Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Wins Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series at Emmys 2025
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Daniel-O-Brien-2025-Emmys-091425-41d05b294c1c4f998c5dda409281ea89.jpg)
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver clinched a victory at the prestigious Emmy Awards 2025 by winning the accolade for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series. The recognition was awarded to the show during the ceremony held on Sunday, September 14. Daniel O’Brien, the senior writer of the show, graciously accepted the award, acknowledging, “We share this category with all writers of late-night political comedy while that is still a type of show that’s allowed to exist.” Notably, The Daily Show and Saturday Night Live were also strong contenders for the award, adding to the fierce competition in the category.
The win by Last Week Tonight With John Oliver comes in the wake of late-night hosts rallying around Stephen Colbert following his announcement in July that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert would conclude after its 10th season. Colbert made the revelation during a taping of his show on July 17, expressing, “Next year will be our last season. The network will be ending the Late Show in May.” The decision was clarified by CBS in a statement to PEOPLE as a financial move spurred by challenges in the late-night landscape rather than performance-related issues.
The cancellation of The Late Show occurred after Colbert openly criticized Paramount, the parent company of CBS, concerning a $16 million settlement with President Donald Trump. The settlement transpired during Paramount’s merger negotiations with entertainment company Skydance, which required approvals from Trump’s administration. The merger was ultimately finalized on August 7. Hosts like Jon Stewart and John Oliver, as well as Saturday Night Live creator Lorne Michaels, voiced their support for Colbert amidst the upheaval in the late-night television circuit.
The aftermath of Colbert’s exit announcement saw an outpouring of responses from late-night personalities, with Oliver even making an unannounced cameo alongside Stewart, Jimmy Fallon, and Seth Meyers on The Late Show. The solidarity displayed by these hosts was met with enthusiasm by the audience, underscoring the camaraderie within the late-night community. The support extended to Colbert also saw a public backlash against Trump’s criticisms of prominent late-night hosts, including Jimmy Kimmel and Fallon, which sparked debates over the influence of political figures in television programming decisions.
Subsequently, Kimmel returned to his late-night show with a fiery monologue addressing Trump’s comments and defending the role of satire in comedy. The escalating tension between late-night hosts and political figures underscored the significance of freedom of speech and the power dynamics at play in the entertainment industry. Despite the challenges and controversies, the Emmy Awards 2025 served as a platform to celebrate outstanding talent in the television landscape, with Last Week Tonight with John Oliver emerging as a deserving winner in the category of Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series.
As the entertainment industry grapples with evolving dynamics and shifting narratives, the recognition of excellence at the Emmy Awards reaffirms the enduring impact of quality content and creativity in captivating audiences. The triumph of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver reflects the dedication and ingenuity of the show’s writers and creators, setting a high standard for the industry. Amidst the competitive landscape of late-night television, the resilience and camaraderie exhibited by hosts and writers underscore the enduring spirit of creativity and innovation in shaping the future of entertainment.