The final season of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” received nine Emmy nominations, marking the show’s highest total since Colbert began hosting. The nominations include Outstanding Variety Series, Outstanding Writing, and Outstanding Directing, among others. Previously, the show had set a record with five nominations in 2024 and matched that number in both 2021 and 2022. Throughout Colbert’s 11-year tenure, the program earned over 40 nominations but only secured two wins, both achieved in 2025, shortly after CBS announced the show’s cancellation for financial reasons. Critics, including Colbert, have suggested the cancellation was influenced by a desire to placate then-President Donald Trump during a corporate merger. The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards will take place on September 14.
Why It Matters
“The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” has been a significant player in late-night television, influencing public discourse through its satirical approach. The cancellation of the show, which reportedly lost the network $40 million annually, coincided with a contentious political climate and corporate decision-making that may have prioritized appeasing political figures. Colbert’s tenure has highlighted the intersection of entertainment and politics, especially during a time of heightened polarization in the media landscape. The upcoming Emmy nominations reflect both the show’s impact and the broader challenges faced by late-night programming amid changing viewer habits and industry dynamics.
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