Stephen Colbert wins at 2026 Emmys for 'Late Show,' shows off beard
USA Today • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Stephen Colbert won the Emmy for Outstanding Variety Series on Sept. 14 for his now-canceled "Late Show," using his acceptance speech to advocate for his writing staff and encourage hiring them.
- Colbert thanked his wife, Evelyn McGee Colbert, as his favorite audience and expressed gratitude to viewers during his emotional farewell speech.
- "The Late Show" ended its 11-season run in May 2025, with CBS canceling the show amid financial concerns and political controversy involving parent company Paramount's settlement with Donald Trump.
- Trump publicly celebrated Colbert's cancellation and criticized both Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel, while Colbert refrained from addressing Trump during his Emmy speech.
- Colbert's win marked his second consecutive Emmy for the show, which entered the ceremony with momentum after multiple Creative Arts Emmy wins; meanwhile, reports about Jimmy Kimmel's show's future remain speculative amid ongoing renewal talks.
