Stephen Colbert has added another accolade to his impressive collection, having accepted the award for Outstanding Variety Series for “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” at the 78th Emmy Awards, which took place on 14 September 2026. Colbert, who enjoyed an illustrious eleven-year tenure as the host of the show, expressed his profound gratitude alongside his staff during the ceremony, which unfolded just three months after the show wrapped up its final episode on 21 May.
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Opening his acceptance speech, Colbert thanked the dedicated team behind the series, highlighting the contributions of over 200 individuals who collectively worked towards the show’s success. “Thank you so much on behalf of the over 200 people who threw themselves at this show for 11 years to try to do the best show they possibly could for you,” he acknowledged. Colbert also underscored the merits of late-night television as a nurturing ground for emerging talent, calling attention to the collaborative environment that fosters growth in the industry.
A more personal note came when Colbert addressed his audience at the Emmy Awards, jokingly expressing his appreciation for the many guests he has interviewed throughout the years. “Thank you for coming on to talk to this idiot,” he quipped, adding a sincere apology for forgetting to play a particular guest’s clip. He reserved a heartfelt mention for his wife, Evelyn McGee-Colbert, declaring her as his favourite guest and appreciating her support during the tumultuous period of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Colbert concluded his acceptance with warmth and sincerity, thanking his viewers and fanbase. “We hope you enjoyed the show. We had a great time doing it for you,” he said, leaving attendees with a poignant farewell: “That’s it, thank you. We’ll catch you all on the flip.”
In the competitive Outstanding Variety Series category, Colbert’s show faced off against other major contenders, including “The Daily Show,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver,” and “Saturday Night Live.” Each of these shows has a long-standing legacy in late-night television, with “The Daily Show” in particular boasting a remarkable history of Emmy recognition, highlighting the spin-off’s numerous accolades since its inception.
“The Daily Show” has been a staple in political satire since its early days under Jon Stewart, amassing a total of 23 Emmys from 60 nominations between 2001 and 2015. Its current form, hosted by veteran Jon Stewart alongside various rotating anchors, adds to its rich legacy, further cementing its place in the pantheon of late-night shows.
Meanwhile, “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver” has also made its mark since its debut in April 2014, attracting considerable acclaim with 76 Emmy nominations and 32 wins. Oliver, who previously appeared on “The Daily Show,” recently confirmed his commitment to the series until the end of 2027, reflecting on the sufficiency that such accolades provide for continued innovation and operation.
“Saturday Night Live” continues to be a perennial giant in the late-night landscape, having received a staggering 349 nominations since its inception in 1977. The show has become known for its ability to adapt over the decades, with its creator emphasising the importance of incorporating fresh talent to maintain vibrancy and relevance.
“Jimmy Kimmel Live!” has also been a strong contender in the late-night arena, with 48 nominations since 2007 and a total of three Emmy wins. Kimmel’s recent year has been notably eventful, marked by a six-day suspension that followed controversial remarks he made, reflecting the often unpredictable nature of late-night television.
Despite the cancellation of “The Late Show” by CBS in July 2025 — a decision purportedly motivated by financial reasons rather than content-related matters — Colbert has remained in the public’s eye, advocating for his peers. He actively encouraged audiences to support Jimmy Kimmel for the Outstanding Variety Series award, showcasing a camaraderie among hosts within the industry.
Colbert’s recognition at this year’s Emmy Awards serves as a fitting capstone to a tremendous chapter of late-night television. As he stepped back from his role, his contributions have assuredly left an indelible mark on his audience and the television landscape. The spirit of collaboration and the nurturing of talent that Colbert highlighted will likely continue to influence the genre for years to come.