The claim circulating online states that Netflix has secured a roughly $13.5 million, seven-episode deal with Colbert, 61. Multiple outlets that examined the reporting identified the claim as unverified and labeled the story a hoax; Colbert had previously made a joking on-air reference to streaming platforms but had not announced any deal with Netflix.

The speculation comes amid Politico and Bloomberg reports that Netflix co-founder and Chairman, Reed Hastings, donated $2 million to California Governor Gavin Newsom‘s redistricting efforts.

Newsweek reached out to Colbert’s representative and Netflix for comment on Monday via email outside regular working hours.

Why It Matters

Rumors about major talent deals with streaming platforms can drive public reactions including consumer boycotts and political commentary. In this instance, coverage that tied the alleged Colbert-Netflix deal to recent donations by Hastings helped amplify calls to cancel Netflix subscriptions on politically aligned accounts. Independent verification matters because unconfirmed claims can have commercial and reputational consequences for artists and companies.

What To Know

On Sunday, X user @tommyboy0690—whose bio states he’s a “lifelong Democrat” wanting “to spread the truth”—wrote: “Television legend Stephen Colbert has just signed a $13.5 million deal with Netflix for a 7-episode series.”

At the time of publication, the post racked up more than 1.1 million views, 39,000 likes and 1,700 comments.

However, a context note underneath the announcement read: “There is no confirmation that Stephen Colbert has signed a deal with Netflix.” It cited entertainment news outlet Netflix Junkie, which reported: “There has been no confirmation of such a project, nor any indication of Colbert’s next move.”

Last month, Colbert joked about his impending unemployment following The Late Show with Stephen Colbert‘s cancellation.

“Netflix, call me,” he said ahead of the show’s summer hiatus, per Variety. “I’m available in June.”