“The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” Triumphs at the Emmys: A Historic Win After Nine Nominations
In a remarkable turn of events, “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” has finally clinched the Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Series, marking a significant milestone in its storied history. The award was presented during the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards held on September 14, 2025, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. This victory comes after nine nominations over the years, a journey that has seen the show evolve into a staple of late-night television.
A Long-Awaited Recognition
For nearly a decade, “The Late Show” has been a contender in the Outstanding Talk Series category, consistently facing off against formidable competitors like “The Daily Show” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” Until this year, however, it had not secured a win. The show’s triumph is particularly poignant given the backdrop of CBS’s controversial decision to cancel it earlier this year, citing financial constraints and a “challenging backdrop” for late-night programming.
The cancellation announcement came as a shock to fans and industry insiders alike, especially considering the show’s critical acclaim and loyal viewership. The decision was perceived by many as a strategic move by CBS, influenced by ongoing negotiations for a merger with Skydance, which required approval from the FCC. This merger, under the Trump administration, raised eyebrows, particularly as Colbert has been a vocal critic of the former president.
Support from Rivals
In an unexpected show of solidarity, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” publicly campaigned for Colbert following the cancellation announcement. Kimmel’s support underscores the camaraderie that often exists among late-night hosts, despite their competitive nature. This year, “The Late Show” was nominated for only two Emmys, both of which it won, including Outstanding Directing for a Variety Series, awarded to Jim Hoskinson at the Creative Arts ceremony.
Colbert’s Emotional Acceptance Speech
Upon receiving the award, Colbert took to the stage with palpable excitement, greeted by chants of his name from the audience. In his acceptance speech, he expressed gratitude to CBS for allowing him to be part of the late-night tradition, emphasizing the importance of this legacy. Colbert reflected on the show’s journey, recalling a conversation with filmmaker Spike Jonze early in his tenure. Jonze had asked what kind of late-night show Colbert envisioned, to which he replied he wanted to create a show about love. However, he later realized that the show had evolved into a narrative about loss.
Colbert poignantly connected these themes, stating, “Sometimes you only truly know how much you love something when you get a sense that you might be losing it.” His heartfelt remarks resonated with the audience, culminating in a powerful message about resilience and hope for the future of America.
A Historic Achievement
This year’s Emmy win is particularly significant as it marks the first time “The Late Show” has won an Emmy under Colbert’s leadership. Prior to this, the show had amassed 31 nominations without a single win, making it the second-most nominated program in Emmy history without a victory, trailing only “Better Call Saul.” The win not only validates Colbert’s efforts but also highlights the show’s impact on the late-night landscape.
Despite the cancellation, “The Late Show” will continue to compete at the Emmys for its final season, which began earlier this month. The two wins at the 2025 Emmy Awards were for the 2024-2025 season, and the show will be eligible for the 2026 Emmy Awards, allowing it to make one last mark in the industry.
The Competition Landscape
“The Late Show” faced stiff competition from other late-night giants, particularly “The Daily Show,” which has been a perennial favorite at the Emmys. Over the years, “The Daily Show” has garnered numerous accolades, including wins in categories such as Outstanding Short Form Comedy, Drama, or Variety Series. The rivalry between these shows has been a defining feature of late-night television, with each host bringing their unique style and perspective to the format.
Conclusion
The victory of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” at the 2025 Emmy Awards is a testament to the show’s resilience and the enduring appeal of late-night television. As Colbert prepares to close this chapter of his career, his win serves as a reminder of the power of humor and storytelling in navigating the complexities of contemporary life. With its legacy firmly established, “The Late Show” will undoubtedly be remembered as a significant player in the evolution of late-night entertainment.
