'Colbert Report' off air; Comedy Central mum

[February 17, 2012]  NEW YORK (AP) -- Comedy Central's "Colbert Report" is off the air and it's a mystery why.

An expected new episode of the show was replaced by a repeat on Wednesday. Comedy Central said Thursday's live show will be off, too.

The network said it was airing the repeats "due to unforeseen circumstances," but offered no other explanation. A person close to the show, who wasn't authorized to speak publicly on the matter, told The Associated Press that new episodes are expected to return soon.

A publicist for Colbert declined to comment.

Colbert's popular "fake commentary" program airs Monday through Thursday at 11:30 p.m. ET, following "The Daily Show" with Jon Stewart.

[Associated Press; By JAKE COYLE]

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