affected by this new rule are himself and his friend and fellow late-night host, Jimmy Kimmel. Kimmel drew the ire of Carr last year after comments he made on-air about the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. ABC temporarily suspended Kimmel following backlash from right-wing critics.

Colbert played a clip of Carr defending his new guidelines, in which the FCC Chair said, "If Kimmel or Colbert want to continue to do their programming, and they don't want to have to comply with this requirement, then they can go to a cable channel or a podcast or a streaming service, and that's fine."

"I decided to take Brendan Carr's advice," Colbert said, telling his audience that he would still interview Talarico and post the entirety of it on the Late Show YouTube channel. "The network says I can't give you a URL or a QR code, but I promise you, if you go to our YouTube page, you find it."

CBS previously announced that The Late Show would end in May 2026, following the close of the 2025–26 broadcast season. The network cited financial reasons for the cancellation, claiming the show loses $40 million annually. Some critics argued the axing was politically motivated, with parent company Paramount hoping to appease President Trump amid its merger with Skydance, which required government approval.

You can watch Colbert's monologue and the full interview with Talarico in the videos above.

The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, Weeknights, 11:35/10:35c, CBS

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Stephen Colbert Slams CBS On-Air for Banning Interview With Democrat Candidate

Stephen Colbert Slams CBS OnAir for Banning Interview With Democrat Candidate Martin HolmesFebruary 17, 2026 at 8:01 P...
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"Finding Mr. Christmas "Star Robbie Simpson Gets Engaged During Surprise Sydney Proposal to Fiancé Kyle Pollak (Exclusive) Stacy LambeFebruary 17, 2026 at 10:24 PM 0 From left: Robbie Simpson and Kyle Pollak after getting engaged in Sydney Kurt Sneddon, @bykurtsneddon Finding Mr. Christmas star Robbie Simpson is now engaged to fiancé Kyle Pollak The surprise proposal took place during a trip to Sydney The couple celebrated their engagement with a seaplane ride over the Australian coastline Finding Mr. Christmas star Robbie Simpson is engaged.

- - "Finding Mr. Christmas "Star Robbie Simpson Gets Engaged During Surprise Sydney Proposal to Fiancé Kyle Pollak (Exclusive)

Stacy LambeFebruary 17, 2026 at 10:24 PM

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From left: Robbie Simpson and Kyle Pollak after getting engaged in Sydney

Kurt Sneddon, @bykurtsneddon

Finding Mr. Christmas star Robbie Simpson is now engaged to fiancé Kyle Pollak

The surprise proposal took place during a trip to Sydney

The couple celebrated their engagement with a seaplane ride over the Australian coastline

Finding Mr. Christmas star Robbie Simpson is engaged.

Simpson, 36, got down on one knee during a surprise proposal to his fiancé, Kyle Pollak, while the two were visiting Sydney. The actor was spending time in Australia where he served as part of the creative and producing team for the international play Afterglow. which expanded with productions in the city as well as Melbourne.

Pollak, 30, believed they were at the Sydney Harbor simply to take photos before setting off on a seaplane ride over the Australian coastline, but he was surprised to learn that Simpson brought them there to pop the question.

From left: Robbie Simpson proposing to Kyle Pollak in Sydney

Kurt Sneddon, @bykurtsneddon

After he said yes, the two hopped aboard the aircraft for a scenic aerial tour before arriving at Cottage Point Inn, a modern, fine dining waterside restaurant in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. They celebrated their engagement with a five-course meal.

Upon returning to the New South Wales capital, Simpson and Pollak climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge at sunset.

Simpson knew he wanted to marry Pollak soon after the two met while waiting in line for the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS fundraiser Broadway Bares in New York City in the summer of 2023. But Simpson tells PEOPLE he struggled to find the right time and place to propose. However, "the moment I arrived in Australia, I knew this was the place," the General Hospital actor says. "It's magical, beautiful and exotic in all the right ways."

From left: Robbie Simpson proposing to Kyle Pollak in Sydney

Kurt Sneddon, @bykurtsneddon

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Once he bought their rings — both are Forever Band from Tiffany & Co. — and learned about the seaplane, the whole plan locked into place. "I knew Kyle would love it. We love a great dinner, but we're also adventure people, so I knew the proposal had to involve some kind of experience," Simpson says.

According to Pollak, "My life and relationship with Robbie is far from ordinary — hence spending a week with him on an Australian 'work trip.' We go on the most wonderful adventures together, and it was fitting that we commit to a life together before taking off in a seaplane for lunch at a secluded waterfront restaurant" before "climbing a bridge to watch the sunset."

"Literally, what is my life?" he jokes. "I wish I could relive that day a thousand times over. He nailed it."

From left: Kyle Pollak and Robbie Simpson celebrating their engagement by the Sydney Opera House

Kurt Sneddon, @bykurtsneddon

Feeling that there was always something special about Simpson and their relationship as a whole ("It was meeting him that made me realize what a significant other and love was supposed to feel like," he says), Pollak adds that "saying yes to marrying him was the easiest decision I have ever made. I asked Robbie to be my boyfriend, so it was his turn to pop this next question."

As Simpson mentioned, marrying Pollak was always the plan. It was just figuring out when it made the most sense to pop the question — and he "even considered doing it as part of the rollout for my Hallmark show," he tells PEOPLE, referring to the reality competition hosted by network fave Jonathan Bennett.

Simpson, who was the only out LGBTQ contestant on the show, appeared on season 2, which first premiered on Oct. 27, 2025, before he was eliminated during week five. His departure led to a tearful moment with Bennett, 44, who wrote on Instagram shortly after, "We had to say goodbye to someone whose talent, heart, and authenticity lit up every moment of this journey. From the second you walked into the Finding Mr. Christmas house, you brought humor, warmth, and a spark that made everyone around you better — including me."

From left: Kyle Pollak and Robbie Simpson celebrating their engagement at the Sydney Harbour

Kurt Sneddon, @bykurtsneddon

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While Simpson didn't take the title, the show earned a nomination for Outstanding Reality Competition Program at the 36th GLAAD Media Awards. And the performer won in real life, finding the love of his life.

"I knew pretty quickly that I wanted to spend my life with Kyle," Simpson says. "I'd been in a few long-term relationships before, but this felt different right away. The most important thing in a relationship is growing together, and I loved how curious he is about the world. He makes me better, pushes me to work harder, and most importantly, he makes me laugh more than anyone I know."

Reflecting on their relationship, Pollak says, "We moved mountains to make this work so I'd say we knew pretty quickly. Maybe a few weeks after meeting each other? I tell so many people those cliche phrases, 'it happens when you least expect it' or 'love at first sight,' but I really do believe them. It was both with Robbie. Sometimes you convince yourself you've found your person, but it takes that gut feeling and having all the pieces fall into place for you two to be together that proves what you have is different from what you've had."

While no formal wedding plans have been announced, the two now live together on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

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Source: Entertainment

Published: February 17, 2026 at 07:09PM on Source: RED MAG

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“Finding Mr. Christmas ”Star Robbie Simpson Gets Engaged During Surprise Sydney Proposal to Fiancé Kyle Pollak (Exclusive)

"Finding Mr. Christmas "Star Robbie Simpson Gets Engaged During Surprise Sydney Proposal to Fiancé Kyle Po...
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