Stephen Colbert has ended his late-night TV era with a major win at the Emmy Awards. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert won the Outstanding Variety Series Emmy Award at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards, capping a year that saw the show nominated alongside The Daily Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, and Saturday Night Live.
CBS canceled the show in July 2025, even though fans ranked it higher than other late-night shows. The show aired its final episode on May 21, 2026. Months later, the award confirmed the exit felt right.
Colbert Takes the Stage
After his show won the top prize, Colbert stepped onto the stage alongside many of the people who worked on the series. He thanked the crowd for their support before turning to his personal life.
“I want to thank so many people in this room,” Colbert said. “Over the last 21 years, I’ve interviewed at least a thousand of you. Thank you for coming on to talk to this idiot. The segment went great, and I’m sorry I forgot to play your clip. But of course, there can only be one favorite guest, and that is my wife, Evie McGee. Thank you, darling.”
A Message to Viewers
Colbert then addressed the people who watched the show. His tone stayed warm and grateful throughout.
“I want to say to the audience thank you so much for watching. We hope you enjoyed the show. We had a great time doing it for you. That’s it. Thank you. We’ll catch you all on the flip.”
Writers Get the Praise
Colbert spent part of his speech praising the show’s writers. He argued that late-night jobs serve as a training ground for young talent.
“The thing about these late shows is that, besides bringing a really good, steady job, is that they require so many people that they’re a fantastic incubator for young people to come in to learn to work professionally on a deadline in cooperation in collaboration, and that is the future of our business that we have to look after,” he said. “I want you to know I got some great news: They are all tech avail. Hire them; they will make your show better, and they will make your day easier.”
The Numbers Behind the Win
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert won several Emmy Awards in 2026. It was nominated for nine categories and won six of them. One of those wins was the Outstanding Writing For A Variety Series Emmy Award, which Colbert had praised directly in his speech.
| Category | Result |
|---|---|
| Outstanding Variety Series | Won |
| Outstanding Writing For A Variety Series | Won |
| Total nominations | 9 |
| Total wins | 6 |
A Long Run, Finally at Its Peak
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert ran for 11 seasons from September 8, 2015, until May 21, 2026. The show won and was nominated for a slew of awards during its tenure.
Even though it earned several Emmy Awards in previous years, 2026 was the first year it won for Outstanding Variety Series. With the show now over, it feels fitting that the series can now go out on top of the late-night world.
What Happens Next
CBS canceled the show in July 2025, and the final episode aired months later. The Emmy win provides a fitting end to a run that lasted over a decade.
The Host’s Final Words
Colbert closed his speech on a note of gratitude and optimism. He thanked his audience, his wife, and his writers before stepping away from the stage.
His remarks were a reminder of the show’s final moments. The win at the Emmys gives the show one last statement before it truly moves on.
The Legacy of the Win
The 2026 Outstanding Variety Series win stands as the capstone of a career spent in late night. Colbert’s speech, full of thanks and warmth, made the moment feel earned.
The show ran for 11 seasons, and it ended its run with a trophy in hand. That is a fitting end for a show that never stopped entertaining.
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