Quick Read
- Stephen Colbert’s ‘The Late Show’ won its first Emmy for Outstanding Talk Series.
- CBS announced the show’s cancellation earlier this year, citing financial reasons.
In a bittersweet moment at the 2025 Emmy Awards, Stephen Colbert and his team celebrated a long-awaited victory for “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” The popular late-night talk show won its first Emmy for Outstanding Talk Series, a milestone achievement for a program that had dominated late-night television ratings for nearly a decade but never claimed the top prize—until now. The triumph, however, comes under a shadow: CBS announced earlier this year that the show will end its run in May 2026, a decision that stunned fans and sparked widespread speculation.
Colbert’s Emotional Speech: A Tribute to Love and Loss
Accepting the award to a standing ovation at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater, Colbert delivered a heartfelt speech that resonated deeply with both the audience in attendance and viewers at home. Reflecting on the journey of his show, Colbert said he initially envisioned “The Late Show” as a comedy series centered on love. “I told my producer Spike Jonze 10 years ago, ‘I don’t know how you could do it, but I’d kind of like to do a late-night comedy show about love,’” he shared. But over time, Colbert realized the show had evolved into something else entirely. “At a certain point, and you can guess what that point was, I realized that in some ways, we were doing a late-night comedy show about loss,” he continued. “And that’s related to love, because sometimes you only truly know how much you love something when you get a sense that you might be losing it.”
In a poignant moment, Colbert concluded his remarks by expressing his deep affection for his country. “Ten years later, in September of 2025, my friends, I have never loved my country more desperately,” he said. Quoting the late music icon Prince, he added, “Stay strong, be brave, and if the elevator tries to bring you down, go crazy and punch a higher floor.”
The Decision to Cancel: Financial or Political?
The Emmy win comes just months after CBS announced the cancellation of “The Late Show,” citing financial reasons. According to CBS executives, the decision had “nothing to do with the show’s performance, content, or other matters happening at Paramount,” the network’s parent company. Yet, the timing of the announcement raised eyebrows. Paramount is currently navigating a high-profile merger with Skydance Media, a deal that requires federal approval. Complicating matters further, CBS recently settled a $16 million lawsuit brought by President $1 Trump over an edited segment on “60 Minutes.”
Colbert, a longtime critic of Trump, did not hold back in addressing the cancellation on his show earlier this year. In his signature satirical style, he joked, “As someone who has always been a proud employee of this network, I am offended. And I don’t know if anything will ever repair my trust in this company. But just taking a stab at it, I’d say $16 million would help.” The remark underscored the tension between Colbert’s outspoken political commentary and the corporate realities of network television.
A Legacy Cemented Amid Controversy
For nearly a decade, “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” redefined late-night television. After taking over from David Letterman in 2015, Colbert brought a sharp, politically charged humor to the program, quickly becoming a favorite among viewers seeking incisive commentary on current events. The show consistently topped late-night ratings for nine consecutive seasons, a testament to its cultural impact and Colbert’s unique voice.
Despite its popularity, the show had struggled to secure Emmy recognition. Over the years, it received more than 30 nominations but failed to win in major categories until this year. The breakthrough came just a week earlier when the show won its first Creative Arts Emmy for directing in a variety series. Sunday’s win for Outstanding Talk Series was the crowning achievement, a recognition long overdue for a program that has shaped the landscape of late-night television.
Colbert’s Emmy win also highlighted the contributions of the 200 professionals who work behind the scenes to bring “The Late Show” to life. In his acceptance speech, he praised their dedication and creativity, emphasizing that the award was a collective triumph. “This is for all of you who make this show what it is,” he said, his voice filled with gratitude.
What’s Next for Colbert and Late-Night TV?
As the curtain prepares to fall on “The Late Show,” questions abound about the future of late-night television. Colbert’s departure marks the end of an era, and it remains unclear who, if anyone, can fill the void he will leave behind. CBS has yet to announce a replacement or whether it will continue to produce a late-night talk show in the same time slot.
For Colbert, the possibilities are endless. Known for his versatility and intellect, he could pivot to a new creative project, return to his roots in political satire, or explore entirely new avenues in media and entertainment. Whatever path he chooses, his impact on television and comedy is indelible.
Stephen Colbert’s Emmy win is both a celebration and a farewell, a moment that encapsulates the joy and sorrow of a beloved institution’s final chapter. As “The Late Show” prepares to sign off, its legacy as a cultural touchstone and a beacon of wit and courage remains secure.