Overview
- The Late Show with Stephen Colbert won the Emmy for Outstanding Variety Series at the 78th Primetime Emmys on Sept. 14 as the sole winner in the reunited category.
- The Television Academy merged the former Talk and Scripted Variety categories into an area award that asks voters a Yes/No question and awards any nominee that reaches a 90% “Yes” threshold, with the highest‑rated nominee winning if none meet 90%.
- Colbert used his acceptance speech to call attention to his now‑unemployed staff, urging producers to hire the show’s writers, technicians and production crew and describing late‑night programs as key training grounds for young industry talent.
- CBS canceled The Late Show earlier this year, saying the decision was a financial one, but reporting and observers have connected the shutdown to corporate dealings at Paramount and pressure from President Trump, fueling ongoing controversy.
- The Late Show built momentum with multiple Creative Arts Emmy wins for writing, directing and technical categories earlier in the month, a streak that amplified both its awards recognition and the public appeal Colbert made for new jobs for his team.