Stephen Colbert recently shared his excitement about reuniting with his former colleagues from The Late Show ahead of the 78th Emmy Awards, which took place on 14 September. Speaking to PEOPLE on the red carpet, Colbert reflected on the joy of coming together with approximately 40 members of his staff whom he hadn’t seen for four months. This gathering marked a significant occasion, as it brought together individuals he had worked with daily over the past two decades.
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The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, which concluded its run on 21 May 2026, has been a staple of late-night television since Colbert began hosting in 2015. The show earned widespread acclaim and numerous accolades during its tenure, including a nomination for the Outstanding Variety Series at the Emmys, a category it competes in alongside shows like Jimmy Kimmel Live! and Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. Just days prior to the awards ceremony, the series celebrated a remarkable achievement, having won six awards at the Creative Arts Emmys.
Colbert, who sported a new grey goatee, had just flown in from New Zealand where he is involved in writing for a new Lord of the Rings film. His journey from New Zealand, which he described as a bit confusing due to the time difference, added a sense of adventure to his attendance at the Emmys. “I woke up yesterday in New Zealand — which, yesterday in New Zealand is tomorrow for us. I left yesterday-tomorrow, so I don’t know how many days today has been,” the 62-year-old joked. However, his purpose for attending was clear: to celebrate the achievements of his staff and their well-deserved recognition.
Colbert expressed pride in his team, which includes writers, a digital crew, and technical staff, who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes. “It’s been great,” he remarked about the reunion, highlighting the emotional significance of reconnecting with colleagues who have been integral to his career. “Last night when I got in, we had a party with about 40 people that I have not seen in four months,” he said, encapsulating the bond built over years of collaboration.
Over his distinguished career, Colbert has acquired a total of 12 Emmy Awards, with 51 nominations overall, showcasing his longstanding influence in the realm of late-night television. He acknowledged the extensive network of guests he has interviewed throughout the years, extending gratitude to them for their support and contributions to the show.
The cancellation of The Late Show was announced by CBS in July 2025, a decision that ended Colbert’s lengthy and impactful run on the programme. His emotional farewell involved performing a rendition of The Beatles’ “Hello, Goodbye” alongside notable musicians Paul McCartney, Elvis Costello, and Jon Batiste. Reflecting on the end of an era, Colbert shared, “We tried to run pretty hard through the tape at the end of the show,” and emphasised the transition from the daily pressures of hosting.
While he admitted to experiencing some post-show twitchiness, Colbert quickly shifted focus to other significant life events, including his brother’s wedding, which he described as a joyful and grounding experience. “I went to go do something truly important, see my brother get married, so that was lovely,” he shared, indicating a new phase of life following the conclusion of The Late Show.
As the evening unfolded, Mariska Hargitay hosted the 78th Emmy Awards, which were broadcast live from 8 to 11 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock. The significance of the event not only acknowledged the artistry and creativity of television production but also served as a poignant reunion for many within the industry, showcasing the importance of connection and community among those who work behind the scenes.
Colbert’s presence at the Emmys reflects not just his status as a television icon but also his commitment to celebrating the hard work and dedication of his team, marking a heartfelt farewell to a beloved series.